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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  Good car, Horrible tires - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By njpathfinder28 - September 6 - 7:40 am

  I like my CX-9. Except for two things. No fog lights on any models below the GT. I dont like the Zenon headlights and those low profile, 20 inch rims are bad news. So I have an expensive vechicle the doesnt even come with fog lights. Second major problem is Mazdas choice of Bridgestone Dueler tires. They are NOT all season radials. I drove on an inch of snow and the car couldnt hold the road! So I have a AWD car that is dangerous in the snow!

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  definitely a fun car to drive - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By av - September 5 - 4:53 pm

  Almost bought one in 2002. It was a toss up between a loaded Civic VS Protege5. Ended up with the Civic simply because I was able to get a better deal. I finally bought one recently because I found a good deal. Pros: Fun car - excellent handling and braking Reliable Looks great Cons: Overall quality isnt great *Interior feels cheap (its a regular protege underneath the shiny stuff) *Interior ergonomics is almost non- existent *Motor mounts are poor quality *Poor rust protection *Horrible paint quality (some colors were single stage paint) *Whiny motor

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  Awsome - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By heybailey - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, didnt mention Build Quality or Reliability because Ive only had it a few days.

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  Brand new Mazda 3 -- had it for 2 weeks - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By thornwell - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the Civic, Corolla, Sentra, Golf, Jetta and 2003 Protege. This was the best package I found for the price. The ride is very nice, and not jelly-like (see Honda Civic base model).

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  6000 miles in - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By JR - August 30 - 8:36 am

  6000 miles and 2 oil changes in and the car is still a blast to drive. The 2.5L is more than adequate for any driving style; averaging 29-30mpg with some fairly spirited driving city/hwy mix. The car has fairly large blind spots which you have to keep in mind when driving; However, I havent found it that much of a bother. If you do your own oil changes, you will love the drain/ filter setup mazda uses. The materials in the cabin feel like what you would expect in vehicles in higher price brackets; Much better that what ive seen in the vehicles in this class. The seats are excellent; I dont mind staying in the drivers seat for a few hours at a time. Overall a great choice.

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  2004 Mazda6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Toubas - August 28 - 11:00 pm

  The Mazda6 is fun to drive. You may lose some tires because of the low clearance in some poorly maintained New York streets. The car does not like severe rain downpours either. I lost a fan blade that hit the radiator and pierced it during a rainstorm. The Mazda dealer said it was an "act of God." and the warrantee was not honored. I wrote mazda at no avail. Good car, poor service and a company that is not consumer oriented. I would not recommend it. A calm, careful driver.

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  Oily MESS - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jiffy - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I like everything about the car so far except changing oil. First, the hole in the belly pan isnt aligned with the filter, so the entire belly pan must be removed. Then, instead of a spin on filter this car uses a cartridge type that must be cleaned and replaced. It is an oily mess to say the least. After writing to Mazda about the belly pan they said that they are not going to replace it at this time. So... if you want to change your own oil, plan on removing the belly pan or youll never get at the filter. This flaw and lack of attention to detail really detract from the car in my opinion.

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  Responsive and Agile - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By christian_v - August 28 - 2:15 am

  Looks great, easily the best looking CUV in the market right now. I test drove a GT AWD, Touring AWD, Sport FWD and AWD. The Sport models felt more agile and responsive. Consequently, I chose a Sport AWD that sat in the parking lot unnoticed (2 miles on the odometer). The lack of power really only becomes apparent on the highway. The engine needs to be revved a bit more to squeeze all the available power. But it does it so smoothly, downshifts quickly, puts a smile on my face each time I hit the gas pedal!

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  Smooth Ride - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By pimpd79 - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This car turns heads everywhere I go. People are shocked to see the driver especially me being a single young adult who should be driving something like a tricked out Honda civic or some under 18k four banger.

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  I like mine - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Scratch - August 27 - 2:00 am

  Could get better gas mileage but thats about my only disappointment. Has great acceleration and rides and handles smoothly. Lot of people compliment the looks of the vehi