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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  great value and fun - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By tommy dee - September 10 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Mazda Protege ES was purchased for my 17 year old daughter to accomodate her senior year in high school and evenutally her college years. The family agreed the looks of the Protoge were greatly imporved in 2000 and the tight handling of the car was a welcomed break from our SUVs and other mid-sized vehicles like a Chryslers Sebring Coupe. The interior room is very comfortable and looks great. For an economy car loaded up with a moonroof/side airbags has only some common features missing compared to higher priced cars - no trunk remote and useable console armrest. This is off-set by getting a fun sporty ride and its stunning front end styling.

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  Great Car, Great Price - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dano - September 9 - 10:20 pm

  This was a leftover 2006 that we were able to get at $9000 off MSRP. We traded in a 2006 Civic LX that had a lot of 1st year production problems. This car is definitely the class leader in the looks and fun to drive category. The Accord and Camry have low quality interiors and the exteriors do not grab your attention like the MAZDA6. Our cars color is Pebble Ash, a pearlish green/silver. I have noticed these types of colors have mis-matched bumpers on many Acuras, Hondas, Toyotas. The Mazdas is perfect!

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  Good value - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By sth - September 9 - 12:33 pm

  Hauls both people and cargo quite well, Lots of storage areas, drink holders. A good value for everyday driving, work or play.

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  2004 Mazda 6 GT (V6 3.0L) - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Max - September 9 - 10:43 am

  Bought this car just about 2 weeks ago. As far as I can tell this is an amazing car. Not a single bad word to say! Although its 04 it has only 72K km on it. Looks just like new, not a single scratch. Since its V6 3.0L, you dont even have to press the gas, its ready to take off by itself. I would defenitely recommend it to anyone!

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  Thrills of the new 6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By raya - September 7 - 11:13 am

  I made a reservation and was about the buy a civic EX-L a couple of months ago but I decided to wait for the new 6. I havent even considered camcordtima because I find them boring. Its worth the wait as I am always thrilled driving the new 6 everyday. The looks is sporty and gorgeous - the best in its class. Inside has a premium feel - luxurious and comfortable. Albeit the bigger size, the 6 did not lose the great handling that it was known for. I am averaging 23.5 - 24 MPG highway and city driving combined. I think a decent MPG rate on its size. Still have to put some more miles and years to test the reliability. For now, I will continue always looking forward driving my sexy six.

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  WOW - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Chuck B - September 6 - 3:40 pm

  Was sure I was buying the V-6 Accord, but after test driving both, it was no contest. The Mazda 6 has much better handling & power, interior quality & looks. Bose is great, keyless entry & pushbutton ignition cool! Trunk huge as is back seat. Handles like a sports car but ride is soft. 6 cylinder is powerful & quiet. Only have it a few weeks but very happy so far. Averaging 21 mpg in combined driving. Have an 05 Mazda 3 with 45,000 miles with no problems, hope this one is as reliable

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  Decent car for the price - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By adrian - September 6 - 8:03 am

  Not as refine as the new 07 Camry or Accord BUT for $2.5K less I can live with it. Car handles better than most in its class. I took it out on the twisties and it was like glue on the road (& I have the lower-end 16" with steel wheels). Gas so far so good. Im still on my 1st tank and odometer is 365 miles. I figure I can push pass 400 miles easily with a full tank. Interior is about what you get for a $16K car. Not good not bad. Once I wear off the rubber (3 years maybe) I intend to put snow tires on the OEM wheels and get a "real" tire/wheel package for summer driving; then this car will look and handle even better!

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  I love my Miata - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Cole - September 6 - 3:03 am

  I have to say that in the summer my Miata MX5 is the most wonderful driving experience. However, in the winter time when its raining, I dont feel as safe driving it. With the wide tires it doesnt grip the road as well. The drive with the top down is the best and most fun that Ive ever had in an automobile. It handles on a dime on dry pavement, has an excellent stereo to crank up the tunes and I feel as though I could drive forever in comfort in this car. In the winter time when the pavement is dry and the top is down the heater keeps me warm and I can travel in comfort. My only complaint is that visibility is lessened when the top is up. It is reliable, fun & well worth the price!

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  My ideal car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Clare - September 6 - 12:33 am

  I test drove several vehicles in this segment and none had the feel of the Mazda3. It genuinely feels like a far more expensive car. It is a real treat to drive and own. I highly recommend this car.

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  iamzs review - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By iamz - September 5 - 3:26 pm

  With the P5, Mazda gave me the form I was looking for and did not sacrifice function one bit. Some have complained that the 130 horses and 135 ft-lbs of torque tucked under the hood, are not enough. Well, I have not found that to be the case. The torque comes in nice and low and churns out nicely. The handling is near perfect. It seems at times, the harder you push the P5 into a curve, the more stable and flat she becomes.