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:

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  A very good car - 2000 Mazda 626
  By x - March 13 - 10:06 pm

  We purchased this vehicle new and we have been very happy with it. It has never broken down. We have had very few repair issues, in fact the front brakes are still going strong after 106K miles. This has been a very good car for us. The v6 provides good pick-up and high cruising ability. It has a manual transmission and we have had no transmission or clutch problems.

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  zoom zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By JimBob - March 13 - 3:30 pm

  I bought this loaded with leather, side airbags, manual shift, and sunroof for thousands less than Passat or BMW. Interior quality, especially the leather was better than I expected for the price. FUN to drive. 3 kids fit fine. Fuel economy is surprisingly poor (23) but maybe I am still in lust phase and revving too high. If that is possible. :) I LOVE THIS CAR! A little more low end torque would be perfect but I work around it. My last car was MX6 and it lasted 245k miles, even the clutch lasted till 190k. Im hoping for more of the same! Actually my 11 year old son is hoping to get this in 6 years. Safe, fun to drive, lotsa pep, value pricing. Wagon with stick. Cant beat it.

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  Mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ricky - March 12 - 5:53 am

  I have owned this 2004 Mazda 6 V6 5 speed Automatic Wagon for about nine months. Love this car. The handling is rigid and confident. Cornering is exceptional. Autostick is fun to play with. Interior design is luxurious and comparable with German cars. Exterior design totally turn heads anywhere I go! The only down side is the fuel economy. I am getting 22 mpg average, I was expected a little more on this V6 wagon. So far, I am very happy with the car, no unexpected repairs so far. I just have been changing oil every 4000 miles (manufacture suggest 5000 miles) and also routine tire rotation and alignment.

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  sporty - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By PL - March 12 - 2:00 am

  fun car to drive

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  The more I drive it,the more I love it - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Donz - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I think Mazdas differences in interior and exterior won me over, verses the Ranger. It feels tight,no rattles, has lots of power, and its a ball to drive. And with a 50,000 mile warranty, Mazda belives in it more than Ford does their Ranger.

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  Impressed--Car-Like Feel in a MiniVan - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By dwc - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Searched for well over a month, made final choice of MPV LX (Price, reliability trail, consumer interest/ratings, bang for the buck -- this Mini sells itself!) Would have liked a few of the options on the ES but not the leather ..Having said that, the LX is well equipped with Luxury package and Rear air .. neat feature is rear air controls. Very stable on the highway, handles like a car...tight suspension/steering.

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  PR5 a great buy - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By TeeGee22 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the PR5 and its great to drive. Very tight and holds the road extremely well. The power is fine unless maybe you want to race. The 5 speed shifts smooth and easy. Cant beat the 4 wheel dics either. Paid $15,540.00 out the door. Only extras were mats, cargo net, and perimeter shock sensor alarm. Best buy for the money.... looked all the rest... honda, toyota, kia, etc.....

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  2 Warning Lights in 2 Days - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By SMG - March 11 - 4:46 am

  I chose the CX7 because of its sleek look and unconventional SUV styling. I bought it for under $21K after dealer special incentive. Logged over 1,200 miles in 2 weeks (since 11/11) and 2 lights lighted out like X-mas bulbs. My friendly sales rep helped me fixed the problem and just to be sure, they drove the car for 20 miles. 1st light was common problem due to overly sensitive sensor pin in the gas cap. Here in Oregon, gas attendant might be the perpetrator. 2nd light was due to low pressure tire sensor. After a thorough check, none of my tire was losing air. Aside from these 2 lights, Im happy with the performance (though a bit sluggish at pick up) and look.

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  joe brawley - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By joe brawley - March 11 - 3:33 am

  just bought the car 300 miles ago awesome car good power look to kill very high end a definite good value get the grand tour it comes with more extras than the lexus at a better price

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  Great Fun - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Greg Bottini - March 10 - 12:33 am

  While giving a friend a ride, I decided to turn around. As I hit the brake, we came up to a gravel side road with lots of sand and gravel on the highway. I expected a slide but to my amazment we got a smooth rapid deceleration. This car holds the road like it is magnetized. Ive seldom gotten less than 30 miles to the gallon reguardless of city or highway driving.