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:

• 

  Wow! What a fun drive - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jim foehner - July 8 - 1:40 am

  Its my first Miata and Ive had it only a couple of days. Its so much fun to drive in the Texas hill country. The 6 speed AT delivered 30 MPG on the first tank. The soft top is quick and easy to put up and down. Being 510", Ive figured out how to get in and out without too much trouble. It has plenty of power and it hugs the road on our winding roads sharp curves. I must admit that my many of the owner reviews posted posted on this website aided in my decision to purchase the Miata. Zoom Zoom all the way into the sunset.

• 

  1st week review - 4 of 5 stars - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By abra - July 7 - 11:20 pm

  Just bought a new Sport-VE auto a week ago. Loaded with all Value Edition features including 17" alloys. 150 miles on it so far, so just breaking in the engine. Excellent handling and throttle response - this is a drivers car on a budget. Quiet engine at idle, though growly when pressed hard. Superb 5-speed auto with manual shift gate. Cabin a little shorter than the competition, but makes up for it in width. Open greenhouse, very airy. Highly raked profile - with alloys & side sills, it makes most midsizes look boring. Overall best value in 4 door midsizes. Paid <$16K after $2K rebates, plus taxes. Much better value than Korean & US midsizes. $5K+ cheaper than equivalent Accord/Camry.

• 

  pretty darn good - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By jrod64 - July 7 - 10:20 pm

  Great nicely fast and handles like a dream. A little idle shake but anything over 1000rpm its silky smooth.

• 

  The new MX5 carries on Miata the legacy - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By michael - July 7 - 9:50 pm

  My 6th and one of my favorite Miatas. This car has far exceeded the previous Miatas in power, comfort, and styling. The car looks and feels like A BMW Z4 but without the hefty price tag and even more of a blast to drive. With its easy to use top and laser like handling, this car blows away anything in its class; the Solstice could dream of being this much fun.

• 

  the best of the rest - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By tenpoundhead - July 7 - 3:13 pm

  I have 7k miles on my "Redfire" 2005 AWD Tribbie, and its a love hate relationship. Did a lot of comparison shopping, and it came down to this or the CRV. The Mazda cost a little more, but its worth it. Great small suv, very practical, awesome performance and handling (I live in the mountains of Colorado.) Even in the basic package w- out a lot of options, this vehicle rules. My main issue with it is that the strong Ford V6 is 1.) kinda noisy, and 2.) extremely thirsty. Im getting milage comparable to a Hummer! OK, not quite that bad, but no way Im getting the advertised MPG. Try about 17 MPG. Otherwise this is a fantastic SUV.

• 

  Shop around. - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bob F. - July 7 - 1:55 pm

  Shop around. I got $1550 off of the best deal I could get from Dealer #1. And, Dealer #2, who was located 60 miles from my home, delivered the car to my driveway. I traded in a 1995 Honda CRV (112,000 miles) with a broken window mechanism and a missing mirror, and got the Mazda Sport on the road (tax, title, tags, etc.) for $20,800. Its a blast to drive. Enough power for my needs and takes the corners very well, indeed.

• 

  Great used buy - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By bjones440 - July 7 - 8:46 am

  I purchased an 02 ES model used late in 03. This seemed like the best used buy if you are not too concerned with interior space, because it is smaller than most. Has the most bang for the buck for a highly rated import with power sliding doors. Drives and handles superb for a minivan. Seats seem a little narrow, but I got used to them. Unfortunately the ignition coil went out twice on different cylinders while under warranty, so the dealer replaced the coils and plugs on all 6 cylinders. That was in March 04, no other problems. Stock tires seem to wear quickly, as I noticed on most other used MPVs. I just replaced mine at 58k with Michelin Hydroedge. Very limited choice on this size tire.

• 

  Dont she purr? - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Jwoods - July 6 - 1:40 am

  I have had 2 Mustang GTs, a Corvette, a RX-7 and presently have a Chrysler Crossfire (new) and a Mercedes C230 and this is my favorite so far. The comfortable ride doesnt beat you up, responsive engine, smooth shifting transmission, the Bose stereo and I could go on. But Al Pacino summed it up best in Scent of a Woman when he said " Dont she purr, though" while driving the Ferrari.

• 

  Zoom Zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By MPC - July 6 - 12:26 am

  This crossover drives more like a sports car. The turbo makes it extremely quick. Could have a little less cabin noise.

• 

  Love my V-6 Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Kevin&Thom - July 5 - 4:50 pm

  I bought my Tribute brand new off the showroom floor, it had 7 miles on it. She now has almost 90,000 miles on her and she is still going strong. I do regular oil changes, had a transmission service at 60-K, just had the transfer case fluid changed about 1,000 miles ago. The vehicle is fun to drive, does very well in the snow, has great get up and go power. Fuel economy could be better, but it is a full time AWD vehicle, so nothing unexpected. She averages about 21-22mpg on highway and 16-18 in the city traffic. So far so good, she is well out of warranty so fingers crossed no issues arise.