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:

• 

  A Very Fun Car - BUT? - 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By P Mac - October 11 - 9:13 am

  Ive own alot of Mazdas. They all have been very good to me. I also own a lot of cars in general. I purchase a NEW 2017 MX5 RF for my 18 Year old son as a Graduation Gift. Yes he is spoiled. Mazda did a good job keeping true to its roots. The RF Model grabs a lot of attention. Layout is great, design is great. No way will you fit if your over 6 , or if you are on the heavy side, you will not fit. You have to be 150 - 180lbs max at around 58 to enjoy the comfort. For my son, its perfect. My only con, and again its nothing new about this car,......The Power. my wife has a Mazda cx5 with the 2.5 Skyactiv and it has good torque, it moves the cx5 along great. The 2.0 in the Mx5 to me feels just like my 116HP 1992 miata I had. 200HP would be PERFECT! Overall it was well engineered and boy can you push it through turns. Out of five stars, I give it four. bump up the HP and it will receive a FIVE STARS.................another bullet proof Miata/MX5 that will run for the next 20years. Oh and dont let the Dealer sucker you into a 900.00 Nav sim card, I order one from eBay @ 125.00, it works GREAT!!!

• 

  Worried - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Stacy - October 9 - 2:23 am

  I love my CX-9, which is why I am so disappointed in its reliability. I dont know what is going on, but my CX-9 has 4,000 miles and it is in the shop for the second time. The first time the transmission went completely out and had to be replaced with 350 miles. It is now in the shop again for a leak in the transfer casing. I am concerned about keeping it (a bought it because I need a reliable car for my commute to college) but I really love my CX-9.

• 

  Mazda protege 5 out Mazda 3 wagon in - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By renoman - October 8 - 1:00 am

  Ive had the car about a month now, with a little over 1k in mileage. Once again Mazda has done a very good job on the interior of the car. Overall a nice jump in interior room from the old protege. Only interior gripe I have is that when my legs are the right distance away, my arms feel too far away from the steering wheel. No adjustment left on the telescoping wheel. The old protege just fit. Exterior wise, I just like sport wagons, so this car fits me. Mechanically mileage has been 26-27 mpg mixed driving. I hoped for better, Im a little disappointed, but I chose sport over economy. The car is fun to drive, handles well, nicely finished for the price, and thats why Im on my second one

• 

  Its Okay..... - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By ChadM - October 6 - 8:50 am

  I have had this car for about 2 1/2 years and have a couple of issues with it. From the beginning I have been dealing with warning lights coming on non stop with nothing wrong. I had a blow out of one of my tires. In the pst 1 1/2 I have had to replace the tires twice, maybe because of my commuting. Overall I do love my car, its just been one thing after another though.

• 

  Still one of the better looking small sedans on the road. - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By zramil - October 5 - 1:54 pm

  The car is a great compromise between sleepy, although quiet Corolla and entertaining, yet loud and overpriced (for a used car) Civic. Very engaging ride, fairly precise handling, not the quietest ride but not as loud as Civic. Even though car is now 6 years old, its still a very good looking model. Interior is very well thought out, excellent fit and finish - clean, functional, attractive. This generation is notorious for rust problems, half of 3s I see on the road have rust which decreases resale value. Other than that had no problems with the car. If you are looking for a good quality small sedan mazda 3 is a must see - great balance between performance, quality, value and looks.

• 

  Pretty good, but many small headaches - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By No Name - October 3 - 1:00 pm

  Bought my 2003 Tribute FWD LX new and have been pretty pleased overall. 90k miles, still has original tires with plenty of tread. However, have replaced wheel bearings (~$450), brakes and rotors, throttle cable sticks and steering wheel squeaks, even after several attempts to have fixed under warranty. Now, power steering fluid leaks, alternator is going bad (seems to be common problem), and rust is forming on the tailgate (water collects on the window frame). However, gets decent MPG (20 city/ 25 hwy) and drives great, handles snow and ice well with FWD. Comfortable seats and fits my 6ft frame with no problems. Ok overall, but wouldnt buy again compared to others.

• 

  Zoom...Zoom...Zoom - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike - October 1 - 8:10 pm

  My family of four really enjoys our new Tribute. Its peppy and gets you where you need to go in a hurry! We plan to drive on our family vacation this Fall. My dealer had dual personalities, prior to receiving our cash and post cash. Mazda should better scrutinize who gets a franchise. The product though is Zoom...Zoom...Zoom!

• 

  Whats with the brakes? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Owner - September 29 - 3:03 pm

  Love my Mazda except for the constant problem with the noisy front brakes. At 4000K had no brake pads and at 8000K had new ones again. Dealership said is is a problem but the new softer pads (sorry dont know the right terms) have reduced this problem. When it is cold outside however, the brakes when backing up scream. The dealership pretty much hates seeing me now, so I have decided to live with the problem. I guess if that is all that is wrong - its a bonus.

• 

  Great Car, when it runs 8^( - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By David Lane - September 28 - 4:30 pm

  I fell in love with the styling. I fell in love with the features. I fell in love with the handling. Then the honeymoon was over. After approximately 1800 miles on it, the engine started to sputter when it was cold. It idled fine. But as soon as you put it in gear, the engine would shake violently, & only rev to approximately 2k rpm when you mashed on the gas. The colder the weather the worse it was. 1st trip, dealer, they said it needed a software update. Didnt help. 2nd trip, tried to repair a valve. Didnt help. 3rd replace valve. 4th more software. It is on its 5th time and they dont know what is wrong (after 3 days). If it is not fixed this time, I will try to go the lemon law route. 8^(

• 

  Mazda 6 :) - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Karla - September 26 - 8:30 pm

  I love my Mazda6, for the most part. The interior has a lot of rattles that they couldnt resolve. The cooling fan has already been repaired once and is running overtime again. It is fun to drive and is "cool" with the teenagers, even though it is a "Moms" car. Had planned to pass it down to my teenager, but not ready to let it go!