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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  I LOVE my Tribute!! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Mary McCarthy - May 21 - 2:35 pm

  I've had my 2008 Tribute for 12 yrs and cannot say enough good things about it. If they still made them I'd buy another. I don't like the body style of the SUV's that are built today, and don't believe the storage capacity could stand up against the Tribute. My Tribute has 155,000 miles and still going strong. Its the 4cyl I model. People that see it cannot believe its 14 yrs old. Inside and out, it has stood the test of time... even in the Florida sun and humidity.

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  Vroom Vroom - like this car - 2015 Mazda Mazda3
  By BAugust - January 31 - 11:31 am

  I previously drove a VW Diesel for its mpg (unbeatable) and how it felt to drive and that it felt safe for a compact sedan. The downside to that car was maintenance. When I needed to replace it, I wanted something with comparable drive, features, safety and feel at a lower purchase price and maintenance cost. The Mazda3 was a perfect fit in every way, though the drive its quite as solid as the VW, it met my needs. I love the interface for the technology in the dash. Its not hard at all. I have some problems with bluetooth disconnecting and I had to take it in to adjust the tire pressure sensor during winter, which you should do with any new cars if you live in a colder climate. The only downside to the interior is the heated seats only heat the bottom not the lower back, which I had in my VW. My absolutely favorite feature in a car due to where i live. The mpg is very good, though not quite what i was getting with the turbo diesel - though that is really hard to beat. I have a few weird dents appearing in the plastic exterior cover on the outer edge of the window that seems to be from a weakness of material as you grab the door to shut it. There are indentations that match where you would grab the door to shut it. Having leased this car, I will likely have to pay for the repair.

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  Trading in my 2011 mazda 3 for an 2015 - 2015 Mazda Mazda3
  By D.F. - March 10 - 5:20 am

  I was debating trading in my 2011 mazda 3 for an 2015. I test drove one then about a week went by and my mind was set on what I wanted to do. Dj was awesome, extremely patient and not pushing at all. He made sure I knew every detail when it came to the car while test driving. Then was just a text away when I had any questions. I am in love with my 2015 Mazda 3 and its the best decision Ive ever made. I could of done it without Dj though!

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  Very Fun to Drive but Needs More Power and Comfort - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By weskania - December 31 - 9:24 pm

  The Mazda2 is a lot of fun to drive, it handles well and gets excellent gas mileage. I regularly get over the stated 35 MPG highway, getting around 37 MPG average. Hills can be a bit of a problem, as this car doesnt have a very big engine. I can make it through the mountains fine, but its necessary to downshift considerably to speed up on hills. The car is comfortable for short trips, but for long trips, can get uncomfortable. There is no lumbar support or center armrest, which can be uncomfortable for longer rides. However, for a small car, it feels big inside and has excellent visibility.

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  Mazda6 S 5 speed - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By chedmardo - December 31 - 10:30 am

  Had it since new and would like to have more power with better gas mileage (dont we all?). Its been fantastic mechanically with only putting brakes on it and changing the oil. Still has the original plugs at 96000 miles!

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  alex - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By jakeman - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Car seems well built and fun to drive

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  Mini Suburban - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By CaliforniaFun - December 29 - 2:00 am

  A bargain road hugging, gas guzzling eye catcher. I bought a fully loaded (all options except the body kit) for $29.5. I thought it was going to get better mileage than my GMC Suburban, but I was shocked. Itis definitely a fun car to drive, but you would need to really push your 1st and 2nd gear to the limit to get any zip at the low end. Most reviewers said that the shift was smooth, but I found it somewhat difficult, especially the reverse gear. The non-adjustable can cause serious stiff neck. It seems as if Mazda expects all drivers to be the exact same height.The freestyle doors are very difficult to open those doors in parking lot.

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  Zoomless in NH - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dissapointed one - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Love the car. Great features, i.e. style, sporty, and everything that other posters have mentioned in this media. THERE IS A SHIMMY at speeds of about 60 and up, which is inttermittent, which is not being identified by the dealership. Theyre threatening calling it a "charictaristic" of the car. Be careful about this.

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  A work in progress - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Probstc - December 28 - 2:10 am

  We recently purchased a Mazda5 GT Standard. As all Mazdas I have previously owned, this one too has the "Zoom Zoom" in it. However, there are 2 issues I find most disturbing: After 3 weeks, our car with a supposedly full alarm system was broken into. It seems the engineers forgot to protect the small back windows and the crook busted the window and grabbed what he / she could. In all the repairs took 3 weeks to complete due to parts on back order and cost a fortune (most paid by my insurance). The car seems less than happy in the Canadian cold and several parts of the suspension have already had to be replaced, despite the car being less than 4 months old.

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  Not Perfect, But still the best - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Zoomie Stopper - December 27 - 10:00 am

  Original owner of the van. After almost two years I have managed to pile up 38k easy miles. Power/Transmission: The engine, a Ford Duratec 2.5L V6, has been very reliable, a little noisey and slightly underpowered. Handling/Ride: Better than most cars, Very satisfying! Wind noise is a little elevated at highway speed but not terrible. Versatility: Flip under third row seat is AWESOME! In my opinion, a must have. This lets you carry ALL your stuff to Grandma and Grandpas and still haul the grand parents around when you get there. Bottom Line: Still happy with my purchase.