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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  Amazingly fun, but a bit thirsty - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Nick K - March 12 - 7:43 pm

  Having had the car for almost two months now, I can say that overall Im very, very happy with it. Turning is crisp and the car stays flat even with sudden direction changes. The trans in this car certainly isnt on par with any Honda or even modern VW Ive ever driving. Shifting takes some effort and missing the 2-3 shift is fairly easy by hitting the 1-3 gate. However, the limited slip is fantastic for tightening up the car in a corner. Turbo lag is present, but not horrible. The stability control sometimes intervenes without letting you know, making you think the lag is worse than it is. Overall, an excellent car and if performance is more important to you, blows the GTI away.

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  Fun on Four Wheels and a Budget - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By cleverjason - March 12 - 5:26 pm

  After driving the car a while, its easy to forget how peppy this little compact really is. So, to remind myself, I let my friends take it out for a spin every now and then, and when they push the pedal down and let off the clutch, and when you watch the inevitable Zoom Zoom smile spread across their faces, you remember why you bought it. Make no mistake: The 3 is no sports car, and calling it sporty for its class is like calling a Mr. Coffee pot "gourmet." But the Mazda 3 feels like a sportier car than it is, and thats why most people love driving it. If you can get your hands on a SkyActiv with a manual like I did, youll realize those modest 155 ponies pull more than their weight.

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  Fun car except 1 Flaw! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By ddkway - March 12 - 7:20 am

  Quick, agile car begging to be driven. One drawback is the car has a quick to appear symptom of strong vibration from the front when moderate to strong acceleration is applied. The dealer speculated it seemed like a loose motor mount, but on investigation by their tech they could only determine it was the nature of the car to have wheel hop. It comes on quite easily and is embarrassing and somewhat hard to explain to passengers when it occurs as it is quite loud. Im thinking the addition of traction control to the 07 model was to help rectify this. All the other good comments you see about this car are right on the money!

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  Small minivan or large station wagon? - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By PeterK - March 8 - 10:13 pm

  My family of 3 soon to be 4 needed to upgrade from our Civic to be able to carry two car seats some cargo and maybe grandma every now and then. We desperately did not want to end up in a mini van and despite what some categorize Mazda 5 as we love the sliding doors which allow pain-free baby loading into the car seat. Cargo room with the third row folded is sufficient but when the seats are up you cant even fit your groceries. Gas mileage is in the area of 24 MPG with mixed driving, enough power to propel 4 adults and a baby on any road or hill. Highly recommended to those who need larger vehicle but want to remain environmentally friendly.

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  So far, so good.... - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By MickeyD - NJ - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I was most impressed with the styling. I am a little concerned about the spongy brake pedal. The cigarette lighter doesnt work and the fuel door is problematic. The premium sound system breaks up a little when pushed. The stalling problem?... While coasting into a drive, the car began to buck and would not move forward. Worried, I checked the gear selector and discovered that I had inadvertantly put the car into reverse. I simply placed the car back into drive and its been fine ever since. Ive gottten about 25.4 MPG (not bad at all). This car is so much fun to drive, Ill make any excuse to run to the store or just simply, to take a ride.

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  Good - not great - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By dougal1098 - March 4 - 12:30 am

  I have been driving my 2014 CX-5 Grand Touring for a couple of days now. I got the base Grand Touring model with a remote start and a trailer hitch. The car itself is nice with good handling and styling. The car just looks nice. The 19" wheels are a distinctive feature that really makes the car unique. The handling of the car is nice but not dramatically different than other cars in its class. And really, why buy this car of this class for handling anyway?

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  That which we call a Rose. - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Josh Smith - February 26 - 2:10 am

  The Miata is one of those cars people just awe over, you cant help but name it, you want to call her something. The sleek curves give off a sense of class, while the small, but cocky stance says "I want to play". The Miata, in my opinion, is underrated, it has enough power for most people, and enough aftermarket support for the rest of us. A light-weight rear-wheel drive car is just one of those things that any generation could admire. Cruising the interstate with the top down, wind blowing.. You cant resist but feel that youre free.

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  Driving those Hills in San Francisco - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ericbythebay - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car on Halloween Night! 2nd Miata (traded in 1993)and was very pleased on the upgrades over the years...Very comfortable, but having had MGs and an old Miata felt a lot of the rough/bumpy of the old Sports car was missing...I enjoyed that kind a feeling...The Mazda rumble is missing. More like a whine! Car is more like a cushy compact with the top down. Handles beautifully. Wont win any speed races with the power.

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  Great transition vehicle - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By mpv buyer - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Moving from an Audi A4 to a minivan becomes a necessity when baby #3 comes. With money tight and space even tighter we decided to start looking for something bigger. 2 vehicles fell into our sights: Suzuki XL7 and Mazda MPV. The MPV wins because of its superior useage of interior space and surprisingly decent handling ability. Got an end of year LX almost fully equipped below invoice price. Looking forward to the BMW minivan in 2005/2006 (u heard it hear first!)

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  Very disappointed in gas mileage - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Jeff Thomas - February 23 - 5:46 am

  Great car, I love almost everything about it, except the gas mileage. I chose the Tribute primarily because of the EPA estimate of 29 mpg hwy, but, even though I drive 95% hwy, and at normal speeds, the best Ive gotten (after 3500 mi) is 23 mpg, usually about 21.5. Other than that, I love it, but would like to know what is wrong.