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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  Sauna in the Summer - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Mom Parker - August 21 - 8:56 am

  We bought the MPV when we were expecting our first child. We were very pleased at first until we realized that the van was not equipped with rear air vents. There are four vents for the entire van. The summers in the south are brutal. We can no longer make our children endure the heat with no air vents. Needless to say we are now in the process of finding a new vehicle. Aside from that we are pleased. The only other complaint is the driver side window motor had to be replaced. We have put 36,400 miles on it and it still is going strong.

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  Lots of Power - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By gigiaguy89 - August 19 - 8:38 pm

  Nicely set up cockpit with well painted trim. Not a fan of the long front and super short back, but still has plenty of room in the backseat and trunk. Car has lots of power when it chooses to perform. Sometimes, it just wants to run sluggish, other times it wants to shift into the next gear harshly, but most times drives like it should. Very horrible on gas, but when you have a bozo trying to cut you off, it has enough power to keep them in their place (which is behind you). AC runs great and rain sensing wipers come in handy. Glove compartment is HUGE and there is plenty of places to put your little things.

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  Tirrirrrr sound from engine - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jangk - August 17 - 11:09 pm

  I bought 3 HB skyactiv 2.0 I touring a month ago. I drive city & hwy (60% & 40%), and get Average 36MPG, which is good. But, When I drive, I hear a very odd sound, that is heard like "Tirrrrr ttirrrirrrrrrr". It is not normal engine sound, it is extra abnormal sound. Especially in low speed, and at stop sign, that sound is very annoying. I told that problem to dearlership, but they couldnt find out the problem, and didnt fix it. I like eternal design and six speed auto transmission, but I dont want to recommend this vehicle to my friend.

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  Utility, sport, and value - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Russell - August 16 - 5:50 pm

  I considered a CPO Acura RSX and new Scion tC, but the 3 was the best compromise between the utility, fun factor, and value that I was looking for. The tC was nice, but the interior cannot compare in terms of space, ease of access, or aesthetics. Cargo volume with the seats down was surprisingly similar. The RSX was ultimately just too small; the rear seat is a shelf for packages, not people. I do, however, wish I had the RSX 5-speed auto and the gas mileage and performance that came with it. Be careful if youre considering the 3 largely on price, especially with the hatch model as it starts at 17k and moves past 20k with a sunroof and ABS. Good value, but hardly inexpensive.

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  My worst nightmare EVER!!!!!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By JessicaP - August 16 - 11:20 am

  When I first saw a CX-7 on the road, I wanted one immediately. A couple months later I then owned one.. and for the first 2 years and 5 months later, and 52,000 miles into owning this vehicle the A/C compressor went out. The worst part is that because the check engine light and/or the temp on the vehicle never told me that there was a problem. So to my surprise when I finally got off the freeway, after driving home about 250 miles... my car was literally a ball of smoke. The AC compressor went out and then affected the idler pully, some other type of pully, the harmonic balancer, and ultimately affected the engine...no compression left. They wanted $12,900 to fix it...

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  Fun little car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ADrugAgainstWar - August 16 - 4:46 am

  I bought this car last year at a dealer. The first thing that grabbed my attention was the body design, and i still love it. i think the new Mazda3 is a little too bubbly, when they designed this thing they werent afraid to add a few edges! Fun to drive, has some of that "zoom-zoom" at lower speeds. unfortunately, the little 4-banger does have to try a bit to get up steep hills, and it is very sluggish when four friends are packed inside. Oil filter is kind of a pain to get to. This baby does have a good clutch though. catches in the exact same place every time. I kind of wish it was RWD, but thats wishful thinking. its as close as you can get to having a miata that you can haul people in

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  compromise for big rewards - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By vicenac - August 14 - 11:30 pm

  To fit 3 rows of seats in this little vehicle, some corners, or knees have to be cut. Make sure you fit in, take full advantage of the telescoping steering wheel and youll get an exciting vehicle. Its easy to park, VERY nimble and accelerates quickly with the 5 gear transmission. I see it as a Swiss Army Knife. Small and versatile. How many times did I say small? Not enough! I am 6.1 and my wife is 5.7. The driver seat is all the way back. We have an infant carrier behind us, which is way longer than a car seat or regular person, so that seat is also all the way back. There would not be much leg room left in the third row seat. But there are 3 people seating on the right side of the car

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  2000 Mazda 626 - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Ruby21 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I went from a sporty two-door coupe to my 626 to make room for my new baby. I have no complaints. I financed my car through Mazda American Credit and have been overly impressed with the service I have received and the performance of my car.

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  Good bang for the buck - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Metro guy - August 13 - 4:50 pm

  Weve had our 2002 LX for 6 months now. It looks good and is fairly peppy around town. The seats are very comfortable and there is loads of room in the back seat compared to a 2002 Corolla or a Honda Civic. The stereo and heating controls are useable with gloves and the heater pumps out loads of heat, even in very cold weather so the windows dont fog up. All around great car few complaints.

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  Not bad for the price - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Granny - August 12 - 11:03 am

  Tires are shot at 24K. Car driven by a little old granny in town and have had a number of long highway trips and am guessing highway mileage is close to 13k of the 24K. Plenty quick. Bought entirely on looks and cheap 2 year lease.