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:

• 

  Good Car for What I Paid - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By allister - December 5 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car used at CarMax. It has 36K and is a good deal at $12,500 with all the extras including ABS. This is the first non-Honda Ive driven in 10 years. I am having to get used to the poor gas mileage compared to my Hondas 30+ MPG. City driving I get anywhere between 23-27.5 if I drive like grandpa. I like the roominess. I wish it had a better stereo. Also a lot of squeeks and noises from the front dash and doors. I read other reviews and this seems like the norm. The deal I got I cant complain. I wish for better mileage. Otherwise happy so far.

• 

  Experiment in Beauty - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Stenn - December 5 - 8:03 am

  As much as I love my 6-speed Shinka, Id have to admit its more an academic exercise in engineering and beauty, a "proof-of-concept" of the rotary engine, than a practical 21st century car. In this age of drying-up oil supplies and soaring fuel-cost, the gas-mileage on this work of art will "kill" you. Im getting 14MPG no matter how careful I am, while my old, heavy, automatic 95 Nissan Pathfinder regularly gets 17MPG, go figure! Just driving normally ends up with 14mpg. Ive only seen one owner-review that says he accomplishes the advertised 24/18, and Id REALLY like to know how!

• 

  Great car recommend to all - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mymazda3 - December 4 - 1:15 am

  I have this car for a little over a year and it has been a great car. My previous car was a 99 Honda Accord and this has alot more power and handles a lot better. everything is still running like new. One of my biggest gripes is that the original tires burned out extremely fast. Around 20K. It has plenty of power for passing and get up to the top speed, well the limiter. The shfit gear has loosen up a bit over the 28k I have had it but still good.. Love that all i have to do is change the oil which is great for a college student minus the tire issue. It scratches easily by the under the door handle.

• 

  Not quite Zoom Zoom... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By datdude - December 2 - 5:03 pm

  Owned my 2005 Mazda6s Sport with 6 speed automatic for about a year. My reason for not giving higher marks in performance and "fun to drive" is due to the poor throttle response - delay when the accelerator is aggressively pushed. This is one of Mazdas early attempts at an electronic throttle (i.e. driver doesnt have a mechanic connection with the throttle; the computer senses the throttle input of the drivers foot and then opens the throttle accordingly). I did take it to the dealership and received the computer software fix which improved the response somewhat; however, the existence of this fix is Mazdas acknowledgment of the problem.

• 

  2 issues over the last 7 years - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By just1mnbound - December 1 - 4:08 pm

  I bought my CX-7 new. Only issues have been the check engine light (faulty gas cap from Mazda. The cap wasnt creating a proper seal), and now at 74,563 miles later the turbo is leaking oil (reported issue with the CX-7). Lucky for me I bought the extended warranty for up to 75,000. Its in the shop right now and feel lucky! But other than those two problems, I really like the car. Nice design and value for the price. I have the CX-7 Touring fully loaded.

• 

  Nice but not for me..... - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By pure_hp - December 1 - 4:07 am

  I purchased the Sport hatchback, automatic. I love the bluetooth and the way it drives, lots of fun. Unfortunately, the wheel doesnt telescope out far enough for me without me being on top of the steering wheel, Im 61. Because of this, the window switches are too far up the door handle; Im constantly letting the rear windows down.

• 

  A good value, real looker but needs improvements - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By jr60 - November 28 - 11:33 am

  I have had it for a year now with 15k miles and it has its good and bad points. The fuel mileage was a major factor in my choice but also wanted performance and drivability. Generally with a 4 cylinder you a lack the torque and power that you normally get with a V6. I am happy with what Mazda had achieved with this high compression 2.5 liter DOHC. Nice is being able to run on regular gas unlike the competitors who are using 2.0 liter turbo to get the same result. The fuel mileage is excellent averaging over 34 mpg under 60/40 highway/city driving. I figure every fill up and comparing against the electronic display with similar results. The six speed AT with manual override is awesome.

• 

  Better cars out there - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By greg - November 28 - 6:36 am

  This car is sharp looking and hatchback is awesome. Gas mileage and lack of hp is poor. Had a lot of brake rotor problems and a wheel bearing out at 50,000 miles. Eats tires every 30k despite correct alignment and quality tires. Car has excellent paint quality.

• 

  Should have bought the Honda... - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By nomoremazdas - November 27 - 6:13 pm

  I have owned the MPV for 40,000 miles now. Just had the rotors replaced because of all the hotspots, warping and bad quality. While the fit and finish are good, the transmission feels like it is about to fall out when the engine gets heated up, and thats WITH the tranny cooler! Of course Mazda cant figure out (or admit) anything, nor will they help. Im sure that the dealer will be able to figure it out 1 mile after the warranty runs out. The DVD is junk. We have it replaced annually because the screen burns out. No replacement foam earpieces for the IR headphones just insures that we will be buying another make next time. Looks good, but its in the shop far too often!

• 

  Totally love this car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve - November 23 - 5:10 pm

  Last week I finally went ahead and purchased this car (5 door Grand Touring). I was a little worried about not having snow tires and being in the midst of winter but it actually is better than my previous ride. The wheels will spin when initially accelerating, but seems to grip the road well after that (I will get snow tires next year since I live in MI). The car is just so much fun to drive. It feels so much like a European car. I am still trying to determine the average MPG. Since I bought the car with 14 miles, the trip computer appears not to have enough data to make an accurate read.