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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  The biggest go-kart in the world - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By DDR2 - October 6 - 3:10 pm

  The title sums it up. Extremely agile car and light on its feet, like a go- cart. Its about as roomy as one too. But those who appreciate this car for what it can do wont be concerned about that. Acceleration isnt very strong either but again, if you want straightline acceleration, go buy a musclecar. This car belongs on roads with tight curves. Its easy to drive and own so far. The only improvements would be bigger trunk and more grunt. Otherwise, this is a fine piece of machinery.

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  My 626 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By deonne - October 6 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda 626 is a popular vehicle. However, do not let this fool you. I have had problems with my Mazda and am currently replacing the transmission at 71,000 miles. Now, after much research, Ive found that the 626 has a common transmission problem. Unfortunately, it is not on the current list of recalls - but you can find it with the Office of Defects from the National Transporation Highway Safety. Please also be aware that Mazda Corporation does not stand up for the consumer, but sell vehicles with known defects. I recommend you think about buying another car, before you buy a Mazda.

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  From a former 2004 Audi A6 owner - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michael - October 5 - 11:10 pm

  Just stepped down from an Audi A6 to a gun metal blue Mazda 3 GT (or did I). Love this car after just a week of ownership. Design, build, performance are all top notch for its class. Test drove this and a Mazda 6 (we already own a CX-7) and found that I liked the 3 better. I couldnt afford the six cylinder Mazda 6 and the 4 cyc appeared way down on power. Best bang for my buck. We now own 2 Mazdas with this being the fourth. No regrets.

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  A Family Car Done Just Right - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Best Ever - October 5 - 6:06 pm

  If you are looking for a family car with a third row look no further. This car/suv is awesome. It has better styling and preformance than more expensive crossovers. If you can afford it go for a model with the blind spot monitoring system. The blind spots arent to bad but I would feel more comfortble with this feature.

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  2004 Mazda 6s - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda 6s - October 5 - 2:33 am

  I would have to say that my automotive preference is "luxurious sporty". I like cars that look good, handle well, and have enough power to do pretty much anything I want. The Mazda 6s is an absolutely fantastic choice if you are looking for the sportier version of an Altima, Accord or US class equivalent. The 6s handles like its on rails, accelerates extremely well, and stops on a dime. The interior is laid out very well. I first thought it was a little "too much" but once I got used to it the interior is laid out perfectly. The best part of this car is the price. For a car that costs $7k less than an Altima you get a lot more car. Oh one more thing, the traction control really works.

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  Im SO pleased! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lauren - October 5 - 1:20 am

  I have been driving a beat up 99 Ford Escort for the past 6 years and couldnt wait to get rid of it. I finally got my first job and within a few months was ready to make my purchase. I originally decided on an mx-5 Miata but once I saw the new 6, changed my mind. I just couldnt justify paying the price for the mx-5 when I could get a fully loaded 6 for less. Went to the dealership this morning and drove away with a gorgeous i touring with convenience package in comet gray. The color is stunning and the car is amazing. I paid 500 below invoice and drove away in a car that some have already mistaken for a Lexus. Couldnt be happier.

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  Dont Bother - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By carsbite - October 4 - 5:17 pm

  Automatic transmission died at 110,000 miles. This is pretty unacceptable for anyone looking for reliable transportation considering cars from most other makers dont have this problem. I baught this car used and did my research. I got it well taken care of and I continued regular maintenence(all fluids regularly changed including trans fluid) Changed timing belt and water pump etc. There were some minor repairs like the alternator and an intake hose too. But then the transmission started slipping and I took it to a mazda specialist. He said this was unfortunatly a common problem for these cars.

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  Fun with 5 speed, but materials/build okay - 2000 Mazda 626
  By boost4 - October 3 - 1:40 pm

  This car is my 2nd 626 and 3rd Mazda. The others were turbo 4 cylinders which are still lasting longer than I imagined. My current 6s V6 is fun to drive and makes great high revving sounds, but is a bit low on torque. What I have found quality-wise leads me to believe it will not hold together like my circa 80s cars did. So far the coolant expansion tank has sprung a leak, so it was replaced. The drivers door power lock motor ate itself making a horribly loud noise while operating. Both are common issues for this model, and it did help that both parts were acquired from the dealer for around $50. I refuse to blame these quirks on US assembly, as my previous ones were both US & Japanese made and both were excellent.

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  Second Childhood!! - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By grannycraft - October 3 - 12:29 pm

  Bought my "97 in 2006. Have had more fun than I thought possible driving this car. Call it my "GrannyMobile." I use non-ethanol gas and get 32-38 mpg. It is my everyday car. Over 200,000 m and still going strong. I will probably keep her until she goes to Mazda heaven. Had professional rollbars installed, gives her more solidity. Uses about 1/2 quart oil monthly, my mechanic cant find out where it is going. Chk. it weekly. Add an airscoop and a windblocker to the windshield, (when the top is down), and it keeps the low floor transm. heat out and my hat on. My granddaughters just love to ride with Granny with the top down. Luv it! Luv it! Luv it!!!! ZOOM>ZOOm>ZOOM

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  Good choice for Small SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Carficionado - October 3 - 5:33 am

  Tribute is a nice ride. Was very reliable but there were some annoying build quality issues, like spaces in between the body panels and my A/C - heating went out at 30K! Absurd. Maybe a fan/blower issue. MPG is not good (14-16) if you drive aggressively but its hard not to because the V6 is great. Economic driving will see 21-22 mpg consistently. 4wd works great. Never got stuck & I took it through a few snow storms of 7"plus and this baby plowed right through. Ground clearance is great as I have been light off-roading and gone through severely washed out roads 8-10" of water. Safety is great as SUV is wrecked after someone knocked it into a concrete median on the highway, and walked away with scrapes/bruises.