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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  this is one fun sporty seden - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By pchmz6 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  if you are looking for outstanding value in the mid size sporty seden this is it under 25k, s model v6 5 speed stick is the only way to go, comfort for 4 people and great looking car take it from me i had a 98 honda accord now that car was boring.This 6 i never get tried driving the car or looking at from all sides buy the 6 japan version of bmw!

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  Best car I have owned! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By dalalli - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I read an article about the 6 in Popular Mechanics about 2 years ago. I loved the look that Mazda was going for and if it met with expectations, it was going to be a sweet car. I had looked at Altimas, Accords, Jetta/Passat, and the overweight Camry. I was ready to go with the Altima until I drove the 6. Love at first sight and drive! I ordered one with everything I wanted and picked it up as one of the first four to roll off the line for the 04 year. Ive had it 2 months and love it. Still paid a ton less than any of the other cars I mentioned with the same package. Way to go MAZDA!

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  The Ideal car... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dustin - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is put together nicely. I cant imagine a four dour handling any better. It has okay power from a stop, but impressive power while on the move. In comparison to everything else like honda, toyata, nissan, and so forth, the 6 is a much better bargain. To get the V6 in the other competing models is much more expensive, and in the end all you would be paying for is a LITTLE more pick up from a stand still. Is that really worth a couple thousand? Not when you consder how well the 6 handles.

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  It Just Feels Right - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Richard lawrence - November 3 - 7:56 am

  Before Mazda went zoom-zoom, their slogan was "it just feels right." And that is exactly the way I feel about the Mazda5. Ordinarily you like a car that is well defined and has a specific purpose like the two seat sports car or the traditional minivan. However, the Mazda5 is one of those cars that is difficult to categorize. Is it a minivan or is it a wagon? Sure, it has sliding doors and three rows of seats like a minivan, but it is also compact and sporty like many of todays wagons. It even comes with a manual transmission. Imagine, the versatility of a minivan in a very unminivan like appearance. Thats what makes the Mazda5 feel so right.

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  Fisrt car i buy, and im very happy with it!!! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By alepodj - November 3 - 7:13 am

  Coming from an airplane size and noise gift car(1999 Chevrolet Malibu) this is an amazing car,,, i have no comparison with other same type vehicles, but i have no reason to think about changing so far,,, Drawbacks: back seats space, and driver seat when used as a recliner kills your back Cool Stuff: all the features, bluetooth, cruise, sunroof, etc(bluetooth lady is awesome and very funny, somewhat anoying too hehehe) the looks i love it, i putted a 18" rims is beautiful what can i say,,,is worth it,,, sure it is

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  Durability - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By kjmilow - November 2 - 10:20 am

  Durability & Fun to drive. I have driven Mazda for over 20 years, GLCs, ( go like crazy ), 626s and now a Mazda 6 my last new car. They have all gone over 200,000 with minimum care & maintenance. Im taking better care of this one since it is supposed to last until I die and I am only 62. A healthy 62 I might add.

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  So far so good. - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By cbuff - November 2 - 10:00 am

  First time Millenia owner. Purchased for my wife over an Accord and she loves it. We get many looks when driving and many great comments on the car. Great rebates and cash backs on the deal, couldnt pass up.

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  It really is fun to drive! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By pigdog - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Test drove MPV with 200hp. Decided I could live with this very nice van. They are not kidding, it is the anti- mini van . Mazda has a nice web site that allows a detailed search of dealer inventories - even for those dealers who dont show much detail on their individual web sites. This is a nice versatile van. Firm, sporty ride, quick acceleration. Feels like a good euro sedan compared to the boat like ride of many other vans. Quality after two months is superb. Received many positive comments about midnight metallic blue color. Standard sound system is very good.

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  Best 2001-2002 buy in Sedans - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Mike-from-Morden - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Protege LX 4 speed, automatic (2.0L) one year ago. Since that time, I have not regreted purchasing this car. Its interior and exterior design is considerably better (overall) than the Corolla or Civic (I have friends who own both). It handles well in poor conditions (snow, rain, etc.). Tight suspension, average fuel economy, sporty design, quiet ride, and a great buy. Competitive financing and warrenty. The LX model with the sport package is cheeper than many other cars with similar features.

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  Beyond My Expectations - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Joel L. - November 1 - 1:30 am

  A true sports car with great looks, remarkable agility, extraordinary overall performance, and plain good ol fun is what I was looking for, and the MX5 provides these features in full measure, and at a price that couldnt be beat! I bought the car when I was 60, and feel as if Im 18 every time I pull out of the garage. Ive just looked at the 2006 models. The MX5 tradition lives on in this "upgunned" model. You can bet another new MX5 is out there in the future. Well done, Mazda!