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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  As fuel efficient as a dinosaur - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Roz - October 7 - 10:36 pm

  We are a family of five with three young children and grandparents who like to come along for the ride. We needed an SUV with a true third row, and this was the best option (the Acadia and Enclave were not being leased at the time). Although I find the interior fairly comfortable, it does not compare to the Lexus RX 350 we had before this car. Also, the fuel economy is horrible -- I average 14 MPG with combined city & highway driving. My husband has a Toyota Highlander and gets much better fuel economy. Needless to say, this will be our last CX-9.

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  Mazda6s - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - October 7 - 6:16 pm

  After a year of ownership, I traded it in for an 06 MX-5. I wanted to love this car, but only liked it. Interior rattles started after a few thousand miles. Ive tried to like FWD cars, but still hate them, even after this car. The engine is powerful, but you dont feel it until you reach higher revs. Comfort and space are fine. Interiors a bit cheap - too much plastic, hard leather. Great interior storage areas. Long-throw shifter doesnt inspire. Poor pedal placement, which makes heel and toe driving very difficult. It got me around for a year. But I sensed too much Ford influence in the (lack of) build quality. With that said, cost/performance is a relative bargain.

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  Great car so far - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By adamjf - October 7 - 10:49 am

  Have had the car for two months and 3400 miles so far and it has been great. Love the styling. Could be getting better gas mileage; if driven cautiously and try to milk the gas some, get about 30 mpg mixed driving with about 60/40 freeway, town driving. When driven more aggresively I am getting 28 mpg. That is still not bad for stepping on it quite a bit.

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  Great Car w/ room - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sprigs - October 5 - 6:30 am

  Purchased this car as a fuel efficient commuter ride. I travel 30 miles of rural roads to and from work and from day one I have been getting 32 mpg. I am 64" and have taken the car on several day trips with my wife and three teen age kids. We fit snugly into the cabin, but everyone seems to have enough room to be comfortable. When alone with the seat back there is ample room and the seats are extremely comfortable. The 3 is very fun to drive, the fit and finish is a good as any car out there. The buying experience was the best Ive experienced an would recommend this car to anyone looking for a cool ride with good fuel mileage.

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  Not so Zoom-Zoom - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Munna Bhai - October 4 - 3:16 am

  I got this car yesterday. Car is pretty big but for this size of car an I-4, 170HP is not enough. Im sure this car will be a lot of fun with V6 240+ HP in touring trim. Car is not alot of fun to drive. When you accelerate it, it feels like car is working hard. Interior is good but there is generous use of hard plastic that doesnt suit a 20K car. Exterior is dashing Overall I might not go for an I-4 170HP for this size of car in the future

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  Overall we love it - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By maz5maz6 - October 1 - 12:10 am

  Bought this new and have over 50K on it after 4.5 years. Only issues have been an LCD display problem (very recently at the 4.5 year mark so its out of warranty) and the plastic around the lower end of the steering wheel column rubbing against something and sometimes "creaking" very low as you drive -- otherwise the fit and finish of the car was/is excellent. We avoided the 6cyl version as that was a Ford engine with noted reliability issues. Besides being a little underpowered, the 2.3 4cyl has been excellent so we bought the same the next year in our Mazda5 (which has also been excellent after 50K miles). Overall weve been very pleased with our Mazda6 "Sport" (hatchback).

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  Unbelievable car for the money - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By nyminute - September 30 - 3:50 pm

  I have a 2001 Protege LX 2.0 with a 5 speed, bought it Sept. 01. It has over 150,000 miles and still runs great. But whats really incredible about this car is it still gets 30 MPG on the highway and other than brakes, tires, timing belt (which you should do before 120K) and an oil change every 8-10K miles, it has not been one single problem! Never in the shop, never on the side of the road, starts right up every day for almost 6 years and still runs like a champ! Same battery even!. Great car, if you can get one with the optional 2.0, buy it!

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  Built like a tank - 2015 Mazda CX-9
  By jjwjr - September 29 - 4:25 am

  Before purchasing I tried a few other SUVs, none matched the handling characteristics of the Mazda. The vehicle feels planted on the highway during the worst weather conditions. At first the firm ride was a concern but it isnt meant to be a Town car. A firm ride is the trade off enabling the vehicle to perform more like a passenger car. No doubt youre aware of its size when behind the wheel but it drives like a smaller vehicle.

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  Falling Apart - 1999 Mazda 626
  By ann - September 29 - 2:30 am

  My 626 was my first vehicle. This was a great started car, very reliable. However, as soon as it neared 80,000 miles things started snowballing. I had belt problems causing acceleration problems, to the point that it was unsafe to drive. This was a minor repair compared to the transmission I had to replace at 95,000 miles. It was running smoothly then just gave out one day. I was told by a local mechanic this is a very common issue. Mine was the third 99 Mazda 626 the shop had seen this year for the same issue. Since the transmission was replaced Ive had major problems with the a/c and battery. The car just shut off going 40 mph down the highway today. I am officially retiring this vehicle

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  End of 3 year lease - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bigbaby - September 28 - 4:13 pm

  3rd review of the Tribute. Its still a great car after 2.5 years. I do want to get something new so Ill be trading this in (lease has positive equity). Absolutely no problems. Just put gas and do oil changes and it runs like a champ. Recently went on I-30 from Dallas to Arkansas. Set the cruise at 65 and wound up getting 29.5 MPG. A 6 cyl SUV with only a 4 speed automatic! Some lucky used car buyer is going to get a winner with this car.