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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  How a Family Sedan Should Be - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By rhagel - August 12 - 9:02 am

  Impressive performance, good looks, reliable, great fuel economy not to mention value priced and extremely fun to drive. I almost dont have to say more. This is such a great car. My 4th Mazda and I keep coming back! Ive had the car for just over a month, but my job keeps me on the road with about 3,300 miles on the odometer. My commute requires some light traffic, rolling San Diego hills and speeds of about 75-80 and am consistently seeing 34 mpg having fun passing cars along the way. Its comfortable, has a great interior and the engine and transmission combo is oh so smooth... Hands down, you will not find an overall better value in this segment. Hesitating to buy? Do it!

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  Cd sound problems? - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By canuck - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my Tribute, but after reading the other reviews Im a tad worried about brakes, rotors etc. However, my only problem has been a strange noise in the cd player...Ive had it replaced once but the new one has it as well. Has anyone else experienced problems with the CD player? Or is it just me? Canuck

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  Nice look, fun and inexpensive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Domotic - August 10 - 10:00 am

  Nice looking car that is fun to drive. New generation car, so its up to date in terms of technology and look. It can be compared to much more expensive cars (30000$+ Can) Accurate handling and good performance but fuel consumption is a bit more than expected (8.0l/100km average) hope it will be reliable on the long run. Have a good ride!

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  Sport Tourer - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By john alkire - August 9 - 6:06 pm

  Replaced a Acura. I needed room for golf clubs and a safe fast driver. I bought the 5 speed manual which really makes the car a much better performer than the auto. I have yet to visit the dealer except to get mats for the back. Very quick, not as smooth (engine) as Honda/Toyota/BMW.

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  Fun Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom - August 6 - 4:46 am

  After 3 months of this car, I can honestly say its the most fun car Ive ever driver thats been an every day driver. While not as much fun as a Porsche or a Corvette, this thing is still a lot of fun. This car has performance, better fuel economy, and can handle extremely well. Easily beats my sisters Pontiac G6 in every category except size. The handling is right up there with some of the performance cars Ive driven before. This thing never feels like its going to leave the road. The interior color scheme is awesome, and I think it says a lot about the Mazda 3 exterior design when, after 4 years, it still looks better than the new Corolla and the Honda!

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  Mazda 3 Rocks - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dwheele33 - August 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for about 6 months and absolutely love it. I am coming from an SUV that sucked down gas. I get about 32 MPG. The pickup is pretty good, going up hills it is best to use the shifting feature. I also wish I would have spent the extra cash for the s series instead of the I.

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  So far so good - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Cory - August 1 - 8:00 am

  The 5 is a great alternative to a minivan. Six can fit in comfort but with little storage room in the rear. We usually have the rear seats down which provides plenty of space. The gas mileage is not as good as I had hoped. We average around 21-22. We did have problems with the sliding doors not shutting, the grease in the lock mechanism was replaced and it has worked fine since. The lack of a arm rest for the passenger is a common complaint. It is annoying when you are the passenger. The car could use some more storage cubbies. I would really like something below the gear shift. The rearview mirror often gets in the way (in the middle of the windshield).

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  bobngretchen - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By belike - August 1 - 2:00 am

  great car wife loves it

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  2009 Mazda 6 S Touring V6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By MK51 - July 30 - 12:00 pm

  Replaced a 2005 Taurus, looking for a car with updated design, performance, and technology. Definitely found the great design, performance and nice bells and whistles. Respectable gas mileage, 22 city, 27 highway. Somewhat disappointed in overall comfort and noise issues. High level of road noise from 18" tires, very sensitive steering, stiff ride, and noisy engine and compressor/fans (very annoying). Unfavorable reflection of top of dash in front window. Engine/fan noise addressed once, but not convinced it is entirely corrected. Will pursue with dealership and will get used to the other minor discomforts.

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  Great car! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By g8rforester - July 30 - 10:00 am

  As of today I have 54683 miles in less than two years and not one problem with the vehicle. I do primarily highway driving and I change the oil every 5k. This is the first Mazda I have owned and it will NOT be the last!!