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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  5 speed zip - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By stude30 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I was at the dealer too look into purchasing a PT Cruiser. The maroon Protege was sitting on the showroom floor with a spoiler and regular wheels (not aluminum). It was a left over with all options except the wheels,sunroof and automatic. I drove the car and bought it as it handled fantatastically and had much more zip than a PT Crusier. My wife and I both love a manual trans. The gas mileage is around 28.7 in combined driving. The 130 HP four could use maybe 10-15 more horses as you have too wind it up to keep up with traffic from a light.

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  So Far an excellent car - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By minichrt1 - October 5 - 2:36 am

  To keep this short and sweet my wife gets almost 500 miles per 11 gallons of fuel. It is a 14 gallon tank so when the fuel light goes on there should be 3 gallons left but it is hard to ignore the fuel light and the range being under 40 miles. Best example of mileage that we have repeated more than once... 60 mph in 6th gear on a straight and level stretch or road with the cruise control and AC on with 4 people in the car 44.7 mpg turn off the ac and it goes up to 47mpg. This is not drafting and the instant mpg readout will hold steady as long as the road is level.

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  Top Down Fun! - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tony M. - October 4 - 12:36 am

  We bought the car as a weekend fun car and what fun it is! It is getting colder in the North East now, but I intend to squeeze out every last day of top down driving that I can. Love the way the engine growls and how it handles overall. Not nearly as much fun with the top up. Would love to take a really long top down drive but alas I may have to wait until next spring to do so. If you live in a year round warm climate, buy this car! If you dont no worries, cover it up in the winter and you will enjoy it that much more come spring time. b/t/w I am 6 feet tall with long legs and I dont find the car to be uncomfortable at all. I truly love my MX-5.

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  The most reliable car I ever owned - 2002 Mazda 626
  By mazdamom6 - October 3 - 8:56 pm

  I bought my Mazda 626 2002 used in 2003 with 1500 miles, ran the heck out of it from state to state for three years with no problems what so ever. It was such a great car that when my daughter needed a safe car I gave her my Mazda because it was safe, reliable and perfect for her. She is still driving it today with no problems other than regular maint. It has well over 100,000 and will likely last another ten years. I have looked and looked to purchase another one for myself and can not find one for sale (I suspect they have stayed in families, just like mine.) Excellent car! FYI mine was not a manual

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  Very Good Find - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Eugene Fowler - October 3 - 7:10 pm

  After 1500 miles with 20 city and 27 highway mpg driving (75 mph hwy) Ive found performance ideal for my needs as I do not intend to race up Pikes Peak, there are other vehicles built for that. I particular enjoy the cargo capacity and versatility. Im a previous Mazda 626 owner and was frustrated with the notchy transmission. This one is very smooth and satisfying. In short, no complaints and much satisfaction.

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  Dissapointing heated seats function - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By alexandru marica - October 2 - 11:12 pm

  Owned the car for 1 month and 1000 miles, so far so good, except for the fact the seats dont really warm up. After quite a while they become a tiny little bit warm, in the highest setting. Also own a VW Jetta whose seats warm up really quickly and in the highest setting they turn a whole lot warmer then the CX-5s. Thought there was something wrong with my car so test drove another similar CX-5 and same thing. If heated seats are important to you, as they are to us, as we live in a ski town in Utah, just keep in mind they dont really work. Its as if Mazda did the bare minimum to check the comes with heated seats box. Hopefully thats the only area where they obviously cut a few corners....

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  Love me Love me not - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By garv214 - October 2 - 4:15 pm

  I have had my Mazdaspeed 3 for 3 months and 3700 miles now and have noticed things I love and things that need improvement. The car handles very well, but may be a bit harsh for some. The interior is very nicely laid out (love the blue accent lighting). The exterior styling can take a bit getting used to. I bought mine in Black, so the "happy face" is not noticeable at all. I drive very conservatively so I have been averaging around 23-24 mpg with a 60-40 mix of city and highway driving. Overall a nice car and a great value, but Mazda needs to work on the clutch on these cars. My clutch is taking away from the fun of driving it, which is a big reason why people buy these cars.

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  sweet car - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bill - October 1 - 6:40 am

  I searched for the right car and was looking at the 6 and a Civic, my sister has a Civic, and my Mazda6 beats the Civic hands down in style, look and interior, as well as the drive. The color, bright island blue, is an eye catcher and all the features are more than enough.

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  RX-8 Rocks!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By 007 - October 1 - 6:10 am

  The RX-8 give you the most bang for the buck when compared to the other cars in its class. None of the others has a back seat, which really comes in handy for extra people or extra gear. The performance is outstanding, it handles better than the BMW4, Nissan 350, or Audi. The six speed manual shifter is perfect, and the Bose stereo is awesome.

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  Zoom-Zoom 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom - October 1 - 5:56 am

  I love this car! My 3 is the best car I have ever owned. I get looks almost everywhere I go. Everyone loves this car, Cant say I blame them because I love it too. I would not trade this car for anything - its one in a million.