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 ever - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By voyeurmoi - December 23 - 10:00 am

  great car good alround construction

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  Fabulous Fun Hatchback - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By BozzieBear - December 22 - 10:40 pm

  I purchased this car new in August 2003 and am now approaching 38K miles. It has the 5 speed manual transmission and no other options. I wanted a daily driver that was fun and very reliable. The car has exceeded my expectations in all areas. I have had *no* unscheduled maintenance, repair, or warranty problems of any kind. Mileage has been 30mpg (75% freeway, 25% city). And the car has been great fun to drive. It has nimble, precise handling and a taut but not harsh suspension. The engine is peppy, but more than 130 h.p. would have been even better. The lack of a limited slip differential is the only shortcoming that frequently detracts from the daily driving experience.

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  A fine automobile in all aspects - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greg Hug - December 21 - 11:46 pm

  This car is our third Mazda and out of the three, our favorite. Unlike our 2 previous Miatas, the Mazda6 begs to be pushed. While it is apparent one is driving a true sports car in a Miata, the Mazda6 has a low speed character that belies it true nature when pushed to its limits on narrow two lane roads. Using the transmission in manual mode allows the most precise and efficient use of available torque, minimizes understeer and keeps the brakes cool for true emergencies. This really is a fine automobile with fabulous seats, the creature comforts one expects in a true sports sedan, and absolutely impeccable fit and finish. I expect its reliability and resale to be outstanding.

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  Hind sight says I made a fine pick! - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By JT99 - December 21 - 7:30 pm

  Two thumbs up with my Mazda Protege ES-GT model. Lots of time and thought went into the purchase and we did good. We started looking at the Protege5 but supply and demand didnt work in our favour so we managed to negotiate much better terms for the ES sedan, with the GT package to jazz it up as much as we could. Seven months later, Im still grinning ear to ear as I love this car.

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  AMAZING!!! - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By dolphingray - December 21 - 2:03 pm

  This is one of the best car i ever bought. Its incredibly good performance, slick, compact fast and very fuel efficient at 28/40 mpg! thats amazing. It has all the technologies in it "skyactive" theres nothing more i can ask for.

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  Buy what you need - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Schadenfreauda - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I examined all the levels of this car and found them to be vastly different in power and capabilities, yet all were well built. Now if you go out and buy the least expensive m3, its the only one without power locks and hubcaps, well thats what you get. Fortunately if you upgrade a few thousand you get more power and amenities and the car is a different animal-= my sport hb is fast, out-handles my previous BMW 3 series and smokes my girlfriends Lexus is250 like its asleep. So if you know what you want and shop smartly you will have no regrets. Buy a base model and yes you get pinner tires and plastic hubcaps - but how can you complain its not a Ferrari when you know what you bought?

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mzdafan - December 21 - 10:00 am

  We are on our 3rd Mazda3 if that tells you anything. We purchased a new one in 2006, traded that for a 2008 with more equipment and traded that and leased a 2010 when the body style changed, we just had to have it. We wondered how they could improve on a car that we loved so much but they did! Our 2010 is more refined, quieter, more responsive. Thus the need to have it!

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  Not bad but still short of Camry quality - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob - December 20 - 12:26 pm

  The all new 6 is a very attractive car and for the price its loaded with features compared to Accord and Camry. It sporty than even the Altima with a smoother nicer ride than that car but not as smooth as Camry. Two issues I had. One after test driving there was a strong burning plastic smell. Not the typical "break in" smell you have with new cars.

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  Fun, Value, Economy, Pesonality - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By woofer - December 20 - 10:10 am

  So far Im impressed. My 3 may be described as a Japanese VW based on certain similarities. Handling is great, interior quality is great, and engine is smooth with better than expected torque and a great sound. A drivers car at a low price. Beats Civic and Corolla for personality. Thus far got 34 MPG. 5-spd is fun to shift. Body metal feels thinner and structure is less strong than my superb Golf TDI (which I kept); cheaper build, cheaper paint, but the price is lower.

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  Wow, what a good car for a great price! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mazda5_4_me! - December 19 - 8:56 pm

  The Touring Model comes with a huge standard equipment list, I just needed to add the automatic, with leather wrapped AutoStick. The one touch open moonroof, 17" alloys, low-profile Toyo tires, body painted side sills, mirrors and rear spoiler, projector head lights, clear rear tail lights, stunning styling, perfect paint. Interior is high quality fabric, 6 seats, lots of storage and drink holders, Auto climate control A/C, 225 watt 6 disk CD stereo with 6 speakers and controls on leather tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control on wheel too. Sliding side door opens wide for passenger entry. A joy to drive with ABS 4 wheel disk, 4 wheel coil independent suspension. Buy one quick, waiting list soon!