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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  Transmission problems within 4 months - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Goforit29 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I really loved my car when I bought it. It was fun to drive and had lots of features for the $$. However, it has only been 4.5 months since I purchased it new (had 60 miles on it) and the transmission has failed. Since this just happened two days ago, all I can say is the dealership still isnt really sure what is wrong with the vehicle and why it malfunctioned. It is just really upsetting to purchase something and have immediate problems with it.

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  reborn - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By floyd - January 21 - 2:00 am

  THE ROTARY RULES AGAIN!

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  Excellent Car - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kannon8833 - January 20 - 5:12 am

  Have own our 2014 AWD GT for 3000 miles. Very happy with the car. Wanted to write a review cause it was the many reviews on Edmunds that eventually helped me select the CX-5 over the Forester. CX-5 (in my opinion) just handles better. Tracks real well, very stable. Soaks up more bumps and noise better than the Forester. Brakes well, handled very well in snow and rain. Forester - cant beat the wonderful and huge sunroof, visibility MUCH better - CX-5 needs more attention. Better heated seats on the Forester. Bottom line - Mazda offered better trade, finance, car better handling. Couldnt pass up - just more bang for the buck.

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  zoom zoom for real great suv - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By steven Cavalli - January 20 - 4:26 am

  Shop around and ask to see dealer invoice ..if possible. Also use Edmonds .com/ true car / costco/ and AARP for quotes before you go to dealerships to price the car.

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  Painfulclunker - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Bermudez - January 20 - 1:50 am

  It is extremely painful to realize that my beautiful car is worst less than a clunker. With only 36k miles, and all the maintenance properly done on time,the automatic transmission broke, the dealer installed a new one which lasted exactly two weeks so a new one was installed, and yesterday, this one broke too; so in the period of 6k miles, it is 42k now, I had three brand new transmission installed. What is my next step? Get rid of the car before the warranty expires.

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  Love it - except the gas cap - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By VickiSande - January 19 - 3:46 pm

  It is a good little commuter car, fun to drive and good gas mileage. But I am a little dissapointed with the problems associated with gas cap and the vapor capture system. At less than 1000 miles, the check engine light came on. They said I did not tighten the gas cap enough. I had been warned by the salesman to tighten the gas cap. The light came on again same week I got it back. They kept it a week (with a free loaner car-but I wanted my new car back). They replace the gas cap. When that didntwork, they replaced a valve (one they had never replaced before-that made me feel good). Just after 2000 miles, back again-need to tighten gas cap. This is very annoying.

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  Happy Already - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Glenview - January 19 - 3:33 pm

  Great vehicle - comfortable, good handling and stylish. Passengers report all seats are comfortable, even third seat although its better for short trips. Nice features and trim for the price range. We are having a lot of fun with it and hope it will prove to be a reliable vehicle that we can drive for many years to come.

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  An excellent choice! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Rssteph - January 19 - 10:00 am

  When compared to the Matrix and Civic EX, the Pro5 wins out. The Pro5 has a high quality, sporty interior, a unique exterior, and drives great. The Matrixs interior isnt as nice or sporty, lacks handling, but has similar accel. and more space. The Civic EX has equal quality, standard ABS and SR, but lacks in accel./handling. The Pro5s accel. is more than adequate when compared to others in its class and the handling is superb!

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  Needs Lumbar Support...otherwise, GREAT! - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Kay - January 19 - 10:00 am

  After more thatn 10 minutes of driving, my back becomes tired. other than that, I love the car. The sound system is great, and the car handles well. I was originally in the market for a Honda Accord, after I est drove the 626, I was sold!!!!

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  11K enjoyable miles - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By wooster - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Purchased our Tribute last October with the works. My wife and I really love how it handles and rides. We take turns driving it and often fight over whose turn is next. We did have the car in the shop once for warranty work on the passenger door lock. The power lock jammed and the dealer had to replace the lock mechanism and interior door panel after it cracked upon removal. I wont hold the problem against Mazda, so long as it remains an isolated incident. It was kind of a freak occurence. The dealer took care of the problem promptly.