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:

• 

  Could be better..could be worse - 1999 Mazda 626
  By kat - September 6 - 12:53 pm

  Im only 17 so when looking for a car my grandpa wanted me to get one little but Nice. So he picked it out. At first it was great but within a week it was a total pain. The back sway bar was broke, there was a little oil leak and the fuel pump went out. In total repairs where over $1000. Thats a lot for a girl in school and working a minimum wage job but I got it fixed and its a great car. Everything works good. Pretty good gas mileage and not too bad on insurance.

• 

  Gas Mileage and Power Delivery - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By fitterpaul - September 6 - 11:56 am

  One of the reasons I bought my 2012 Mazda3 hatchback with Skyactive was the expected gas mileage. I check it every fill-up and am only averaging about 28mpg with mixed interstate/city driving. I never encounter stop and go driving and the terrain is mostly flat. My best highway-only result was 35 mpg. With other cars I have owned I can usually get better mileage than the estimate. The other issue I have is power delivery. When excellerating from a slow speed or passing the car hesitates for a full second before shifting to a too-low gear. Thank goodness there is a manual shift mode that works well. Dont expect to get 39mpg or Zoom-Zoom with this car. It has neither.

• 

  Pretty good crossover - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By butter44 - September 6 - 6:10 am

  I like it. The manual says to use super unleaded so that is what I do. Gets about 17 - 19 mpg. Seems fine to me. Better than my truck that gets 10.

• 

  Amazing Car - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Lane Smith - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Its a sporty looking car with a luxury look. Aswell a smooth riding car with good braking power. It looks like a old ladies car but look away for a second and i will be gone!

• 

  Avoid automatics at all costs - 1998 Mazda 626
  By HankMcStanky - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This was my second 626. The engine has been mostly fine, blew a head gasket at 85,000 but that feels like a fluke. The door seals, mentioned by many others, are annoying but no big deal. The trouble, as youve guessed, is the automatic transmission, made by Ford, which completely fell apart at 90,000 miles, took $2500 to fix, and has been back in the shop 3 more times in the next 12,000 miles. Some apparently break as early as 60,000. Its sad, because I really liked the car up until the fateful day it was towed to the shop. Look for a manual, which is what Ill be in the market for as soon as this one breaks again.

• 

  Small, fast and fun! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By nMo - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I love the car! It drives good, handles even better. I didnt want the usual Civic/Corolla type of car. Every major car magazine rated this tops in every car camparo they did. This car seemed to fulfill everything I wanted in a small car. Great looks, superb handling and good comfort. After a test drive I thought the ride is a bit stiff, but thats because of the stiffer suspension. Our other car is a 96 Camry and this one is worlds different from it in terms of handling and performance. You cannot find a better car in this category. Except of course the 2004 3 model. Its got a more powerful engine and improved looks.

• 

  Great Ride! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Annie O - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car! Fun to drive and handles well.

• 

  Mazda RX8 w/Grand Tour Package - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By sharks - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This is an awsome car. It run very smooth and handles very well. After I purchased the car, I was informed that you have to check the oil frequently and also the car does not use transmission oil. You also do not want to shut the car off when it is still cold or else it may not start the next morning. You also need to check your tire pressure from time to time because there are sensors in the tires. For the most part this is a excellent car.

• 

  Awsome Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By agent_xiii - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I test drove this car about a month ago while shoping for a new car I instantly fell in love with it! I even waited a 3 weeks for them to get the exact color I wanted. Great car.

• 

  back in black - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By djazzman - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Black 6s with 5 speed, black leather, bose. This car is solid. There is no noticeable flex in the chassis & the car rides flat in corners. The best thing about the 6 is its handling. Its really responsive and sure-footed. The engine is very smooth, but does not overwhelm you with low end torque. You must keep the revs up to utilize the 220 horses. No noticeable torque steer or major wheel hop in harder launches. Mileage was horrible at first, it has gotten better. The interior is nice for this class. The wheels are gorgeous. It is a great value in the low $20s with options.