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:

• 

  Nice Van but Known PROBLEM - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By D.A.G. - November 1 - 2:00 am

  A wonderful van. Very roomy and sporty. However, the known problem about these MPVs (now I know...) is a HARD SHIFT. Check www.edmunds.com in the Car Discussion section - youll see. Mazda hasnt acknowledged the problem yet, which is very frustrating. Other than shifting issue, the van is great...but that is a BIG issue.

• 

  My 1st mini-van and I like it - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By gakster - October 31 - 10:00 am

  We have been pretty much anti-mini-van until we found out that 3rd kid is on the way. Test drove the Oddy, Sienna & Quest and the MPV. The MPV is the best handling and most maneuverable of the lot. Picked up a 2002 Silver LX, security pkg, rear a/c, roof rack and couldnt be happier. Really like the space and handling (for a mini-van).

• 

  not too shabby - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By screwedinaz - October 29 - 12:32 pm

  So i decided to trade my hyundai for one of these. while i have not really driven this yet i can tell it should be fun. i have more room on the inside and the layout is basic. I opted for a base model minus the the fancy radio and gadgetry. also the price was right. so far it rides well throttle response is better and the ride is very quiet. the 4 gerbils under the hood seem to be very happy and get the wheels moving quite quickly. i dont know about fuel economy but i expect it to be rather decent for a 4 cylinder. note i have only owned this for about 5 hours.

• 

  Love my new Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By JRandyH - October 27 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Tribute as a second car to replace a 10 year old explorer. I mainly was looking for 4WD in a small SUV. I was close to buying an excape but the mazda warranty was much better so went with them. The car drives like a dream and my other car is an Acura TS type L. It sits high and is really fun to drive.

• 

  Great...for the first two years - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By fzyltlsquirrel - October 26 - 2:09 pm

  I was in love with this car. Frankly, in many ways I still am. I have the standard tranny and love the handling. The car really is fun to drive. Except when the gear synchro does not function properly from first to second. I drive 300+ miles a week, and have since I got the car. We live in northern CA and go snowboarding and backpacking often, so this car gets driven a lot. Even so, it is only 2 1/2 years old, and the tranny is clearly going bad. The worst part is that it is an intermittent problem that the dealer has yet to duplicate. I have 5,000 miles left on my warranty so, sadly, Im trading her in for a CX 5 - which doesnt come with as many features on the manual. Disappointing

• 

  06 Mazda tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By roshov - October 24 - 6:46 pm

  All is good except: 1. center console moves back and forth showing wear near the gearshift 2. driver seatbelt receptacle rubs/damages center console, needs at least Velcro like passenger seat belt has (near center console) 3. fuel door very difficult to open, people with large fingers would have an extreme time opening. 4. seat uncomfortable to lay back and attempt to nap in (passenger).

• 

  Great Car so far - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By grassshearking - October 19 - 11:03 pm

  I have about 500 miles on my 2013 CX9 AWD Grand Touring SUV. I wanted reliability, a good array of technical options, comfort, quite ride and seven seats. I looked over a variety of options - the GM suite of products (Enclave, Acadia, Traverse), Toyota Highlander, BMW X5 and Acura MDX. I added the CX9 to the list after seeing its consumer rated reliability index was a 92, higher than the Highlander. My decision came down to the Highlander and CX9. Did not trust the GM products, Acura MDX is too expensive, same with the X5. Compared to the Highlander Ltd, the CX9 GT has a better middle seat, better technical options, a better ride, and is a much better value. Paid $37k out the door for min

• 

  Stay Away - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By AngryMazxa - October 15 - 8:13 am

  Purchased a 1 year old hatch with 24,000 miles, with 50,000 now, I have had to replace the engine and transmission linkage. I had an Explorer with less problems and that is saying something. Buyer beware of this one.

• 

  Puts the mini in Minivan - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Martin - October 15 - 3:33 am

  My wife has had one for about 20 months now. This car has proven much more versatile then a more expensive station wagon. Handling is exceptional for a minivan and above average for a car. Between the balanced weight distribution and the independent suspension, this car can actually corner! Also, it can be bought in a stick! which makes it all the more peppier. We drive the car in winter (including last years record breaking one) and it is not the best winter car. But if you buy winter tires you wont get stuck. Reliability: In 35000 km over 18 months of mixed driving the only repair has been a shock absorber on the left rear wheel. Not bad at all.

• 

  Whining - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By db4180 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Everything is great except for a whining noise @35-40 mph. Then it disappears. Any comments would be appreciated.