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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  Excellent Choice for Family - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By tw - May 29 - 2:33 am

  We bought our MPV LX brand new in late 2002. 3 1/2 years and 80,000 miles later, we are still very happy with the van. It is smaller than Honda and Toyota minivans, and is just the perfect size for a family of 4. Originally my wife insisted on buying a minivan after our first child was born. I hesitated to be seen in a minivan. But we rented an MPV during a vacation and felt in love with the size and handling. We have only had one mechanical problem with a radiator hose during the 80,000 miles weve had the van. The problem occurred around 30,000 miles, and was fixed by the dealer (there was a bulletin on the issue). Other than that, it has been very reliable.

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  More zoom - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miata2 - May 26 - 12:00 pm

  Very nice roadster for the money. All the Miata driving traits carried to the next level, worthy successor to my 95 Miata. Superior handling, braking, manual shifting, cornering etc. But. I think Mazda blew some of these details: exterior styling rear end. Boring. Needs the spoiler just to get going. Front styling. The round hood shape is odd and visually distracting. Interior. Console cup holders are useless, should be storage with gas and trunk releases. Interior. No map pockets. Huh? Gas door release. Torturous location. Exterior colors. The cloth top is an ugly color. All of the body colors except black need to be richer, see Porsche. Side styling lacks character.

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  A little disapointed - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Peter - May 26 - 10:06 am

  This vehicle is a little like a body builder. Looks great and impressive from a distance. However, when you really get to know it its a little disappointing. I was very excited to buy this car but was so thoroughly unimpressed with the engine and performance I just couldnt get myself to buy it. The 4 cylinder turbo is jerky and lags quite a bit. The biggest problem is the fact that when you hit the gas the engine screams so loud you feel like its in the passenger seat. I am a Mazda lover having owned two, I will re-visit the CX-7 when my wife gets ready to replace her vehicle I hope by then they change the powertrain.

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  Very Happy ... So Far - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Vic - May 26 - 7:00 am

  Weve had our MPV for almost 3 months. So far were more than happy with it. The ride is comfortable and car like. Its tidy dimensions, compared to rivals from Honda and Toyota, are a plus to our family of 4. The sliding rear doors are a blessing, since our 3 year old doesnt know the meaning of "slowly" or "gently" when opening his door. As far as reliability goes, so far, so good. 2 1/2 months is a little too early to make a judgment. Lets see how things go in the next 4 years. As I said, the MPVs smaller size is a plus for us. However, if you feel "bigger is better" in terms of cargo and passenger space, then an Odyssey or Sienna would be a better choice.

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  Great Van for the dollar. - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By David Vega - May 25 - 1:26 pm

  My wife and I thought we would never purchase a minivan. We both have SUVs, a Land Cruiser 95 and Land Rover Disco 97. Now we have a son, with the car seat in the back it is a little cramped. The person sitting next to the car set just doesn’t have room. Both SUVs have the 3 row sets still not comfortable. We look at all the vans only the MPV, Honda and Toyota were considered. Well, we got the MPV black sport with side air bags and rear air. No auto sliding doors. WOW great ride, excellent van. Acceleration. Drives like a car. Only got 7k on it so far. Only problem, at the port where the MPV came in, factory options are put in. During the roof rack install, screw installed wrong, leaked. New headliner required.

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  Micro Mini Van does the Job - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Damian - May 25 - 7:53 am

  During the 15,000 miles Ive been through the initial up the middle down and back up. Dont change the tires for heavier ones, leave it with the toyos or use carlike light tires. Do that and youll like this vehicle forever. Its zoom zoom and I really like it. My wife and I cruise we dont race and all our cars last long and never go to repair shops.

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  The "Fun To Drive" Zoom Zoom Economy Car! - 2013 Mazda Mazda2
  By xcorgi - May 25 - 5:37 am

  What can I say, this car is just surprising! It really gets better the more you drive it. It is rock solid and its standard Yokohama tires glue it to the road and is especially secure in fast, tight, turns. This coupled with the amazing suspension makes you feel secure and completely in control at all times. Dont believe the video review BS on YouTube about this thing being underpowered. Its not! Its a perfect balance of horsepower to weight ratio logic. Dont take my word for it. Test drive one and your will be surprised! It may not have the best storage or tech goodies but if you want to fall in love with the Fun Factor of driving every day this is the one! It has the fun fun zoom zoom!

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  B3000 DS SX Model - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By frank - May 25 - 5:03 am

  This is the best truck Ive had, better than a Ranger and cheaper. Handles well in all uses, hauls very well.

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  Mazda 6s - great value - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By DH800 - May 24 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned my Mazda 6s for a couple of months and I love it! Value is first rate: leather seats, powerful V6 engine, and beautiful design at a very affordable price. The 220-hp lets me run with most cars on the road while it doesnt kill me at the pump (although mpg could be better). And when I wax my car, I still catch myself staring at it; love the exterior design. The only thing you have to do to this car is open up the mufflers, add an intake and you have a legitimate, stylish contender that stands out from the economy-car pack. I cannot attest to the reliability yet, however, but I think these cars have done well considering 03 was the first production year.

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  Love the Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Toastboy - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Just bought it, so far it handles the canyons here in beverly hills awesomely. I love it.