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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  Very Happy!!!!!!! - 2000 Mazda 626
  By MintToken - January 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car from my Boss. who had it only 2-months. His wife just got a company car, and with there other car, and Van, one had to go. It is loaded with all,with 5-speed and all the bells etc.I have 35,000 on it and it has been trouble free. It still surprises me with the power it has at just 170 horses. Fine for me.

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  Most uncomfortable Vehicle - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By hermandvm - January 16 - 10:00 am

  A nice van overall but so uncomfortable I drive it only when I am forced to. The padding on the drivers seat is very firm on the side bolsters and digs into your thighs. It is impossible to get comfortable. The steering wheel also seems to be off center making it even more difficult to get comfortable. On a short drive it is responsive and fun to drive but dont be fooled. The interior is also too small. My kid who are in their early teens and pre teens complained about the tight quarters and uncomfortable seats as much as I did. The power doors are also painfully slow.

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  MPV - The less known superstar - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Tom Zachariah - January 16 - 7:40 am

  I bought an MPV about the same time that my brother bought a Sienna. At the time of buying my MPV, the only reason for me buying was that I was getting a good deal from my dealer. But after I bought my van and also experienced the Sienna (also considering what my brother paid for it), MPV is just excellent value for money. It has everything (even more) that a Sienna has to offer. We think MPV is better in driving experience and over all styling but lacks in leg room for the second row and engine noise. If Mazda can make it quieter, MPV is the best considering what you pay for it. My family is all happy for the choice we made and will recommend it to anyone with a small budget & small family.

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  No more Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By No more Fords - January 16 - 6:56 am

  Transmission failed at 27,000 miles, one year after warranty expired. After $3,000 to replace transmission and insure check engine light no longer came on, I traded the vehicle. Mazda declined to make any payment toward replacement of transmission although dealer said it was a manufacturing defect. I have owned three previous Mazdas but Zoom Zoom is gone gone.

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  Dislike the AC - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By Wang Kaisi - January 16 - 5:44 am

  A few things to point out after owning this car more than a year. 1. AC system. Front windshield defrost will ONLY turn on when you use external circulation mode. When I need to defrost, I am also bringing in the exhaust from the car in front of me. 2. 180HP on this vehicle seems not enough power when passing on a freeway. (personal)

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  More Than I Expected! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Truthsayer - January 15 - 10:20 pm

  I traded my 2008 M3 HB GT w/Bose-Roof pack the exact same trim and package as the 2010 that I got. Scared like heck that it would not be as good I took the plunge. This car has turned out be to Superior in every way. More solid build, better handling, more power, smoother transmission by leaps & bounds. This trans mated with the new 2.5 is a marriage made in heaven. It doednt hunt or over shift and electronically is dialed in better than my BMW was. It hits gears on the money and the new frame makes this thing float along better than a Lexus is250 -no lie. Its smooth, responsive and at 80 you feel like launching to 150 with ease. I cant begin to describe the value of this car- unbelievable-tops

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  I Love My Car!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Jackie - January 15 - 4:53 pm

  I have a week with my CX-7 and I love it. Im glad I made the right choice. My car is so comfy and spacious, everybody loves it! The driving is awesome. Its super smooth and fast. I will recommend this car to everyone.

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  Winner! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By waynew - January 15 - 5:33 am

  I bought this car after having owned 3 Corvettes and 3 BMWs. It is more fun to drive than any of them. Not the power of the M3, but it does ok and the handling is superb. Ride comfort is just right for me. Not too hard like an M3 and not soft enough to screw up the handling. Mazda got it just right. A really fun car to drive with just the right touches in terms of features. Our options included sport suspension with 17" wheels and satellite radio. I would have ordered the premium package but instead bought this one off the showroom floor. The power hardtop is brilliant. Take heart guys, my wife loves to drive this car!

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  Zoom Zoom Again!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Donnie - January 13 - 12:56 pm

  I bought this Mazda 6 as an upgrade from my Mazda 3. This car is unbelievable. Not only is it fun to drive, but the ride is out of this world. You get it all in this Mazda 6, comfort, luxury, eye catching and dont forget the Zoom Zoom. I looked and test drove 3 other cars (Infiniti G37, VW Passat CC & Toyota Venza) This car beats them 9 out of 10 categories. If you are looking for a new car I would recommend you take this Mazda 6 for a ride...You will not be disappointed

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  Fun car with some annoying quirks - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By DCdriver - January 13 - 7:43 am

  I bought this car in 2008 looking for a sporty hatchback on the cheap. At the time there wasnt much in the offering, unlike today where it seems like hatchbacks have caught on again. Its a great car for most occasions with plenty of "get-up", lots of room with the seats down, and a great exterior (imho). Unfortunately its not without its problems: anything exhaust related (EGR valve for instance, the fact that it has TWO cat. converters that like to fail!) and of course the headlights, as most other reviewers have mentioned. All in all its a fun car, but if I had to do it again I might have spent a little more money and gone for a Mazda3.