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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  Fun to drive - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brad - August 10 - 11:20 pm

  I recently purchased an 09 6i Touring with the 6 CD changer & moonroof, along with a rear spoiler. My 2004 Mazda 3i was totaled so I wasnt in "car buying" mode, but Im glad I stayed with Mazda. I went with the 4-cyl, which is starkly different than Edmunds review of the V6. The ride is very quiet, and I get good gas mileage (1600 mi, ~24mpg combined.) The acceleration is great, most noticeably between 50mph - 75mph, even in auto. The braking is excellent too. As nimble as my 3i was, I feel like the 6i has excellent handling for its larger size. Ive also fit 4 grown adults in the car, and theyve all commented how much legroom they have. Mazda got it right again!

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  great suv - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By phil - August 10 - 5:43 am

  Smooth Running, never had a problem, great gas mileage. wonderful suv to own

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  bought new in 99 still driving fine - 1999 Mazda 626
  By deason - August 10 - 12:10 am

  I purchased this car new in 1999. The first problem i had was in 2004 i replaced the front struts. then had to replace the front axle . after 100K miles i had to replace the drive belt along with the water pump. i consider this a good car... no problems at all till around 100K miles which i think is pretty standard or better than standard for most cars. will drive until it stops running

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  Great Car for the $ - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By 1RADDAD - August 9 - 4:46 pm

  Great Car Black on Black

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  Best vehicle out there for the money - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Canaan - August 9 - 1:33 pm

  I purchased this vehicle at the very beginning of January this year (so it is difficult to estimate items like "reliability" and "build quality." I have thoroughly enjoyed everything about it so far. Its very stylish exterior is, in my opinion, best in class. It is fun to drive, handles well, and the 2.0L engine feels like a sizable step up from the 1.8L of my former Corolla. The interior is well-designed and comfortable, and the dash looks sleek (and the controls are easy to use, contrary to what I have seen in reviews). The fuel economy is perfect for me, even if not the best in its class. I get almost 30MPG off freeway. The value here is undeniable, so why wait? Get one now!

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  Pros and Cons - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tin - August 9 - 7:36 am

  I just bought my Mazda 3 about 3 months ago and I will give you guys a full feedback. 2 months later, I got rear-ended on I95 at 70 mph by a SUV and Im ok. The trunk is crushed and rear window is shattered. Overall, this showed me that the car is extremely safe. I must say that out of most sedans out there, this is probably the safest car out there. The airbag DID NOT pop, so not sure if thats a good thing? PROS - Got the car for $24k with Nav + 6 cds + moonroof. Takes 87 octane gas (yay!). 18" rim a plus. Spacious trunk. CONS - Fairly noisy engine. Expect a bumpy ride - cheap suspension. I know its the Mazda3 (not 6) - dont expect a lot of backseat room.

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  Papas rave - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By papa31 - August 9 - 4:33 am

  Great little car

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  I Love It!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Kristin - August 8 - 5:40 pm

  This really is an awesome car! I test drove almost all other SUVs on market like it, and the CX-7 was my favorite. So MPG isnt great, but for the SUVs on the market today, I am not surprised. The Mazda CX-7 is fun to drive and the performance is great. I sold my old Lexus GS-300 (Ill admit it was the first model made back in the 90s) and bought this car, and I am not disappointed in the performance or the handling. The AWD is a must for snow conditions and traction control is a nice feature. Had to get 3 recalls done, but I got a letter in the mail telling me I needed to, and they were paid for. Never had a problem with reliability. Great car!

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  Fun to drive! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bart - August 8 - 11:53 am

  Great car, fun to drive & economical.

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  One year update - still happy - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By jmick1 - August 8 - 7:53 am

  Follow up to the three month post. Still very happy with the car. Pleasure to drive, easy on the eyes and at the pump. Made it through a South Texas summer and would prefer cloth over leatherette seats--they get pretty warm and dont breathe. That would have meant the Sport vice Touring trim, which would have removed the COMAND knob (which I play with but dont really use). I would have been OK with that since the Sport Auto includes the backup cam, which has turned out to be really nice. The smaller wheels wouldnt have been a deal breaker. Averaging about 31.5 in mixed driving.