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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  Stay away from Multi Problem Vehicle - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Sam Paul - November 18 - 10:30 am

  I bought this used car at 103k miles & drove it for another 5k & the engine gave way. A spark plug popped out while the car was still running, just to learn that it had damaged the cylinder. I had to replace the hard to find & fix the engine for $2500.00. Burned my pocket to that extent that I will never buy a Mazda MPV (multi problem vehicle) Not at all a reliable vehicle. Very labor consuming when it comes to repair.

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  Mazda6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lisakaye - November 18 - 12:00 am

  You just cant beat this car on quality and performance....... Last car was a 05 mazda6. These are great cars. The 09 and up are bigger inside. (I didnt care) they are just great cars. Fast smooth reliable. And people will stare at the car wherever you go. Esp. The 09-10 models. People ask all the time "what kind of car is it?". Im sure Mazda would like everyone on the road in one. But it is kind of Nice that they are not everywhere. Makes them unique to drive. Dang how many times do I see a Camry or altima on the road? constantly. Would I Rather have one? no! We tested cars for 6 months before we got this one. You just cant beat it. Zoom zoom zoom. By the way. Its my third Mazda.

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  A Very Nice Van/SUV/Wagon/Crossover - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Ward - November 17 - 9:56 pm

  I am not sure what to call this vehicle (I try to avoid van as much as possible. God help me, did I buy a van?). Whatever it is, it does many things well. I like the exterior design if the door handles just were not next to each other. Seating for 6, if you need it (small people are best for the third row), or lots of space for stuff if you dont. Its best feature, I believe, is value. Mazda has put in some nice standard features for a vehicle in this price range. Its worst feature is zoom, zoom. The vehicle needs more power from a stand still. Once it gets going, it is fine and even fun to drive. It handles very well.

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  2nd One Ive Owned - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By brentonlange - November 17 - 2:57 am

  This is the 2nd Speed3 I have owned. The first one was a project car. This one will be a project car as well. The overall value is unbeatable. So what, the NAV screen is small...but you still have nav compared to other models. The price is amazing for a small sports car. So far I have not lost a redlight-to-redlight race yet against trucks, or other cars. What you may not know, this car is lighter than most and with 263HP stock, you can beat many people right off the line and keep your edge for the mile long run. Great car, will definatly buy another one unless Mazda screws it up (doubtful). I have bought three Mazdas in the past year, all have of them have been amazing!

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  Love at first Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ZoomZoom-NC - November 16 - 9:06 pm

  As a family we needed a third vehicle to cover our increasing transportation needs. We own a van and an SUV and thought a sedan would balance out the family vehicle situation. We bought this car after realizing that though many Civics and Camrys out there would certainly do, many were abused by their previous owners and made for a pretty shabby used car. The local Mazda dealer explained how Mazda owners tend to have a special bond with their car and treat it nicer, and after about a week with the Mazda6 I could completely understand why. Ill never buy from another car manufacturer again. Even though its a rock bottom base model, it still evokes some jealousy in my friends. They cant tell.

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  Great CUV For Small Family - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By Road Trip - November 16 - 7:56 pm

  Great combination of sport and utility. This is my 2nd CX-7. Purchased my 09 CX-7 AWD Sport(w/Bose and sunroof)in March after completing a short term lease on an 07. Perfect vehicle for a small family or an adventurous couple. Its a car(?) I love to drive on a daily basis and its fantastic for road trips.(I mounted a trailer hitch on mine and we take our bicycles with us on our trips.) Mileage was quite poor on my 07, but I still bought my 09. Surprisingly mileage is better on my 09. I get around 18-19mpg in local driving and as much as 24mpg in pure highway driving(w/premium). For a little under 23K this is a CUV that could compete with more more expensive vehicles.

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  Tribute - fun to drive - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By gapake - November 16 - 9:13 am

  I was one of the first to buy a new Tribute. It was fun to drive and easy to maneuver. The only problem I have is it hurts my toes to drive. I am 53" and when I have to drive in stop-and-go driving, my foot does not rest on the peddle so I have to use my toes. The seat is higher than my non-SUV car so I am thinking that is the problem. Does anyone else have trouble with the peddles?

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  Fun drive but.... - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By CT driver - November 15 - 5:36 pm

  I got this car after my Toyota was involved in an accident. This car is fun to drive and solid. Has decent acceleration and excellent braking steering, cornering. I like the flexibility of the hatchback and its look. The gas mileage is a disappointment only 25 mpg with combined driving (no lead foot). After my Toyota I note too much road noise and feel every seam in the road. Pricing and multiplicity of trim levels is somewhat dubious/confusing.

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  Great minivan - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Jeff - November 15 - 11:36 am

  The MPV is everything I had expected in a minivan and the price was also very good. The only thing I would change on the vehicle would be the leg room. When you have a baby carrier in it you have the keep the front seats up closer to the steering wheel and this is hard on tall people. So you are not comfortable when you drive, especially long distances.

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  Great Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By J.P.G. - November 14 - 3:00 pm

  This car is great in just about every aspect. I bought the car in Oct. of last year and I put on a a lot of miles. Around 100 miles a month. Since most of my driving is freeway miles, I get around 32mpg. On one tank of gas I average 420 miles for two days of driving. The car hugs the road like a true sports car and rounds corners as if on rails. I changed out the standard tires with Hankook low profiles. I actually get better gas mileage and improved performance. The interior space is about what I expected from a compact car. Interior design is very well laid out, spacious, and very nice. The sound system can rock the music with no problems. Large glovebox and trunk. I like the fold down seats.