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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  Great little vehicle! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Steve - May 13 - 7:13 am

  We looked at all vans, but balked at the $! Mazda hit it right with price and features. We have 2 teens, and most of the time the 3rd seat is folded flat. Much usable space this way, and easy to convert if hauling more kids around. Tough going in the snow, the GT wheels look cool, but the wide, low profile tires are tough in the snow. As I told my wife, they do plow here, and we only had issue when everyone else did too, so no biggie. Love the Bluetooth, all the nooks and crannies, and total flexibility in this good looking little mover. We also love how sporty it drives, how well it parks and fits in the garage, and the zesty copper paint!

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  Whats with all the complaints? - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By lmf10910 - May 13 - 12:42 am

  I bought my 2007 with 19k miles on it and have to have my thudding brakes replaced after 3k miles of driving. Mazda covered it. AND THATS ALL IVE HAD TO! I honestly dont understand why so many people have had so many problems. Maybe I got lucky, but I am a previous Volvo owner and would love to hate a Mazda, but cant... its fast, has a smooth drive, truly great on gas for a smaller crossover (much better that my friends CR-V), and never gives me any issues. I wish I had problems with it to maybe go back to luxury, but the truth is, its a great car, especially for the money. Yeah the floor mats are cheap, but its not a Lexus...

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  Think before you buy - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Not Happy - May 12 - 11:50 pm

  Car handles great and has some nice options that are included. Power is lacking and intermittent - not what I expected from a 2.3L engine. Posted mpg on the 2.3 wagon is a joke - I average 20mpg. A few issues and the Mazda dealers dont want to deal with it and Mazda Customer Care line is useless also.

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  10,000 Miles After Purchase - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Idahed - May 12 - 1:40 pm

  We purchased our Mazda 3 to replace our old Ford Explorer. First road trip was 660 miles from Boise to Las Vegas. Comfortable (Im 62"). Economical (38.65 mpg) (29mpg in town). Zoom Zoom! The car has been reliable and were thinking of buying the hatch version now for our second car.

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  An excellent, beautiful handling car for the money - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By ohioan2 - May 11 - 2:23 pm

  Two-plus months and 2,900 miles on my Velocity Red hatch and Im loving it. Fun to drive, handles like a dream and I enjoy my daily commute in comfort and style. Plenty of power when needed, with great torque, on the 2.5. Youre giving up some gas mileage, but Ill pay for the trade off. Still averaging 30-32 mph with mix of highway/city driving, much better than my old V-6. Its nice to be crusing in something different and sporty in the sea of Civics and Corollas. Looks aggressive with those 17-inch alloys, side body crease swoop and is ready to prance. Even the smiley grill is growing on me, although the fog lighs and front license plate wipe off some of the smile.

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  Very satisfied. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Nick Tishma - May 11 - 8:50 am

  This Mazda has BMW-like handling at a lower cost. Reliability has been much better than domestics I have owned. The exterior still looks like new and the interior (leather) has held up well too. This car should last me another 6 to 7 years easily. I still enjoy driving it every day.

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  Nice, but wanting more - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By OhioMazda - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Nice car all around. Interior is well layed out and easy to use. Very comfortable. Exterior styling also very well done. I have the automatic with the sequenctial manual option and I am really missing the manual shift. For 160 hp, the car feels a little under-powered.

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  Almost Zoom Zoom but good enough! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By tamon77 - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I dont care if I evet buy another car. Car dealers drive me nuts!! That being said my wife and I instantly fell in love with the P5 from the moment we drove it. Overall,its a fun car with plenty of room for us. I wouldve loved a Mazada3 but budgets are budgets right :( This is our second car. I own a 2002 civic sedan which I love and my wife drives the P5. I love driving the P5 around town on the weekend but getting back into my honda for the weekly commute is like coming back to an old friend. If you can still find one of these new then give it some serious consideration. You wont be disappointed.

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  A Little Disappointed - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By tina_brmnghm - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Got a great deal on this car but prepare to pay for brakes early on. I had to get the brakes replaced at 25K miles and now at 32K miles they need replacing again! Traction is horrible on wet roads. Other than that it is a great car. It was the perfect answer at the time for me as a new parnet ready to move from my 2 door celica to a 4 door car, but wanted to stay with something sport and that didnt yell "Moms Taxi". The interior is a bit cramped but no more than any other car in this class.

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  Fun for a first car - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Dr. Frito - May 11 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this new a year ago for $15,000. Being our first new car we wanted to be careful. We looked at the Accord and Camry and really would have liked an Accord, however for the V-6 model we would have shelled out an additional 6-8 grand. Weve had no troubles with it and really have had fun. We took off on a 2500 mile road trip not too long after purchase. Interior is clean and simple. Exterior is also clean and simple. No qualms with anything.