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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  Love driving the Mazda CX3 - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By DeYoung - October 13 - 3:27 pm

  PROs: Fun, fun, fun to drive. It seems that you can almost think your way around corners. The car feels great on the road and is very responsive. The interior is very, very nice. The cabin is quiet (compared to the HRV and other similar cars I test drove) and has a very high quality feel. CONs: Cargo space is limited with the back seats up. (decent with the back seats down) I have only had the car a couple weeks but so far, I absolutely love it. I will update the review after driving it longer.

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  No compromise - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By AdamC - October 13 - 12:50 pm

  After agonizing over a new car for our family of 4 (we still love our 89 Saab 900) for about 2 years, we finally bought the Canadian GT version of the Mazda5, 5 speed manual. The car is a delight to drive in most ways, if you like a responsive, tight car with good road feel. If you want a jiggly machine that is divorced from the road, then this is the wrong car - it is too zippy and hard-riding. The steering is a highlight, as the car feels beautiful through twisty roads or city streets and the turning radius is small. It also goes quite nicely, despite all of the grumbling about low HP for its curb weight.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rich - October 13 - 11:43 am

  Ive had this car since June 2009 - it is the worst car for gas I have ever had! My gas light has gone on on avg. at about 183 miles driven! I do all local driving in Brooklyn , the same as my 96 Camry , which by the way got 345 miles per tank! The dealership refuses to acknowledge that the mileage is far below posted 24 mpg as does Mazda USA. This is the worst car to drive - I thought this was a fuel efficient car - no way. I have pictures of the trip indicator on dash to prove this. Do not buy/lease this car ever! Its absurd to think that a 4 cylinder car gets less than 200 miles per tank!

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  Great SUV! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Brazmunkee - October 13 - 12:26 am

  I bought this 2003 Tribute for my daughters who are competitive surfers as it has adequate room and a very good reputation. However, I like driving it so much they have to fight me to use it. I LOVE this little vehicle. Its just a blast to drive and it gets GREAT gas mileage. Its not the quality of my 2003 Toyota 4Runner, but its more fun to mess around in and Im not so burdened my the 4Runners weight and size.

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  Value SUV - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Ed - October 12 - 7:33 pm

  Have owned the vehicle 18 months. Replaced the factor tires at 12K miles, and the AC compressor at 26K. Both very unacceptable, (AC was covered by warranty.) With that said, this vehicle represents the most car for the money in its segment. I have a Grand Touring with Navigation and paid less than 29K. Try and find anything for that price that drives like this car. It has plenty of room, drives and looks great, and it gets around 20 mpg. My lease ends this November and I will most likely buy this CX7 at lease end. If you drive this car, and compare it to it to other SUVs, you will buy it. Compare this to an Acura MDX and you will have an extra $10K to buy a few extra set of tires.

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  Best 7 Passenger SUV I could find - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By tonar18 - October 12 - 1:09 am

  After an exhaustive search we finally decided on the CX-9 GT AWD. We looked at EVERYTHING. From Kia to Audi and everything in-between. High on the list was the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7 TDI. The Q7 was the best SUV we tested, and if money wasnt an issue thats what we would have bought. However, after driving the Mazda and seeing all the standard equipment you get for under 40K I couldnt believe it. I thought we would have to give something up in either luxury items, interior material, or ride quality, but we didnt. I really feel like we got it all in this vehicle and saved 30K over the Audi. Hats off to Mazda for making such an affordable, enjoyable vehicle to drive.

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  MPV great van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By cronin722 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I ever owned. Fun to drive for a van, fits everyone and the fold down seat is great.

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  Sedan? - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Paul La Plant - October 11 - 10:00 am

  We first test drove many other cars. Nissans, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Volxwagon, Acura, Honda. All were nice cars. Did not want to spend over 30,000 dollars for a new car. Last car we drove was the Mazda 6 Sedan. Although equiped with the 4 cylinder, and a manual transmission, it drove and preformed like a sports car when asked, and a sedate fuel effitient compact when needed. We went back and drove the others, but the decision was made. All that is left to say is.... What a great car for a great price. It does all that we ask, and acks as though we could give it more if we needed it. Compact car fuel economy, sedan comfort, sports car feel. Nice work Mazda!!

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  Sleek Wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By nursgrl - October 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my second mazda...We dont own a SUV or truck but needed more cargo room from time to time..this was the right car for us...One word of caution when searching for a Wagon with a roof rack...It has to be factory installed...dont let the dealer tell you they can put it on after you buy the car..IT CANT!!! those side roof rack bars are too tricky when you add in side/curtain air bags..this is per Mazda headquarters...the cross bar of the roof rack can be added on later but not the other.one is permanant the other is removeable...wish the dealers knew the car better than giving false info to the consumer

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  Great SUV! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By juguru - October 9 - 6:33 pm

  I bought my 2001 Mazda Tribute ES V6 4x4 in October 2000. This has been a great car. I recently had a tune-up at 229,000 miles and the mechanic couldnt believe it was in such great shape for being almost 13 years old. She looks and runs like the day I bought it! Im sure the fact I live in Charleston, SC helped keep it looking so nice - no snow! The only problem I had with it was the pleather inserts on the door panels failed about 2 years ago, but I was able to fix them myself... A very good and dependable vehicle and a lot of fun to drive. My sister needed a new car so I just drove it to Upstate NY to give to her. Still running great on long trips. I will miss driving it!!!