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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  Not Disappointed - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By GVD - May 9 - 7:26 am

  Originally looking for a sedan but just couldnt could something that was fun to drive. Starting looking seriously at Nissan Murano and CX-7. The CX-7 was lower cost and more fun.

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  Good Buy for the money - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By mutbreath - May 5 - 4:23 am

  Bought this as an extra car for running errands and doing the "honeydos". Great truck for the money. It looks great and rides fine. I like the extended cab for safe storage & the extra seating for my kids.

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  Mini 3 series - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eric - May 4 - 2:56 pm

  This car looks very classy and sporty. It is fun to drive and holds the road well. However, every door panel has had to come off at the dealer because of all but one window being off track. Also my outside door handle was rattling very loud when my music was turned up. Nothing mechanically wrong with car, but I question the build quality of these other flaws.

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  Buzzing with acceleration; ? electrical issue? - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By pgkuma - May 4 - 1:29 am

  Just bought a silver Sport manual 1 month ago. One COLD night, the car wouldnt start (1 week old!). AAA noted battery had lost a minimal amount of charge (windows and lights worked fine). Then all the warning lights came on at once when tried to start. He reprogrammed something by using the key in the door. Started right after that, but seemed to run a bit more sluggishly. Next day, the dealer looked it over. Erased and reprogrammed the computer and replaced the battery. No problems since then. Wife noted a REALLY subtel buzzing ("cricket-like") from driver dash area, when pushing the gas. Have to turn radio off to hear it.

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  great atTRIBUTEs - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By axlr8 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is our very first SUV and we are very happy with it. The power and handling is comparable to many sports cars and you get a higher driving position that gives you a panoramic view with little or no blind spots. Room is ample for both passengers and cargo. In my opinion, it is also the most beautiful small SUV in the market. And we like the fact that the road is not saturated with them.

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  was in love for six years; now betrayed! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By sofla - May 1 - 7:00 am

  I absolutely have loved this vehicle until this week. Bought it new off the lot, invested in all the recommended maintenance. So easy to handle, with a sportier look than most mom-vans. I have loved its versatility; it has been spacious enough inside for 2 kids and a dog on many 1,000-mile round trips. No problems, but last week stopped cold in the middle of a busy road. Two dealers havent been able to isolate the problem, but were getting a new (refurbished) $3,000 engine. Thought it was the coil, but replacing that didnt help. Now I dont trust that it wont do the same thing to me somewhere else! Really thought doing so much preventive maintenance would put us better off than this

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  One recurring problem - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Peter R. - April 30 - 5:33 am

  I was initially happy with the car. The handling was superb and it suited my needs. However the odd size tires 195/55 16 are hard to find and expensive. The worst part has been the brakes. The left rear caliper siezed after 18 months and was fixed under warranty. I have had the same problem occur two more times in 7 years of ownership. I have replaced the rear rotors twice and the rear calipers once in 80,000. Plus 2 sets of pads and a rebuild of the the seized caliper twice. This is an unacceptable issue in my mind. My benchmark is my 1994 corolla that had zero problems in 120,000 miles.

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  Not too Shabby - 1999 Mazda 626
  By RPerez01 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  At times I wish I could buy another car only because I like to have a new car all the time (but Im not rich) Maybe its not as stylish as others but its not a bad looking car I have spruced it up a bit with a spoiler, added wood trim around dash, radio, shifter also updated the grill with the 2000 model grill (BIGGER Mazda logo) and added some chrome molding around front and rear bumpers and it looks great. Next a nice set of rims and that should be all. Otherwise no real complaints, replaced timing belt, brakes and 2 sensors (normal stuff)

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  So close to fantastic... - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By New5er - April 24 - 7:53 am

  Bought the vehicle just over a month ago to replace a 2005 Elantra (great car btw). Was immediately struck by how great it is to drive; from the drivers seat, you really feel like youre driving a Mazda3, NOT a minivan! Kids loved the mid seats (captains), and considered it a cool looking car. Fantastic view all around, and handles amazingly. After a bit of time, though, some things have started to gnaw: no hidden cubbies to hide GPSs, spare change, etc.; turning on the auto climate control automatically kicks in the a/c (its January... in Canada... cmon!). Overall, though, no regrets in getting this vehicle; if you can overlook the lack of cubbies, itll serve the avg. family well!

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  Fun to drive, practical, has shortcoming - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By chaika - April 23 - 6:50 am

  I bought a 2006 with almost all the options. We have 2 children and regularly carpool two others to school. I like driving the car. It is small and peppy. I love the 5 speed on a minivan.