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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  A Sports Car for the Family - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brendan M. - April 22 - 7:46 am

  With more than 27k miles now, my mpg continues to increase. No matter how hard I beat the car, it still returns 28 to 29 mpg. I do agree that low end torque is a little lacking, but this thing loves to rev. Plus, keeping the tach between 2500 and 4500rpm does not effect mpg at all. I cant say enough good things about this car.

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  Shifty - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By YT Cai - April 21 - 7:03 pm

  The Mazda6 is a well made car. It is tight, especially compared to the Malibu which was one of the loosest cars I test drove. Its still too early to tell, but Im not sure if I like the 6 speed automatic transmission. Not being a sports car person it seems a bit shifty from start to 5th gear which doesnt take long to get there. I wouldnt recommend it for circumstances where a "family car" is desired. The Sonata seemed a little more appropriate in the same price range.

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  Awesome Ride!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Myran22 - April 21 - 4:23 pm

  I LOVE this car!! I have not had any problems with it! I bought it used in 2008 I own the 2005 Mazda3 S. I have had it for a little over a year its almost at 49,000 miles. I have a friend who owns an older Mazda626 which has been an awesome car for them which was one of the reasons I actually considered buying it. I had originally wanted to buy a honda accord but I have actually been happier with my Mazda than I think I would have been with the Honda. It was cheaper but I definitely dont believe its cheap quality. Ford makes Mazda and Fords are usually pretty dependable however this car is like no Ford that Ive ever driven.

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  Another great Mazda - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Luv that Mazda - April 21 - 7:10 am

  This is my 6th 626 (1st one was in 79). In 175,000 miles only one problem - the heat gauge failed and had to replace the instrument cluster. At this point I get 28 - 31 mpg (with the 5-speed) and am driving 3000+ miles/month. The car still looks good, and like our others, I expect to drive it for 200,000+ miles. Still havent replaced a clutch, or anything other than normal maintenance. Wish my van was as reliable.

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  Great car, but needs MUCH better A/C. - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By wsalopek - April 21 - 5:26 am

  This size vehicle is a truly smart design... just a great idea. I wish the seats were more comfortable, the interior came in a color other than black, and road noise was far less. The A/C system is very weak. In temps above 75-80, the second row is too warm and gets very little cool air, and the third row gets none, defeating COMPLETELY the reason to buy this 3-row vehicle in the first place. I have dark-tinted windows, which helps, but not nearly enough. This vehicle is unusable with the third row occupied in the summer, or even the spring or fall... what a tragic design flaw. Nav system is not great, my GPS PocketPC is more usable. Silver radio trim is blinding at certain sun angles.

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  I love to ZOOM ZOOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joel - April 20 - 3:03 pm

  I dont think I can say enough good things about the new 6. Style ,comfort, power and reliability all in one package. We looked at the Bmw, Benz, Honda and Toyota. The 6 just is king in all departments. The power from the V6 is seat of the paints fun. The interior makes you feel like royalty. Mazda really out did themselves. This car sells itself. This is our second 6 and if they keep this up it wont be are last.

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  Sweet - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Downie - April 20 - 10:00 am

  We looked over many of the SUVs, but decided on the Tribute. We have been happy so far. Rides like a car. Feels tight. My choice was finalized by my contentment of owning 3 Mazdas in the past and they were very reliabil. This is for the 2005 year model S with the V6.

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  BMW-like car for Chevy-like price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Stephen H - April 20 - 10:00 am

  For what you get, this car is a steal. For $19k MSRP my car has leather, side/curtain airbags, 17" alloys, CD, air, power everything, a very slick manual. I got about $1k off MSRP (about $700 over invoice) after bargaining HARD with 5 dealers in LA area (the manuals are very hard to get...dont believe forum postings, you wont get close to $300 over invoice on the 5M hatch). After a week, the car has not disappointed. It is simply outstanding. The handling and performance is suprising--very BMW like in its agility and fun factor. The utility is great (I already have done a Home Depot run with the seats folded), and the interior has high style.

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  Drives about as well as a sport sedan - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jay - April 19 - 9:03 pm

  Handling on this euro-popular van is as good as it gets in a six seater. We got this for the flexibility it offers. We only occasionally haul 5 or 6 around, but we do like the pickup sized rear space for the home center runs. With a little padded plywood, we plan to use the back as a foul-weather shelter when camping. If you drive a manual, skip the auto and youll enjoy a perkier driving experience.

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  Fun Family Hauler - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By John - April 19 - 2:03 am

  This is an overall great vehicle. Performance-wise it handles like a smaller car, carves through a curvy road like its on rails, engine seems mostly quiet (can barely hear it at idle) and gives off a nice growl with the pedal pushed down. The CX-9 feels sporty both inside and out and has just the right luxury touches. Looked at many competitors: MDX, Acadia, Outlook, Veracruz, etc., and the only one that came close to the feeling of the CX-9 was the MDX; however you would need to spend at least 8-10K more for the same features. I liked the Outlook but the overall driving feeling (Zoom, Zoom) wasnt there like with the CX-9. Performance and value make this car worth buying