Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

• 

  Get yourself one! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By junior920 - March 24 - 10:36 am

  Just like pretty much everyone else that ended up buying this model, I drove everything in the segment; Accord, Camry, Legacy,etc. By far this car is the most exciting in all the things that I was looking for. The exterior and interior styling is unlike anything at this price, the performance is stunning and the wow factor is undeniable. The car is quick, quiet and a lot of fun to drive. Our friends said "nice Lexus", and it looks and acts like it belongs in that class.

• 

  A Great Station Wagon for Winter Fun - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Skiier4 - March 24 - 8:23 am

  I drive extensively on snow and ice in northern Minnesota so winter performance is important. I switched to Nokian WR All Weather tires which improved summer performance, reduced road noise and made the car a complete joy to drive in the winter. I am running Mobile1 which improved winter starting and fuel economy slightly. Controls are good but are easy to bump with gloved hands. Ventilation is fair. Accelerator pedal space is tight for a boot. Overall the vehicle has been very flexible and reliable with a few warranty items including exhaust heat build up, rear sliding door locks freeze, cold weather squeaking over a bump (TSB 02-007/06) and fuel gauge calibration.

• 

  Excellent Car! Zoom Zoom! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Charlie - March 24 - 12:23 am

  This car drives and looks like a champ. The interior quality is good and body style looks great! It picks up pretty good for a 2.3 4 cylinder. Has better standard features than other competitors. You cant go wrong with the Mazda 6.

• 

  side view mirrors small - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By John - March 21 - 10:00 pm

  Great car for the $$$ coming from infinity g35. Still impresses. Kinda a poor mans infinity

• 

  Fun to drive, but not so reliable - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By wv_mazda - March 21 - 1:41 pm

  We have a 2012 CX 9 and have enjoyed it until it was slightly out of warranty. The car has a strong motor and for a third-row vehicle is pretty fun to drive. It also performs well in the snow. The brake booster failed last week at 42,000 miles, nearly causing a traffic accident for my wife. This is a recurrent problem with the 2010-2011 CX 9. My guess is you will have problems with 2013-14 models as they hit 30-50k mileage, since the brake system is unchanged. It is unfortunate Mazda chooses not to address safety concerns in a family vehicle. I would look at the Hyundai Santa Fe in this class.

• 

  Fun Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeff - March 20 - 6:10 pm

  Great little car. Drives like a sports car despite being FWD. Overall quality is excellent. Not much rear seat leg room and MPG with the 2.3 L engine is so-so, but overall, this car is a very good buy.

• 

  Would Buy Another Tomorrow If I Had To - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By slickride - March 19 - 1:10 pm

  I purchased my Mazda 6 in August of 2004. Has a 5 speed manual with sport package and Bose stereo. I have had zero problems with this car. Regular oil changes, new wipers every year (live in snow belt, CNY) and had to buy snow tires and new performance radials (Im a sales man). I just rolled over 63,500 on the car and have had no major repairs with the exception of the front wheel bearing. Performance is excellent and gas mileage is great. Cant complain with 400 miles on a tank. Why anyone would buy anything else boggles the mind. Great quality and reliability for the money. The car was rear ended by an F150 at a red light, was fixed and no-one got hurt. Thats reliability to me!

• 

  Very Happy with our 6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Shawn C - March 19 - 12:16 pm

  We looked at a lot of family fuel savers. Coming out of a 2004 Trailblazer ext. getting 12 mpg, fuel was the number one issue. Second, needed room for 3 kids plus luggage."Jackpot" All around value, interior space,16.6 trunk. If your looking for a sport sedan the 2009 Mazda6 is hands down the best in its class. Dont know about fuel just yet, but Im sure it will double my old Chevy, or was it a V6 Hummer:) Thanks Mazda

• 

  Nice compact - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By sprig - March 19 - 10:00 am

  A compact thats fun to drive. Very snappy, comfortable seats with plenty of room even for tall people. Nice and roomy back with the rear seats down. If this car stands up as well as Civics, its a great deal

• 

  In the shop alot - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By paula - March 19 - 10:00 am

  From the very first day we purchased the vehicle its been in the shop about 1 1/2 months. It stalls, safety restraint system fails, clutch went out, and ignition switch busted. Plus other little things. The list is too long to write all of it.