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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  LOVE my new CX7! - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Juraszek - March 25 - 2:16 pm

  Just got my new CX7 2 weeks ago, and Im already a Mazda convert. I test drove 8 models of various cars before I decided on this one. If you live in an urban area, make sure you get the turbo engine for getting on the freeway. The car is nimble and handles really well. The interior is really nice for the price point as well. I test drove the Rogue, Outback, Forrester, Soul, VW Tiguan, etc. The Mazda blew me away and I wasnt expecting much. It is far and away the best performing vehicle in this class, gas mileage could be a bit better, but Id rather be ALIVE and pay an extra $200 a year in gas money, than be squished beneath a giant truck. Great car, well worth the money!

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  Great SUV - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By formerhonda - March 25 - 1:50 pm

  I purchased my SUV 2 weeks ago. I am currently getting 29-30MPG. I traded in a 2007 Honda CRV and it was the 4th Honda I had owned. Upon doing research on new autos, I saw the Mazda CX5 and loved the body style. I considered the Honda Fit, but I was disappointed it does not have the height seat adjustment. I am a 52 female and the seat adjustment is something that cannot be an option for me. My only complaint is the headrest sit a little high. I seldom have anyone sitting in the back seat, so I just removed the head rest until I need them. I still trying to get used to no key start, but I think my loyalty to Honda is no longer there!

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  Sportiest Car under 12k - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Mp3 lover - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Hands down, best handling compact. Macapherson struts all around, shock absorbers, 1.5 inches lower than stock. This baby obeys all cornering comands with out question.

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  Tribute to the test - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By TexasBoy - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This Tribute seems more reliable than average. Short wheelbase but with a softer suspension. Feels like a truck or more specifically, like a much shorter Explorer. It does seem fairly top heavy to me and like it could roll more easily than many. The stock stereo is below average. I think its one of the best looking compact SUVs on the market. Gas mileage is weak, but it is a truck. The V6 seems adequate (200 hp or so) at times and much more than adequate at other times. When you dial up the real power, the engine is much louder and feels like its straining. Small gas tank.

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  EX NISSAN FAN - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By AKFRIZZ - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. The styling is great.The gas mileage has been very good. The 4 cyl is moore than enough that when you step on the gas you quickly realize that your seeing everyone else in the rear view mirror. Handling is very good on the highway and in the curves.It turns on a dime and stops the same way.The number of standard features is mind boogling. Any one in the market for a new carwill be surprised that THIS DOEST IN ANY WAY FEE LIKE A ECONOMY CAR,AND DOEST LOOK IT AS WELL.I had a corvett owner stop me because he thought it was a new body bmw.

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  hot mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jvjvjvj - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car,good quickness,handling, and stopping power. A little cheap on the inside, I am used to Hondas and Acuras. Makes wind noise at highway speeds, but a fine car for the money I paid. I would buy a Mazda again.

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  Neck Breaker - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Ceejaayxx - March 25 - 8:30 am

  I love taking this car to the canyons. You could really feel the 50/50 balance of the rx-8 there. The cornering is perfect and the stock suspension is so beasty for stock. It looks and feels great. It can seat 4 people and its 4 door! This car is hard to not fall in love with.

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  Remarkable - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By kev1954 - March 24 - 8:23 am

  Ive owned numerous vehicles, this one is thus far the best. Great curb appeal, Fun to drive and classy. Performance is beyond its class.

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  Mazda 6 s (V6) - get an Acura or Honda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MAS__ - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Loved my car when I first bought it. Within a few months I received the first recall notice. Then a month later, my colling fan was making an awful sound. Then a few months later... the second recall. The dealer now does not issue a "loaner" or rental car when you take it in for service...unless its through a recall. (Even if its a warranty thing... no loaner.) Not good. I should have stuck with Acura.

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  my 2003 mazda pr5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Dan Oriley - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I have not a had any problems with my pr5. I find it exceptionally fun to drive and sporty. Everything in the interior is well designed and easy to access from the drivers seat. The six disc cd changer comes in handy for road trips.Overall I would rate this vehicle very high.