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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  Smooth Running Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gil Gagne - June 7 - 10:00 am

  My model has the 4-speed automatic with 2.3 engine. Very, very smooth engine with absolutely no typical 4 cylinder vibration. Engine is very responsive with more power than needed; can keep up with anything except Corvette. Firm suspension with good handling. Only complaint is the air conditioning system, must run the blower on highest speed whenever sun is shinning and even then cooling is only marginal.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By M DAlessandro - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Great Car!!!!

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  Tight Car - loads of room - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By rossberg - June 7 - 10:00 am

  The build quality of this car is great. If average German quality were a 5 and Japnese a 4, this car would score a 4.5 in my book. There is a solid "thunk" when closing the doors, quiet ride, good cornering. I went with the 2.3L for the fuel economy, not disappointed performance-wise, but if I did not care about mileage, I would have taken the V6. Even with an manu-matic the car is not a slug, just wont beat a Hemi off the line. I would highly recommend this car for its good looks, versatility and value.

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  I cant justify replacing it - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By 200kcarsonly - June 6 - 7:59 pm

  I have zero regrets about keeping this car for 130K. I have had to put new struts on it to rejuvenate the ride but it was worth the expense. If you are looking for one, I suggest trying to find an ES because it has ABS and side airbags. The ABS saved me from a collision once for sure. If I am going to drive around in a little car I need a few modern safety features. The ES does require more expensive tires but Kumho makes a tire that fits the ES rim that has been a decent tire me. Unfortunately, this car is not good in snow with the factory rims/ tires. I bought snow tires on steel rims to put on in winter when the car was in Wisconsin.

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  You Can Get Em Cheap - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By tabbss - June 6 - 7:36 am

  My wife needed a minivan and didnt want the minivan looks. We rented a MPV and liked it. We test drove the Quest and Sedona. Both of those had interior parts fall off during our test drives. Saw a new MPV in an ad at a local dealer for $15,488. Heavy rebates and dealer took off another $1K for Mazda financing. Cant beat the price and runs great. The dealers want to get rid of these so you can get them for a steal if you can find them.

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  WOW!!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jim - June 6 - 4:03 am

  ....and I thought you had to buy a GM car to get such a soft ride. Superb handling. Smooth acceleration with the V6. Now I get the Zoom Zoom thing. Great driving experience. Not one rattle so far. What a car!!

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  Fast and Fun with issues - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By bfad - June 5 - 11:56 pm

  2008 Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD (JD Powers SUV of the Year). It is truly fun to drive. The power/handling in the SUV will blow you away. You feel like your driving a sports car. The interior design is above average and the third row seating is actually usable by adults. This SUV has many wonderful selling points. But my CX-9 has had some durability/quality issues. At 12,000 miles I needed new wheel bearings installed on front right side. At 22,500 I needed four new tires installed ($875.00) and yes I rotated them every 6000 miles. It didn’t help! This SUV eats up tires like you can’t believe. Now at 24,000 miles I need new wheel bearings on the driver side and the rear climate control is acting

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  power window and door locks fail - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By 1961barbie - June 5 - 11:34 pm

  2011 cd player malfunctioned trapping my fav cd forever. cant play it, cant get it back out. 2011 the bolt holding the rear window on rusted thru and if you open it you need to lift while closing it to line it up manually. 2012 bright/dim switch stopped working. 2012 shifter cable broke. 2013 transmission went out 2013 drivers door power window off track 2014 power door lock malfunction resulting in drivers door and driver side back door will not open, and front passenger door only opens from the outside. 2014 drivers door window off the track again. but... drives smooth, good mileage and good on tires.

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  Loving my Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Dr.Mish - June 5 - 11:20 am

  I love this vehicle it delivers everything I wanted Performance, Style all for an unbelievable price!!!! I test drove the RDX and the Lexus RX 350 and all ic an honestly say from a girl who loves fabulous things is that this vehicle is simply amazing and ever so chic and sporty!! A fun car that wont break your bank!! Loving it!!

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  Poor Interior Design - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Barbara - June 5 - 7:30 am

  This is the 1st Mazda Ive owned and after having a Honda Odyssey it will be the last Mazda I buy until they upgrade some of the features. It rides and handles well, however I do notice a big blind spot on the passenger side. The ALL red lights on the dash are cool at first but when you want to check time, temp, radio station and even looking at the speedometer all the numbers seem to blend in together and thats annoying. I cant believe that some different colors werent used. I hope this review helps someone before you actually purchase this vehicle and are then disappointed.