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 And Practical - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By D L Heilemann - February 5 - 1:33 pm

  As a still very active adult and recent dog grampa I found my 350Z satisfied all driving urges but I couldnt haul my mountain bike or my dog! I had to have a more practical everyday hauler plus the performance and handling I have always craved. I knew the MazdaSpeed3 had scored very highly in all media tests for the previous 3 years so when an all new 2010 model was announced I began to follow the reports and searched out the internet for spy shots and videos. Long story shot?...I bought the first one in town the day after it arrived! Even in town the 6 speed is a dream to use, the brakes are very impressive and the torque steer some complain about just reminds me to mind the cars power.

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  Bang for the buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By JohnTaylor - February 5 - 7:50 am

  I bought my Mazda 6 used and have had it for 2 1/2 years.. The car has been a pleasure to own everything has been beyond expectations.. The car has plenty of power and great MPG I avg 26-27 mpg with the V-6 something hard to find now days. The car is just right for the the new dad, that still wants something sporty to put the baby seat in. The car has been 100% reliable not a single problem and the inside of these things is so nice looks like a vehicle that would cost so much more.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tbizz H - February 5 - 2:06 am

  Ive had this car for almost 5 years. During that time Ive taken it to the dealers to get fixed twice. One time was so they would tighten the wiper blades and the other was a sensor that was throwing faults. They were both before warranty expired and I havent had a problem since. I drive 40 miles to work everyday and it does it very well. Ive used synthetic fuel since 20K every 7 thousand miles. That may have contributed to the reliability but I doubt it. Mines a manual transmission too.

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  Love it Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Howell - February 3 - 6:33 pm

  Traded in a gas guzzling Ford Expedition. Absolutely love it. Fun to drive, easy to maneuver and plenty of pick up. It is a great looking vehicle. Looks like a BMW without the price tag. We plan on driving it forever. Plenty of room for two adults and our two kids!

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  Just Totalled it Today - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Barté - February 3 - 2:00 am

  This morning, Jan 26, 03 at 12:09, three friends and I were involved in an automobile accident in my 2002 Mazda Protegé ES. The accident involved a speeding pickup truck. The impact occured MAYBE 20 degrees of an angle away from being a head-on collison. My protegé is totalled. All four of us walked away. All four.

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  Very under-rated by pro reviewers - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By BobG - February 2 - 4:10 pm

  This car has it all!! It is totally maxed out in terms of accessories, mostly all standard, not like in other cars in the mid-size range, especially American manufactured cars. We have the leather package with Bose and moonroof, and I cant say enough about how comfortable it is. Its a real thrill to drive, acceleration is tops, and handles like a high-priced sports car. Doesnt have the "sedan" look of other cars in its class. We tried the Optima, Accord, Camry, and Passat, and none can match this great package.

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  Clutch Issue - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Raquel - February 2 - 3:20 pm

  I purchased a 2010 mazda 3 hatchback on 5/31/09. Car was driven for only two days and had problems w/ the clutch disc. Dealer repaired the issue then drove the car the next day. Car just stopped in the middle of the road and will not move, this time dealer ended up changing the clutch and transmission.To make the long story short I opted for a collateral exchange with the same model and specification as the 1st car I purchased.I got a 2nd car,after driving it for 2 weeks, car broke down again bec of the burnt clutch.I have driven a manual stick shift car for almost 20 years and this problem never happened to my Accord and Acura.I opted for lawyer representation bec Mazda wont fix the issue

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  Got Rid of It - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Deb - February 1 - 3:30 am

  This vehicle looks great on the outside, but is the most uncomfortable vehicle I have ever owned. Some features are over thought out. If the gas cap is loose the computer gives an error message and the message will not go away by correcting the problem and tightening the cap. No, you must go to the dealership to have it reset. It constantly gave me error messages when nothing was wrong according to the dealer. Minor things are missing, like a light by the mirrors on the visor, and setting the clock was nearly impossible. The dealer did not know how and I accidentally set it. The ride is very choppy, I felt every little dimple in the road. I could not wait to get rid of this vehicle!

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  Midlife crisis pacifier - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dacvulcan - January 31 - 10:56 am

  Test drove a Sky and S2000 but the MX-5 felt more like a classic roadster. It is very responsive and has totally replaced the "need for speed" that my motorcycle satisfied. It is real nice on a Saturday cruise to have A/C, heat, music, and a top when it starts to rain. I am going back over my favorite motorcycling routes and enjoying them more than ever.

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  Piece of Junk - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By mtaquila82 - January 31 - 8:13 am

  Bought this car for my wife last January. She liked the styling and the performance over her Explorer. Big mistake. Have had it in the shop several times for stupid problems like wheels locking up while driving, windows not working, and the passenger side airbag light staying on (meaning the airbag is off) even when an adult is in the seat. Gas mileage is atrocious for a 4 cylinder. I dont have an issue with 18 mpg, but a 4 cylinder... lets be serious, especially with premium gas. Sticker on the car said 24 mpg on the highway, obviously they meant a downhill highway when you are driving with a fierce tailwind. Seats are incredibly uncomfortable & terrible resale value. Dont buy it!