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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  M6s - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By DSS1000 - February 9 - 12:26 pm

  Great car: original & stylish, excellent & spirited handling, high revs, 4 yr/50K warranty. Ive owned a Mazda6s 5-door for about two months and so far find it exciting to drive, nice to look at, and very satisfying. Low end torque isnt best, but when engine runs up to 4K RPM, the thrust is invigorating, though may overwhelm some folks. OEM tires will be replaced: marginal in wet conditions, though not worn completely. I wasnt sure about an M6s initially, but owning it changed mind for better. Hatch storage is wagon-like. Great straight-line driving and car hugs road in all curves, no lean, great brakes, and taut ride make it a champ. Not class-leading power but does nice job!

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  Head Turner - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By rklan - February 7 - 5:03 pm

  I have never had a vehicle which gets so much attention. It dares to be different. It strikes up conversations with people who normally care less about cars. The engine runs incredibly smooth, I would rather listen to it than the radio! Incredibly quick and nimble, a great year round driver (even in Wisconsin winters). Plenty of room for back seat passengers, the trunk carries much more than you would expect.

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  Mazda 626 - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Richard Rose - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned MAXDA 626s since the 1970s and I have always felt they offered great value. One had 230,000 miles on it!

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  the 6 is a great car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By KD - February 2 - 5:13 am

  Well, I currently own a b-3000 truck and had owned a 3 in the early 90s and owned a 626 in the late 80s..lets just say, the 6 was top on my list. I read all the reviews here and didnt even bother wasting my time with accord, camry or legacy(which is what I really wanted).I ended up getting the convenience and moonroof package...great car to drive and have fun everytime..I am no speed demon but I think the car has enough power for around the town and highway..I may be biased here, but definitely do not have one regret buying the 6..and not too mention that the salesman wasnt trying to strongarm the deal...

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  Road Noise and Tire Replacement - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By S. J. - February 1 - 6:20 am

  I have a 3.0L 6-cyl. automatic that I bought new in Oct. 2006. It has performed well and has required no warranty work to date. I had to replace the tires at 23,783 due to very loud road noise that continued to get louder over time. It was the poor quality Continental Tires that were factory installed. Once I replaced the tires, no more road noise. I wish that I had replaced the tires long ago.

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  Poor mans Jetta - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Joshua Ranger - January 31 - 2:00 am

  We lost our 1998.5 VW Jetta last year when we were rearended (insurance totaled the car). With very little money and no desire to release again we again looked to the Protege (my 2nd choice when I got the Jetta). I call my car a poor mans Jetta because it has much (but not all) of the "fun to drive" as our VW. It is by all accounts a do-fer (itll do-fer now) and I will say its much more comfortable in long drives than the VW and a much better value (I do not miss the trips to the fancy VW service centers).

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  Good buy - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By AverageTim - January 27 - 6:56 pm

  We have only had this MPV for 7 months but we love it. It was a great value with rebates at the time. It is right sized, has good performance, comfortable ride, and looks good. The transmission is the weak point as it does not shift smoothly. The 200 hp engine is good for its size and weight.

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  Best car in its class - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By sp00q - January 27 - 4:55 am

  I got my 2014 Mazda 3 GS a couple of months ago, after extensive research of the compact car market. My conclusion was that Mazda 3 is simply the best non-luxury compact car money can buy in 2014. The car: excellent handling, exceptional fuel economy, lively engine that lets you have some fun, great chassis and body. The features: obviously, there are a lots of differences with all the trims and options, but my GS has everything I could ever possibly need; I especially appreciate the back-up camera, navigation system, heated seats and automatic headlights & wipers. The not so great: manual control of the A/C and road noise at highway speeds.

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  Our best vehicle ever - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Constantin - January 26 - 3:40 am

  Mazda MPV was $10k cheaper then Honda. We bought it and never regret it. Oil, brakes, battery and tires those are four things I ever touched. Never failed. Nothing. Nada. Just put a gas and drive. 120k miles and still driving like it just been taken from a dealers lot. We raised 2 of our kids with this car. We have been to 14 states with our MPV. Best minivan ever.

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  Incredible Value - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Rich - January 24 - 1:40 am

  Compared with the Accord and Camry, the V6 isnt as powerful and it doesnt have the name recognition, but its thousands of dollars less. With traction control, ABS, dual front and side airbags, 6 disc in dash CD changer, V6, large back seat, alloy wheels, moonroof, etc. it came to just a hair over 20k new. No other car gives you this much luxury for the money, and since they dont hold value as well as the Honda or Toyota they become even better values used.