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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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By mstrongin - August 2 - 9:10 am

  Went to buy an 05 Miata (great deals - $5K to $6K off of MSRP) for me and my wife as an extra car. Wife was dead set against any of the two seaters without side airbags (which left out the Miata and S2000 - my other choice). I hadnt even thought of the RX8, but she like the look so we test drove it. Loved the ride & the practicality of the back seat. Also really liked the Black Cherry/Tan leather combo of the Shinka (in SoCal, tan interior makes more sense). Dealer had one with no add ons (exactly what I wanted) and sold it for under invoice. Great bang for the buck. A buddy bought a Porsche 911 S. Yes its cooler, faster & more exciting -- but its close to $100K and back seats are useless.

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  First Mazda, or Japanese car for that matter. - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By chriskojali - July 29 - 1:38 pm

  Im a performance guy...I dont care about horsepower but driving dynamics mean everything to me. My last 10 cars have been several M3s, a couple Audis, and a GTI. The easy choice wouldve been another GTI and I would be quite content. But I took a chance on the Speed3 and Im ecstatic I did. This car has excellent handling and the monster torque steer (hard to handle under hard acceleration) is kind of endearing...you know you need to pay attention when you press the GO! pedal. Im not a fan of the interior, especially when compared to an Audi, but it works and is growing on me. The styling is a bit out there but its growing on me too. You wont see yourself coming down the road.

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  Fun! Fun! Fun! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By carmagreader - July 28 - 6:03 pm

  This car is a blast to drive, period! Its light, responsive, quick, and boy, does it corner! I test drove 4 on 3 occasions trying to decide which model. I got the GT PRHT in silver w/ black leather. Not my first choice by far in the beginning, but became my favorite by the end. Personally, the tan interior which was my 1st choice, kept looking cheaper the more I saw it. The black looks sharp and richer although it gets hot fast. I replaced a Ford Expedition with this, and good riddance! Im done with big cars. If I need one, Ill rent it. I have so much fun driving the MX-5. Top up, down, tight, no room to move inside, noisy, bouncy, its all good! Its even a bit throaty on the exhaust!

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  2005 Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By TLE - July 28 - 4:50 pm

  Exterior of car is nice. Seals on all doors are inadequate, water enters the door wells when washed or it rains. Passenger door lock mechanism was incorrectly installed. Dashboard accessories are cheap looking. So far the car is running well. Only have 2300 miles. First time owner of a Mazda.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By izoomzoom - July 26 - 3:10 pm

  Gotta love that catchy little tune. It looked good so I test drove it. Got a pretty good deal and I needed to go from 12 MPG to 30 MPG since my commute changed. Needs more power and the stock tires really stink. I had a Miata and had great success with Toyo Proxes 4s so I got a set of Proxes FZ4s for this and theyre great. Snow/rain/bone dry all very good and no slippage. Fun car to drive even in traffic. May consider the M3 if they do a hybrid when this car goes.

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  If you have a highway commute... - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By mattman44 - July 25 - 12:13 pm

  ...set cruise @ 65 through one full tank. Since then my last 5 full tanks have gone from steady 37-38 to over 40mpg, peaking at 42.5 (doing math). It can be done you just have to be smart. Cruise helps more than I thought. Lifetime computer average @ 38.3 after 13k so far. Traded Rio after Kia lied about mpg. 3 is bigger, more fun to drive and much more efficient. A few more standard features would help but my smartphone covers most I would want. Easiest self oil change car Ive owned. Next gen looks better but probably more $. Seats more for sport than comfort. Feels solid/reliable. Ride slightly harsh, but drove NJ-FL without chronic injury. Space is useable, lower cargo floor would help.

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  Problems after 6 years - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Mazda fan? - July 24 - 11:43 am

  Bought this van new. No problems. Changed oil, rotated tires, purchased new tires as needed. Rear heater was warranty work. At 6 1/2 years old 100,000 + the check engine light comes on. Transmission hasnt failed yet, but were wondering, thought Mazda was more reliable than this. Our 1st Mazda was about 9 years old, no mechanical when we traded for larger van. I want to decide when I trade, not have mechanical failure decide for me!

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  Great drive on a budget - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jesse - July 22 - 3:40 pm

  I was looking for a less expensive car to replace my C-class and came down to the Mazda3 or the Acura TSX. Ultimately the Mazda was more fun to drive, but with a less refined interior, for a much lower lease payment. The 5 speed transmission is every bit as brilliant as the MB 7- speed, and shifts a lot quicker in manual mode. The engine is a bit coarse, but low end torque is impressive. Most importantly, the car wants to be tossed through corners. The interior is a bit busy, especially the redundant stereo controls and the outer vents that could have been integrated much more seamlessly into the dash. I like the black exterior (hides the grin a bit) with tan leather.

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  Noisy, Noisy, Noisy - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By 2010minivan - July 21 - 9:10 pm

  Air noise makes top skylight window intollerable on any amount of side wind. Front trans-axil noise is very loud with only 20k miles. Dealer says it is tire cupping. So...they cannot fix and the noise is so loud that I cannot hear the radio at a normal volume. Other than the noise, noise, noise, this is a good car to meet my needs. Fuel economy is as advertised. My Mazda truck is a nice quiet truck so I do not have a problem with Mazda.

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  I think i got a Lemon.... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jentz - July 19 - 3:50 am

  At first i luved my car.It handled great.took care of my car. serviced it ontime. after 1year (44k) of owning my 3 its been in the shop. I had to change the bushings, all the belts, a new alternator, and now the fuel pump. But i still luv my car. If its gonna give me more problems after fuel pump is replaced..never again im purchasing another Mazda. I have read in forums similar to what my car went through.