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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  Best Mid-Sized Sedan - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Andrew - November 29 - 5:00 pm

  I got the Mazda 6 iTouring with convenience package. I looked at the Accord, Camry, Altima, Fusion, and Jetta - Mazda 6 is at the top of its class. The only other car I was considering was the Accord, but I found the Mazda to have better overall value for the money, and the exterior/interior styling is a bit better. The speed, ride, and handling of this car is excellent. I find myself taking fast turns for no reason because its simply just fun to do. The quietness of the car is very good - my dad, who has drives Mercedes, was even impressed with the quietness. If youre looking at the Touring model, I would highly suggest the convenience package - excellent value for the money.

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  Im Very Happy With This Vehicle - 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
  By ddnuutz - November 29 - 10:46 am

  This is my first Mazda and my first Hybrid. I was leery of the 30 to 34 MPG claims because of my past experiences with new vehicles, but I have had this vehicle for several months now and I can say that I have been at or just below 32 MPGs since day 1! This model is almost identical to the Ford Escape which I was considering as well, I went with the Mazda because the interior was more comfortable and the interior (while far from elegant) looked better than Fords version. It drives very well, with solid kick and has great legroom in the back seat. Most other SUVs of this size had my knees banging on the front seat, but not this one. Overall, I am very happy with this purchase.

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  Best choice - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By mazdagirl - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Protege5. I spend alot of time in my car and these seats have to be the most comfortable of any vehicle Ive driven! The 5-speed is FUN and the car handles great. I couldnt ask for anything better at this price.

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  Practically Fun - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Morgan Andriulli - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Its amazing how adding a hatch and some spoilers turned the unnoticed Protege into a real looker. Men, women, kids (and insects) all tend to like my Yellow P5. Athletic handling and adequate power match the racy looks. It handles like my 90 Miata, but can haul a lawn mower. It seems that Mazsa build cars with all the reliability and three times the character of Honda and Toyota. Nobody ever asked me about my Corolla at the gas pump. I kind of want some more power and taller gearing. Everything seems to fit and complement each other just so. I am afraid to upset the balance trying to mess with a good thing. Maybe I will grow up and graduate to the new 6 in a few years. Nah!

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  Car Full of Joy - 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Doug Shaffer - November 28 - 1:20 am

  We were looking for a hardtop Club with an automatic transmission and found one at the first dealer we visited. The car is exactly what was expected and is a joy to drive with the power hardtop down in sunny weather - we live on an island in Puget Sound with winding roads and gorgeous views. The model we found has an automatic shift, but can be moved freely to something that simulates a standard manual shift, even when underway. There are four steering wheel finger-operated shift levers that you can touch up or down operating the automatic transmission manually. The simulation is quite realistic. Had a Chrysler rag top in Florida and will not go that route again, but this powered hardtop is wonderful. Aside from the quick powered raise/lower and the ease of keeping it clean, the hardtop is not as noisy inside as the rag top. And Im quite sure that its warmer in the winter. We really like this little roadster - it brings us a lot of joy!

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  Not sure what to expect, but now happy - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By The Saint - November 27 - 7:26 pm

  I transitioned from a European larger mid-size sedan (VW Passat TDI) to the Mazda6. He interiors are compatible in set up, luxury, & equipment positioning. The interior is well thought out and for the driver as well as passengers. The exterior is exceptional in appearance. The car handled like a dream in very heavy snow this past winter. The 4 cyl. is way under powered and the fuel economy is average when compared to my wifes 4 cyc Accord. The ac system is a bit weak and takes a long time to cool the interior compartment. Mazda seems to like the black interiors and I found it difficult to find a light interior. For the do-it-yourselfer, the vehicle is a delight. A value thus far.

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  Good and Bad - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By bsdgbach - November 27 - 4:32 pm

  This van is nice for a short person (under 52") Even with the front seat all the way back a 6 person is crunched up. I get the recommended oil changes and every time I go there is a problem that ends up costing $$$. I even with warranty on it. I have replaced the tires. We bought this in mid 08. with in 6 months the 1 of the brakes had a problem. In the past 6 mo. there is a sorta squeaking sound. Coming from underneath every little bump/turn. Banging from underneath in back last year was fixed. Now another banging coming from front. Mechanic tightened up everything-But still there. Windshield wiper rarely work as supposed to-usually need to adjust manually.

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  Fun to dirve - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jay Park - November 26 - 6:56 am

  I bought it at the dealership without test driving since I rented one before while my day-to-day-driving Honda Pilot was at the shop for repair from a collision. I drove it down to LA from SF Bay Area and kinda like the automatic transmission that can also be in manual mode. By the way, the one that I bought was Mazda6 i SP for better gas mileage. I tend to get around 26 to 27 in city and hwy combined. Significant reviews from this site noted problems on brake and transmission and I kinda worry about it if mine starts with same problem like others. So far so good. Who knows.

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  Love the car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By shinka lover - November 25 - 10:26 pm

  This is an outstanding sports car. If you know how to handle a rotary engine, it should last you a life time. Read the owners manual carefully and follow its instructions on warm-up and down. It doesnt take that much time for either. My wife and I have taken it on a few road trips and were pleased with the overall comfort. It has an incredible stereo system. The shifting (manual) is very smooth. The seat heaters can burn your fanny off if you are not careful!

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  4 Year Review - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By MN Mazda - November 25 - 4:23 pm

  Bought car new at great price in March 03. Still like the looks of the car. Car is very quiet and smooth riding, a luxury ride yet handles extremely well. Main complaint is seats are painful on long trips. Solved problem with a sheepskin seat cover. Gas mileage is good, 27-28 on highway and 22-24 in mixed driving easy on the acceleration. No expenditures on than normal front brake replacement/maintenance. Car sits low compared to todays cars making it harder to get in and out but doesnt bother me. No squeaks or rattles. Looks brand new after 4 years. Great silver paint. If you want a luxury look and feel vehicle without the luxury price this is an awesome car.