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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  Four Cylinder Fun - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hisfiddler - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I drive over 300 miles a day. After many test drives and reading Edmunds, I chose the Mazda6i over the Honda Accord 4 cylinder. I get a better feel of the road, better steering action and had a larger number of option choices. I am getting better gas mileage (between 27 and 28) for a lead foot, than the Honda. It also came in a beautiful green color, though I dont know how it got the name Sepang Green (or what Sepang means). I would definitely buy another Mazda6.

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  A fine addition - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By FieryMango - November 29 - 10:00 am

  The 6 addresses the ride shortcomings of the Protege, almost hovering in comparion. Wind noise is nonexistent, road noise is largely muted, though there is a slight hint of pavement quality transmitted through the steering wheel. The real charm of the car lies in the thoughtful interior design. The two- tiers center console, centar stack storage compartment, bottle holders in the doors, and other torage cubbies provide lot of options. The spring- loaded rear seats fold flat, and can be released from either a button on the seatback or a lever by the rear hatch.

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  Great Car for the money - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By greg cain - November 28 - 11:33 pm

  This car is a blast to drive even after owning it for 6 months. It has almost all the features you would expect in a luxury car and has the performance to go a long with its good looks. The gas milage isnt what is advertised but then again none of the cars are. However, the transmition and engine work in harmony and I would sacrifice a little milage for the overall performance.

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  Econo Box be gone! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By TSK - November 28 - 6:16 am

  In outside sales, I drive a lot. Had a truck, but 15MPG was getting old. The Mazda 3 is a "must see" if you are looking for an econo-box driving expense crossed with a compact euro-luxo feel. At one time I sold BMW and while they are wonderful automobiles, the Mazda gives the BMW 3-series a run for the money. The Mazda 3 is worth EVERY penny when compared to a BMW. Suggestion, buy the Mazda 3 and buy a BMW emblem. Needless to say, I am very pleased.

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  My new car - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Scott-Texas - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Very good, for a vehicle, to drive to places. I was shopping for a car, and I found one!

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  Defintely "What Do You Drive" - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By alfagtv630 - November 26 - 9:52 pm

  A car built for drivers, with little compromise. If you dont love to drive (and I dont mean tour), this is not the car for you. Congrats to Mazda for being willing to build a car like this knowing that it will be a low volume seller at best. Think a practical, budget Lotus, older 911, Alfa GTV6 (or maybe a 75 sedan or 164S), BMW Z3 coupe or E30 M3, Saab 9-3 Viggen or early 9000 turbo, Audi Quattro GT or a first-gen A-4... or a number of true Europe-only hot hatches (Ford Escort RS). Go look up an Alfa 146 GTA, maybe that is the best comparison! The styling has grown on me, in black, silver or now available pearl white tones it down a bit for more mature drivers.

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  Cant ask for more - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Spencer - November 25 - 9:26 pm

  I bought this car less than 1 yr ago after test driving 14 other cars. It was the last 2008 on the lot, and the only options are side airbags, 4 wheel abs, and A/C, so I got it for $13,000 OTD. Handling is superb, especially since I upgraded to 17" alloys with 215 tires over stock steel wheels with 195 tires. I consistently got 38 mpg driving carefully with about 85% hwy...got 42 only time I drove only hwy. Mileage seemed to go down to 33-34 mpg since wheel upgrade, but more verification needed. Acceleration is more than adequate, but youre not going to win too many drag races. Not crazy about clutch as it is a bit light and engagement point is difficult to find. Have not had any issues yet

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  Praise for a very good car - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tom - November 25 - 9:16 pm

  The 2.3L 4 cylinder cars handle slightly better due to the reduced weight. The ergonomics of the hatch are unmatched in the sporty sedan market (even Saab dropped theirs). In addition to these features which put the Mazda 6 at the top of our list the car is a PZEV - partial ZERO emissions vehicle, meaning it pumps our 1/5th the pollution of similar cars. Also this car has a lot of Ford based domestic parts, including the new, larger, brakes from the heavier Fusion. Feel good about your ZOOM, ZOOM. It is not marketed as a car for flag waving greenies, but it is a car that feels good in more ways that just behind the wheel.

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  Zoom Zoom with Room - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Grant - November 25 - 4:10 am

  I purchased our Mazda5 with 30,000 miles on it. A year and a half and 50,000 miles later, I am as pleased with it as the day I drove it home. I traded in a Ford Windstar in hopes of finding something more reliable and fuel efficient for our 5 member family. The Mazda5 handles well and musters a bunch of zip out of its 4cyl engine. It is much more of a sport wagon than a minivan and is enjoyable to drive.

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  2006 Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By BK - November 24 - 3:23 pm

  So far so good after the first 1,000 miles. Like the ride and handling. First long trip over 350 miles one way and got 21 miles to a gallon.