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:

• 

  Almost perfect--except transmission! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By HB - March 12 - 5:16 pm

  Bought my P5 brand new and loved it up til now. At 110k miles the overdrive gear went out now I have to buy a new transmission. All maint done like clockwork, drive like an old lady, so I dont get it. Mazda reliability has always been good. Most say I must have got a bad transmission or early mechanical failure due to wear. I do put about 18k miles/yr commuting, but geez, this is not acceptable. Toyota 4wd truck w/ 140k and NO problems!

• 

  MX-5 experience - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mx5 sport - March 12 - 10:23 am

  I like the Miata for its sporty feeling and it is fun to drive. It is the roughest riding car Ive ever owned and definitely wouldnt want to drive it on a long trip. This car is like its glued to the road which is good for handling but not for ride comfort. It rides like it doesnt have springs much like a Go-Kart. The road noise inside car is quite loud also. Power wise it has no problem for get up and go. Miata is probably the best bang for the buck as far as little sports cars go. When driving in heavy rain you better slow way down as this car will get scary as it will hydroplane easily.

• 

  Mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ricky - March 12 - 5:53 am

  I have owned this 2004 Mazda 6 V6 5 speed Automatic Wagon for about nine months. Love this car. The handling is rigid and confident. Cornering is exceptional. Autostick is fun to play with. Interior design is luxurious and comparable with German cars. Exterior design totally turn heads anywhere I go! The only down side is the fuel economy. I am getting 22 mpg average, I was expected a little more on this V6 wagon. So far, I am very happy with the car, no unexpected repairs so far. I just have been changing oil every 4000 miles (manufacture suggest 5000 miles) and also routine tire rotation and alignment.

• 

  sporty - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By PL - March 12 - 2:00 am

  fun car to drive

• 

  The more I drive it,the more I love it - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Donz - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I think Mazdas differences in interior and exterior won me over, verses the Ranger. It feels tight,no rattles, has lots of power, and its a ball to drive. And with a 50,000 mile warranty, Mazda belives in it more than Ford does their Ranger.

• 

  Impressed--Car-Like Feel in a MiniVan - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By dwc - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Searched for well over a month, made final choice of MPV LX (Price, reliability trail, consumer interest/ratings, bang for the buck -- this Mini sells itself!) Would have liked a few of the options on the ES but not the leather ..Having said that, the LX is well equipped with Luxury package and Rear air .. neat feature is rear air controls. Very stable on the highway, handles like a car...tight suspension/steering.

• 

  626 - Everything but the transmission - 2000 Mazda 626
  By JohannDS - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The 626 has decent handling and good road feel for a midsize. Steering is crisp and braking excellent. The six cylinder is not exactly powerful, but adequate for passing trucks at highway speeds without shifting out of overdrive. You can get onto the highway and up to traffic speed safely. The transmission, however, is truly diappointing. It shifts rough through every gear, and the shift from first to second in stop-and-go traffic is jarring. Its been back to the shop 8 times for this, but I was told it was operating within specs! Worst shifting car I have ever driven. Because of this, I wont buy another one.

• 

  PR5 a great buy - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By TeeGee22 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the PR5 and its great to drive. Very tight and holds the road extremely well. The power is fine unless maybe you want to race. The 5 speed shifts smooth and easy. Cant beat the 4 wheel dics either. Paid $15,540.00 out the door. Only extras were mats, cargo net, and perimeter shock sensor alarm. Best buy for the money.... looked all the rest... honda, toyota, kia, etc.....

• 

  Be Careful - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By thenetz - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had a clunking noise from my 2001 Tribute for about 1 month now. The dealership keeps telling me they cannot find anything wrong. They rotated the tires and changed a shock. They say it was my fault for not rotating the tires every 5000 miles, after only 17000 miles there should not be such a problem that it feels like a constant flat tire, but that is what mine feels like. The dealership doesnt seem to care that there is a problem. Be careful who you buy from how their customer service is.

• 

  Great Car for the money - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdantech5 - March 11 - 8:06 am

  Being a honda and toyota guy for many years. I have finally step foot inside a Mazda dealership to check out the final year release of the 2009 Mazda 3 hatchback. Hey ,they are practically giving these away right now & with 0% APR. I like the styling , boy racer look thats me. I couldnt understand why I have bought and sold my previous 08 4 door civic si and 09 corolla s within 6 months time, their styling was not really my cup of tea. I quickly got tired of the 6 speed manual and ridiculous righ revs on the honda and the boring ho/hum corolla styling, and its slow/weak acceleration. Mazda did a great job with the exterior and interior styling. I added the 18"mazdaspeed wheels and I am done