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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  Keeps On Tickin - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By damdelion12 - July 18 - 3:46 am

  This vehicle requires gasoline & synthetic oil & thats about all - I dont even wash it/last wash job was April 06. Four sets of tires. Two sets of brakes - 235,000 miles and going strong. Oh, my back windshield plastic yellowed up.

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  2003 MPV LX - Bought New - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Tommy C. - July 16 - 5:03 am

  My MPV was bought new and now has 143K miles on it. It has had all the issues that others stated here. Check Engine light is a regular happening! Catalytic Converter issue that I will ignore until the end! Replaced the two common coils in front - water issue/design - stupid! Leaking rear AC antifreeze tubes - under warranty at 130K - thanks Mazda! Tubes were rusted gone! transmission issues - reprogrammed in 2004 and seems to be ok since. Rust around rear wheel wells AND bottom seals of front doors! Happened at 35K miles in beginning! Worst design - no power lock button on pass.side door! No dimmer over-ride to switch on inside lights after 10 Minutes! Ugh! AC is weak! Heater is weak.

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  Impressed - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoomin - July 15 - 8:03 am

  So far a great lil car, would recommend to new car buyers. Fun, comfortable, overall good design, better than other cars in the same class.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mbelfatto - July 9 - 11:44 pm

  I have had my 2010 Mazda 3s for about 18 months now and overall Im quite satisfied with some draw backs. I decided to spend a little bit extra money and upgrade from the iTouring to the Sport sedan. I think that the Mazda interior is very stylish and great quality. There are a lot of amenities packed into that little tiny car. The car has great pick up especially when you stomp on the throttle in third gear, you can really feel the torque.

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  Still like the Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By kpax - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Tribute in Sept. 2000.I had to have the transmission replaced less than a year later. It was under warranty but that didnt make me feel very good about the SUV. I havent had any other problems since. The moon roof is starting to stick a little but I do love the car, I now have 55,000 miles on it.

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  Good all purpose vehicle - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Guy Guytone - July 7 - 1:26 am

  Just bought this car at the end of June to replace a Honda Civic 4dr because we needed more room. We are a 3 person family and didnt need a larger car. This is a nice alternative because it doesnt look like a mini van, it looks more like a cross-over, but you get sliding rear doors. It has a lot of room inside, but appears kind of small on the outside. It has 44 cu ft of cargo space with the 3rd row folded, which is how we use it 95% of the time. But its nice to have the 3rd row option if needed, but the 3rd row is best suited for kids. The layout inside is good, very functional, with a lot of nooks to store things. Some reviews complain about the cars power, but I find just fine.

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  zoom zoom is good - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By DeWitt - July 3 - 10:00 am

  this is my first mazda automobile and I am more than satisfied with the car. It is a blast to drive; running through the gears is mucho fun and taking corners the car sticks to the road like glue. For the money this car has more than exceeded my expectations. You can have your euro road racers. Ill take this puppy any day

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  I see a bad trend here - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazda6s_in_ky - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Steel Grey Metallic beauty in June 2003. This car is very eye catching and you dont see one at every single stoplight like Camry and Accord so its unique! My auto trans has a horrible throttle delay. I contacted my dealer and Mazda USA and both say that its operating as designed. Fix the throttle and it will be perfect! Be sure to note the take offs from dead stop when you test drive an automatic!

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  Good overall - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Dave Malone - July 3 - 7:56 am

  I had a 2001 Tribute with a V6 that was a gem. The new 2009 has all the goodies and is a fun ride. It performed very well on a 200 mile trip getting 25 mpg.The only fault I have,so far,is the use on black plastic trim used ont the center console and the placement of the center storage compartment. Compartment is very difficult to reach into because it is too far back from the driver. I only have 1,950 miles on the vehicle.

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  2.0L i touring hatch - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By war03 - June 30 - 7:11 am

  picked up and drove it home (1000 miles). 44 and 45 mpg on two stretches (not all flat), 35mpg through high mountains/hills at 65 mph. best handling car ive had, feels like rwd. if you can get the 2.5L model, esp w/ a 6 speed it would be a blast. i couldnt swing the extra money at the time.