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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  I got a lemon - 1999 Mazda 626
  By saint - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1999 626 new in 1999. At only 50 miles I had to bring it in because it needed an entirely new timing belt system. It only got worse after that. My car was in and out of the shop so often that I could have claimed under the FL lemon law if it had been in the shop one more day. I think part of the problem was the inadequate dealer service shop and bad luck. I had bought this car based on its reliability. I am trading tomorrow and I wont miss my car.

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  My 2002 Mazda Miata MX Special Edition - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By J.J. Hemingway - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This special edition 2002 Miata as it was with my first a 1991 Miata---is fun to drive, great handling and the SE is a head turner. Amazing how many times Im asked if its a BMW, or what kind of car is it. This one came with all the lights, whistles, and bells. So its fun, fairly practical and again like my first Miata--one of the most dependable vehicles Ive ever owned. Only problems--the power antenna doesnt always go up when the radio is turned on, and the filler cap release for the gas tank doesnt release on the first pull. Very frustrating!!! Especially when its cold here in Spokane.

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  Debugging for Mazda - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By BJHARLEY - June 19 - 2:00 am

  All said, its a really nice ride though not perfect. So far (3K miles) replaced Oil Pan & Sensor, AC amplifier, 2 interior panels and had to remove the pass front seat to fix plastic trim. It left me stranded once...flooded. Costs as much to run as my Expedition. But it handles great, Looks great and the concept is very exciteing. A real head turner.

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  Fun To Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kelman - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I have the 3.0 V-6 Mazda 6 S. This car wants to go. Youll want to drive it in a low gear around town, so that the revs are up, and the horsepower is available. At low revs, it doesnt have much snap. But if you are cruising at 3,000 rpm, you can seriously surprise some of those high-priced sedans youre running next to.

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  Typical Automatic Issues? - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Pat M - June 18 - 2:30 pm

  Bottom line is I love the car. I must. Ive owned it for over 10 years, and am only now deciding to sell. But, transmission #3 is issuing signals, and the pre-cat went out years ago. The pre-cat triggers the chk eng light, then the light goes out in a couple of weeks. Not really an issue, just an annoyance. We also lost a lot of weather-stripping around the doors. I re-hung it. But I think it needs more than just an adhesive to really do the job. After two years, we also have two dash bulbs out. Makes it a pain to use the heater when you cant real the dial. But I still have the car, so it isnt all bad. A very fun car to drive, even with low power.

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  Few niggles, but a good buy overall - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Andy - June 17 - 10:50 pm

  Got an attractive offer for one of the last 07 cars so went for it. Stylish interior, nice functionality (bluetooth, bose). Would have liked mp3 capability with stereo. Still unsure about the looks from the front, but looks great from rear. Keyless entry and engine start is cool but ultimately irritating. Felt exclusive initially, but now seeing more on the roads. Overall happy with the car, and excellent value for money.

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  One awesome vehicle - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Happy Owner - June 17 - 10:30 pm

  Mazda hit a home run with this vehicle. We are very happy with everything. We couldnt ask for anything better in the Mazda 5. The size looks small, but, it is perfect for our family of 4 plus two others when needed. Plenty of comfort, room, quiet, and peppy engine - now I know why they say zoom zoom in the commercials! Have had the car two weeks and just filled up the tank yesterday. MPG was 23, with mostly city driving. I expect a couple more MPG with a broken in engine. I cant wait for a road trip. I expect 28-30 on the highway - if not, Ill write another review. This is a must see and drive on your list. We bought it over a new Honda Odyssey due to cost and fuel mileage.

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  My PR5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Alfie - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Great value, Fun to Drive, Excellent handling, Good looks, Easy on the wallet due to good gas mileage, Its Worth It!

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  Bargain Lexus? - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By antonio - June 17 - 10:00 am

  Was attracted to this car at first mainly for its styling. After taking it for a test drive, we didnt look any further. The whole packeage impressed us so much and after finding the right dealer bought the car on the spot.

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  Second time around - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By c. fears - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Mazda Millenia. Excellent vehicle for traveling (am in sales/marketing)or in-town showing off...looks great, runs with the "big dogs". Hold the curves without braking!Gets lots, I mean lots, of compliments ---even from the 18-30 Y/O crowd.