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:

• 

  Car or brand... - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By bb_nj - May 5 - 11:02 am

  Bought spanking new CX9 AWD and was super excited. The drive is nice though the voice interface can be improved. Alas this was short lived and not to mention super frustating. So much so that I have decided to let go of the vehicle at a lose. Why... because Mazda sold me a car for which they do not have spare parts. My car is in workshop for more than a month for simple parts like bumber and grill. They do not even have eta on the back orders. The Customer service is no help and would not even consider a loner car. I am spending from my pocket. Even after the car is fixed I have lost complete faith in the brand. Please do share this critical info with friends.

• 

  dont do it - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By gail - May 4 - 3:50 pm

  To all viewers on this web site. I bought a Mazda Tribute 04/02 for a graduation gift for my daughter (her choice) we have had nothing but TROUBLE from day 1. We have had it in for service more than i can say for air bag trouble. they cant seem to fix. I am trying to have mazda buy it back with no luck they say there is nothing wrong but if the air bag light is on the air bag will NOT deploy i have had it in for recalls 3 times when i complain the dealer says nothing the vehicle gets 8 to 10 miles per gallon they will tell me thats not bad when it should get 18 to 22 or so the dealer has changed people is the service so no one can say a thing so if you want a good car dont buy mazda

• 

  Dx: Boring commute; Tx: Miata - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By billmanrj - May 4 - 10:00 am

  A blast to drive...have you ever seen a Miata driver who didnt have a smile on his/her face? Impractical but who cares! My favorite game (in Florida it often rains daily) is to gamble and beat the weatherman by driving with the top down. Said by a co-worker after a ride..."In the long run, I bet this is alot cheaper than therapy".

• 

  I love it and I am not getting rid of it - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Kimmy - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 LX 4WD and I love it! I had to special order it to get what I wanted and it took 2 months to get, but I am so happy with it! I traded in my 2 yr old Mustang and havent looked back since! The V6 has the pick-up that I love and was used to from my car and it drives very much like a car. It is extremely easy to handle and makes Atlanta traffic a breeze! My boyfriend has a Honda EX CR-V but he prefers to drive my car because as he said, "It actually goes when you push the gas peddle." No regrets here!

• 

  Honest review by a happy owner. - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Shlep - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Between me and my wife we have to fight who gets it to go to work. New V6 engine great 200 hp. all I need it has plenty of power for city or highway for any normal family. The size is perfect for 7 passengers normally we have 3 or 4 but we have had seven once . So if you need to always move a ton of people or 50 sheets or dry wall buy a larger van you will be happier. We liked the MPV Mazda features like the power rear windows and the fold down rear seat,and the modern looks. My wife has a two year old Protoge and has been perfect so far.

• 

  love to hate it - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By steven30x - May 2 - 9:56 am

  I bought my rx-8 in April 09 with 27k. It is now Sept. 09 and i have 34k. I got a great deal on the car and loved the first 2 months i had it. Recently the airbag light came on for 2 weeks and then just shut off. A few days later and a month after an oil change it ran out of oil because the warning light never came on. Now every time i drive it it smells like burning oil, and mazda has no answers to these problems. The brakes squeak horribly and still squeaked after replacement. Heat from the cupholder area is ridiculous,and everything rattles. The stereo for a bose is awful, but the car looks awesome and if u get the clutch perfect in first it will take off pretty fast. Keep it or sell it?

• 

  This car has soul! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By BadgerPat - May 1 - 10:33 pm

  Mazda is the under appreciated Japanese brand, but they are the most fun to drive. I needed a commuting car and chose this as a nice balance between completely boring fuel economy and something that I would like to drive since I spend about 2 hrs and 20 min in it every workday. It is very reliable and you wont be disappointed if you buy one used. I am giving mine up to my 16 yr-old daughter and feel comfortable with her driving it.

• 

  Clunk-Clunk in place of Zoom-Zoom!! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Olegreybeard - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Too man recalls to mention.Weve had the transmittion checked for rough shifting-dealer cant duplicate problem.Then comes a recall for that very problem,car is in shop all day,they say its fixed,no it is not! Service engine light has come on 3 times ffor different reasons,the dealer says,find out there had been recalls of those problems!We are already looking to trade.Looks like Ill take about a $10,000 hit on this one.Lesson...NEVER buy a first year vehicle.The 6 is a beautiful car,drives like a sports car,super sterio system,only we cant hear it good for all the air noise coming in from somewhere,and of course the dealer cant duplicate that problem

• 

  New Model, New Problems - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By charlie2004 - April 30 - 10:00 am

  Pros: Turns great, decent mileage, comfortable (front seats), looks really nice, roomy trunk space, and better than average performance. Cons: Lights keep coming on in front panel, no parts available for this car-- cracked windshield could only be replaced at dealership with original part costing $$$$, one tire blew and the tire can only be changed at dealership (no place has it but factory), to sit comfortable in the front leaves very little space for back seats, very tight ride--not so smooth, and last.. the horn is horrible.

• 

  Zoom Zoom, Yeah Baby - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By BBoy_N_OTown - April 30 - 10:00 am

  THIS is the car for my fellow Baby Boomers on a budget! The ride is awesome, taking turns like a fine tuned lean mean driving machine. When I step on the gas to pass or change lanes, my head pops back! Man, what a rush. The cockpit interior is awesome, I love the red lights. Its so much fun, I sometimes just get on the road and go nowhere. And when I get there, I turn around and head back!