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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  The Only 7-Seater Sport Car ! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By RaymondLX2003 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent handling, cornering, a lot of power (0-60mph est. 8.2 sec.), stopping is tight, body style is great for a minivan (even look better in person than photo), a lot of room for 7 people, or 4 people with bikes, I love it, nice to drive and cruise around town, easy to park, very good value!

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  Zoom Zoom Dude! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mechanix2001 - August 24 - 6:00 am

  I was looking for an economical car with some kick. I was not interested in driving a Civic or Corolla. There reliable cars but so unoriginal; I like something different. My friend and cousin both have one and they rave about it constantly, so I had the chance to get a good test drive, and I agreed with them. From driving an old pick-up the gas mileage was a great difference. The best thing I noticed about it is the handling, I mean if you like driving, like I do, youll enjoy whipping around the back roads with ease. The interior is very sporty and the seats grip you like a racing style seat. Anyways, GO have a test drive, for the money you wont be disappointed!

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  Couldnt ask for more - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mfs - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought my P5 brand new, and couldnt be happier with it 7 years later. No one can believe it has 178,000 miles on it, it still looks and runs great. Havent had to do anything to it other than maintenance. Average 34 MPG during summer, 30 in the winter on my mostly highway commute. Road noise louder than avg, but nothing you dont get used to. Have to pay a little extra for tires, but thats more than made up for with what I save in gas and repairs. Great Car.

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  Sporty Middy - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By N23 - August 22 - 10:46 pm

  Wanted to buy a 4 door after owning 2 sports cars, (Integra & Prelude). Looks fantastic in dark cherry mica. Performance is ok as automatic hunts or lingers when driving with a lead foot. Gotta agree about the gas mileage. 4 cyl is mid to low 20s so far in the city. Love the stock wheels and stock body kit the 6 comes with. Glad Mazda has the monochrome look in style.

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  Fun car, but scared of snow flakes - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Jwill - August 22 - 9:53 pm

  Great ride. A little slow off the line but rips above 5000 RPMs. Handling is amazing. The brakes are less than high-performance--very squeeky. (Ive gone through 2 sets of rotors with only 26k). As far as snow goes, this thing starts slipping and sliding about 2 secs after the first flake hits the ground---garage it.

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  bad ass - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By charay02 - August 22 - 5:23 am

  for the price i bought my protege for its a nice car. the interior is wonderful. it handles like a miata

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  Didnt know practicality could be so fun - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Stephen - August 21 - 5:16 pm

  Found a Black 09 i Touring (Plus) - Bose sound system with Satellite radio, sunroof, bluetooth, advanced keyless entry, Xenon headlamps, Leather w/cloth insert seating, 6 speed manual, cruise control. Ive only had the car for less than a month, but am totally loving it! Ive put 1800 miles on it already and dont want to stop driving - its just too much fun. 6 speed manual is a very nice transmission, and although its only got 170hp it can really move when you need it to. Fit and finish is very nice, and the doors even sound nice and solid when you close them. MPG is very respectable. Suspension is firm but comfortable. Loads of trunk space. Mazda has done a fine job with the 6!

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  Love my Mazda 6 ITP - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Prophet92 - August 19 - 11:43 am

  After 5000 miles, I have no complains about my Mazda 6, ITP - V4, ebony black and black interior. So far, I can say that the Mazda 6 is a great car for its value. Its slick and sporty design stands out from the rest of of the pack. Handles really well and actually zooms as needed. It is not a racing car but a zooming sporty everyday sedan. I added HID lights (inside/outside), tinted windows, silver bumper protector, mud flaps, silver door handles and pillar posts. I get nothing but compliments about it.

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  Fun little car to drive - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By heffay6 - August 18 - 6:27 pm

  Just bought an i Touring sedan and it is a blast to drive. This car replaces a worn out Cadillac Catera, so Im expecting much better service than the often broke down Catera. Havent had it long enough to report on gas mileage, but the acceleration is great for a small 4 cylinder car. Cabin is a bit on the smaller side but we do not anticipate having back seat passengers very often. The fit and finish is very good for a car in this price category. Good job Mazda. The wife and I are enjoying our 3.

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  Sporty wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By JoeZ - August 18 - 4:33 pm

  My wife wanted another wagon even though our Passat wagon left me with a bad overall impression. So after doing my research, I decided to look at the Mazda 6. Boy, am I glad that I did! The car is very attractive and although I have owned for a few months, it has gotten more compliments than my Honda or VW ever did. The car satisfies my need for sportiness while meeting my wifes need for versatility. If anyone is seriously looking for a sporty "people mover," I strongly encourge them to take a look at this vehicle.