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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  Pull the Transmission - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Glynn - June 23 - 3:53 am

  Good vehicle in most areas except very poor experence with automatic transmission. Major transmission repairs at 70,000 and again at 97,000. Automatic transmisson is Ford designed and does not provide the same quality as Mazda.

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  Things to consider before purchasing - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By ddb1 - June 22 - 7:24 pm

  After owning for 16 months, the Cons, especially #1, outweigh the Pros. Cons - Passenger side air bag turns off when anyone <105ish lbs sits there. Taken it to the dealer & they say theres nothing they can do about it. This leaves my light passengers completely unprotected. Should be a recall. - Front defrost is terribly designed - doesnt span the length of the windshield & sits too far away from the base of the window. Wipers freeze over and have to be manually snapped in a snow storm. - Sub par radio reception - Hatchback too low. 61" husband hits head A LOT - Highway MPG = 19 at best - Terrible leather quality Pro - Excellent 4 wheel drive - Price - Super roomy

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  Really want to love it, but... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By kermitbtys - June 22 - 2:22 pm

  2nd review on this vehicle. At first I couldnt say enough good things about it, but the good feeling is gone. Clutch completely destructed at 38K and warranty is only for 12K. I got over 100K on my pervious honda clutch and it was not a $1350 dealer quote to fix it. This is not an uncommon occurance with numerous postings on the web with an average malfunction mileage of 28K...on a year old car no less. Now, my driver side door and hatchback will not unlock with remote, key, or manually. Needless to say, I am not going to continue to climb into the car from the passanger side and lower the rear seats to gain access to the trunk. I just cannot recommend this vehicle anymore.

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  Mazda MPV worked out great - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By j brabham - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive been very happy with my MPV purchase. It has served me and my family well on long road trips. Yhe fold down 3rd seat and power rear window really come in handy and I have not had one major or minor repair in the last 3 years. I would recommend this vehicle.

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  Satisfied customer - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Dilligas - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Mileage could be better for vehicle size God bargin for money Refuse to accept Continential Tires.... absolute bad experience with tires

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  very good car for small family - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By dandepriest - June 18 - 7:35 am

  To be honest, at my age, I kind of miss the roominess and lush comfort of the Chrysler Town and Country we once had. But for value, fuel economy, utility, and reliability I cant say Ive ever owned or even known of a better car than our Mazda 5 Grand Touring van. Weve put 50K miles on it over two years. A lot of long trips. Its a bit compact for a van but it does seat six comfortably, although two adults in the rear-most bench seat would eventually feel a bit cramped on a long trip. And with six people on an over-night trip there wont be much room for luggage so pack light. The manual indicates that the Mazda 5 is not designed for towing and that it should never be used for that. Howeve

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  Mazda 6 GT - It doesnt get better than this at $30k - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By hewhoiscalledj - June 15 - 9:29 pm

  Our trusty 2000 Subaru Legacy GT finally needed to be put down... It was a tragic day for us since we loved this car to death... literally. The good news is that we chose the new Mazda6 Grand Touring with the advanced cruise control and forward obstruction warning package. This badboy came loaded and dressed to the nines with its super slick (rotary inspired) 19" wheels. While it lacks the superior handling of symetrical all wheel drive and the low rev torque that our Legacy had, the Mazda6 handles the twisties and real life conditions with superb grace. Its a far smoother and refined machine compared to the Subaru. Everything about this car is just tight and mechanically perfect.

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  great car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By JENJEN - June 14 - 2:00 am

  i bought a late model 2000 in early 2001 and got a great deal on it w/ upgrades included. it has a roomy interior, great handling, good highway gas mileage, a nice redesign (looks classier), large trunk space, good layout of controls and they are easy to use. hp has improved from previous years. overall, its an excellent low- cost, reliable and fun car compared to other small sedans!

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  great car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By jenjen - June 14 - 2:00 am

  i bought a late model 2000 in early 2001 and got a great deal on it w/ upgrades included. it has a roomy interior, great handling, good highway gas mileage, a nice redesign (looks classier), large trunk space, good layout of controls and they are easy to use. hp has improved from previous years. overall, its an excellent low- cost, reliable and fun car compared to other small sedans!

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  Excellent - didnt need the minivan - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By amcdad - June 12 - 10:23 am

  With 2 kids and occasional visiting parents we were looking at Odyssey or Sienna. But the cargo room, third row (parents fit comfortably), accessibility to third row (brilliant design) and excellent handling and power (for its size) of the CX-9 convinced us we could avoid the minivan. Two months later, we love it - it beats the the Pilot, the Highlander and the Acadia/Outlook. We got leather, DVD, NAV, 300 watt Bose, Sirius, and 20 inch wheels!