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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  How do they do it? - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By SLIVer93 - May 10 - 4:06 am

  After driving 9 other 7 passenger SUV/CUVs to replace our jeep after the birth of our twins, the CX9 easily came out on top. It is remarkable how they make a vehicle of this size drive as small as it does. Mazda really thought this one through before putting it out there, unlike most others that put the third row in as an after-thought.

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  Good for the money - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By mabpac - May 9 - 3:43 am

  Purchased mine as a used vehicle from our credit union as a lease return. Agree this is an SUV, not a car, so ride is acceptable. Started out with a Suburban, then a Durango, now the Mazda. The short wheelbase is a little rougher, but overall a solid vehicle. The mileage could be better, but after driving two notorious gas guzzlers, Im happy. The engine is plenty powerful with good pick-up, unlike the Dodge I owned, that seemed to go from 0-60 in about an hour! Handling this years rough Northern Michigan winter like a charm, even out of 4WD. After a couple of hours, the seats get a little hard, additional cushioning would help.

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  High quality, low price - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Colleen - May 8 - 11:26 am

  This is a reliable car! Ive had this car for 7 years and have put 120,000 miles on it and Ive never needed to get any repairs done. If you look at this car, theres nothing about it that would make you say "wow thats cool!" but its reliable, spacious, handles well, comfortable, efficient, affordable, has good mpg, and when a friend spilled a slurpee on my fabric seats I discovered that theyre stain resistant. A S2000 owner drove my car once and said "wow this little car handles well!"

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  Luxury with an economy price - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Michael - May 7 - 7:43 pm

  Just bought the Grand Touring edition. The styling is fantastic. But the true wow factor is the interior. The designers did a wonderful job designing an interior that is just as beautiful and well appointed as a German car. Pair the "hopeful" reliability of a Japanese car with the build quality of a German car and Im in love. Kind of looks like a Range Rover Evoque with an Aston Martin open face grill. Sweet. Ive read the other reviews which were quite technical. If youre a driver and appreciate an SUV that not only looks good but drives like a car "all wheel drive Grand Touring" this is the ride for you. The red one is ugly. White or black. Come on....,

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  I love my "Baby" - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jen - May 7 - 6:10 pm

  Great car, fun to drive. Handles well. Many amenities that other cars in its class dont even offer. Drive it so you can see!

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  New used PRHT automatic MX5 - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By convertable - May 7 - 4:46 pm

  We purchased our car used in New Orleans with 7900 miles on it. We flew to New Orleans from Wa State to pick it up and drive it back home. We put 4K miles on the car in 2 weeks. We had to pack light but were able to get enough shorts and tops in it to make the trip. We averaged 31.6 MPG over the 4000 miles. We had no problems with the car or our backs and legs on the trip. The hard top helped with the noise as it was up most of the time on the freeways. I had read reviews about squeaks with the top and as soon as we drove off the lot I heard the same thing. Mazda in Wa. was able to fix with foam tape in the two receptors for the top at the top sides of windshield. Lots of Zoom Zoom!!

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  Transmission - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By aluera - May 7 - 12:31 pm

  When I down shift theres a huge clunk in 3rd and 2nd gear... Not very happy with it at all!!!

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  Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4x4 - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By cphuey - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Purchase my Mazda Tribute from a local Mazda dealer in the Mpls/St Paul area. Went to three different dealers, ended up going to back the 1st dealer. My Tribute is loaded, with leather, had 5000 miles on it demo. I have driven in the cities daily, and to the Black Hills. The SUV sticks to the road even the wind. Engine has pently of power for SUV. It is does not feel like a big SUV in tight parking lots, crusing around the cities. Seats are very comfortable, good viewing all around the SUV.

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  2004LX - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By kolt1 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The MPV is a true mini-van. I was considering buying a sedan, but this van drives/rides like a sedan...and when compared to a sedan, it has tons of cargo space. It gives you the best of both worlds. I cant say enough about the versatility of this vehicle. Anyone who is considering purchasing a mini-van should definitely test drive this one.

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  Beware of Plastic Parts and Oil Filters! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By George Bennett - May 5 - 3:26 pm

  After driving a Protege for 10 years and 250,000 miles, the 3 S seemed like a great car until I used a Jiffy Lube and cracked the poorly designed oil cartridge housing on the car. Mazda says tough luck, but has issued a service bulletin, and I believe reverted back to the cannister versus the cartridge oil filter. It is sad to say that such a nice car can be ruined by poor design - but in my case (and from what I hear) the case of several other Mazda 3 s owners, that you will have to pay $60.00 at the dealership to make sure that your engine does not suffer major damages. I believe the 2005 model also has this type of filter so be prepared!