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:

• 

  Love my Protege - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Zoom Zoomer - October 1 - 10:43 pm

  Hands-down, this has been the very best car Ive ever owned and driven (and Ive owned 5-6 other vehicles). The gas mileage on trips exceeded the expected number. Ive hauled dirt, plants and lumber in this thing. It goes on long trips with winding wet roads and steep inclines. It has been driven "off road", and has taken a beating over the last several years (2 hail storms, 2 hits, juvenile delinquency carvings). All that and it is still great looking and great moving. Zoom Zoom Zoom. I want another one, and am less thrilled with the Mazda 3 and 6.

• 

  Finally a Sporty Sedan for Under 30K - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mz6owner - October 1 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 6 is awesome. Ive had mine for about a year now and couldnt be happier. The engine is strong but doesnt have any torque-steer, unlike the Altima/Maxima. Styling is much better, IMHO, than the Accord and Camry. The suspension and steering is better than any car in its class. The handling reminds me a lot of a 5 series BMW. The price is also much more competitive than others. You can get a loaded V6 Mazda 6 for under 20K! Try getting a similar Camry or Accord for that price. Mazda also offers 0% financing. I couldnt be happier with the Mazda 6!

• 

  Wouldnt recommend to my worst enemy! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By tanderson - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Loved this van when we first bought it. It was our very first new vehicle purchase and has been a nightmare ever since about 18,000 miles. Wouldnt recommend it to my worst enemy. Mazda has not been very cooperative and were currently taking futher actions.

• 

  Just Simply Awesome Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By JTR - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I will just tell you that I sell cars for a living. I want say what brand but lets just say Honda makers love them. This Mazda m3s 5 speed I just bought is awesome. Awesome styling, awesome ride, and a hoot to drive. The looks are going to drive compact car makers to the limit to catch up. If you want a great quality built car for 17,000.00, this is it.

• 

  Dangerous Gauges - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By jackkala - October 1 - 9:33 am

  Speedometer gauge is in beautiful gauge cluster. Unfortunately speedometer is recessed so far and covered by shadow, it is impossible to read at speeds up to 50 mph. It can be read only by bending down deep and losing view of the road. There should be a recall and improvement. This situation is so dangerous, I intend to notify the TSB.

• 

  Be careful!! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Ian - September 30 - 5:46 am

  Many, many problems! A lot of what Ive already read - Ignition coils (all 6), sliding door - sticks and doesnt operate properly, and now the tranny - its in the shop right now. I actually have filled almost 10 pages of a notebook because our experience has been so surreal. I even bought the extended Mazda Canada warranty, only to find out time and time again that nothing was covered.

• 

  Mazda3 driving performance - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By 3 owner - September 30 - 1:00 am

  I bought my Mazda3 in 2006 since than I put over 42000 miles on the vehicle. I have had very few problems with the vehicle and the ones I did have were quickly resolved by the dealership. I like the performance and so far the durability of the vehicle. I hope to see Mazda continue the Mazda3 line and improve upon it. So far I think the 3 is just as good as the Honda civic, however I will know for sure if the car makes it to 150000 plus miles with minimal repairs.

• 

  Bye Bye Hummer - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By bedhead - September 29 - 2:10 pm

  I drove a 2007 Hummer H3 for about a year before I decided to look at some other options. I cant believe I wasted a year of car payments on the Hummer. After driving the Grand Touring model I was sold. The ride is superb and the features are great. I thought I would miss the Hummer but I was wrong!!

• 

  2008 GT CX-7 AWD - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By ZoomZoom - September 29 - 3:50 am

  I did not rate reliability since I have only owned the SUV for 1 month or less. The sport tuned drive train/suspension is awesome, really grabs the road. The pick-up (horsepower) is awesome. I got the 6 disc CD, Bose system, which is wonderful. My husband owns a Murano and this SUV blows it away from stand-still starts, but that might be because of the CVT in the Murano. The CX-7 is a bit louder with regards to road noise compared to the Nissan, but much more fun to drive/sportier. Dont be afraid of the 4 cylinder, it rocks. Of course it is going to be louder than most v6 engines due to the turbo. All in all I am very pleased.

• 

  the new crossover type - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By shawnicus - September 28 - 5:13 pm

  We had a sports sedan that just wasnt keeping up with the needs of a family, but wanted to keep with a manual transmission. This was the only option out there with a 3rd row of seats and were very happy with it. Plenty of cargo space, great safety features, peppy little engine that is seat-of-the-pants fun to drive, good gas mileage, and fantastic brakes. I always thought the crossover class was going in the wrong direction: crossing a car and a SUV. This is a cross between a Mazda3 5-door and a van: which surprisingly ends up with a "best of a worlds" feel.