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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  Mazda CX-3 - great subcompact crossover - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Scott Zeigen - February 16 - 8:48 pm

  If you want a small SUV that easily moves around other larger cars on the road that get in your way ... this is the one. I have had it less than 1000miles and getting 23-27 city. The fold down seats do give you more cargo room. I was driving a manual transmission VW Beetle for 15 years, so I generally turn on the manual gear selection on this automatic. The paddle shiftes work great except when you go around the corner when you must use the console shifter instead However, if you need more rear cargo get the CX-5 or larger CX-7. Issues: The lane change warning indicator goes off for no reason quite often and is annoying; there is no way to turn it off! The touch screen cannot be used if the car of going over 5 miles per hour and you have to look down to see the knob and buttons (this to me is more dangerous than touching the screen).

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  Doubting this vehicle - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazda3owner1 - February 16 - 7:18 pm

  I bought the 2012 Skyactiv engine, 4-door sedan a few weeks ago and I, hear weird engine noises. I would describe it as a whistling sound under the hood. I thought it was a serpentine belt issue, and took it back to the dealer. They told me I had to give the car 200-500 miles to break-in. I still heard the noise after 500 miles, so I took it back today. Now, they are saying the noise is coming from the electronic steering and is a normal sound. I dont believe this. I think it is a skyactiv issue and they really dont know how to fix this.

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  Mazdas plan worked! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By musicman5 - February 15 - 5:23 am

  I have been a Honda owner for the last 20 years. When it came time to trade in my CR-V, I was ready for a sedan. The Accord was nice, drove perfectly fine, and looked very elegant, but wasnt as exciting as the Mazda. The Accord just didnt have the "Zoom, Zoom." I had forgotten how much fun driving can be. Mazdas plan to compete with Honda for market share worked on this Honda owner. Ive only had it for 1 week, but I love it more each day I drive it.

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  Multiple problems with coils in engine - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Lorf - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought the vehicle used in 2008 with about 40,000 miles. Loved it at first, rode smoothly, feels like a car, looks great for a minivan and love that the sliding door windows roll down. Fast forward to about 75,000 miles. The first engine coil goes. 90,000 two more blow. Now at 101,000 miles, the 4th coil is being replaced tomorrow. There is a design defect in the coil placement in this MPV that allows water to enter the coils, and shorten the live considerably. Some other little things here and there, but the engine is the big issue. Trading it in for a more reliable vehicle right after the repair is done.

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  Well done - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By sketchy00 - February 12 - 3:30 pm

  The good parts: Smooth shifting, and clutch action that is really nice. I was worried about the light clutch action before I drove it, but it really engages nice. Solid feeling car. Tight handling, and still an ample amount of boost on the power steering. Sometimes smaller cars have been reducing the amount of power steering boost so much itÂ’s hard to tell they even have it. Nice to see all 07 Mazdas have an audio in jack for your iPod. Sure, it just sends a non-intelligent audio signal, but hey, itÂ’s better than nothing. Great styling. Vanity stinks, but I have to say that in this case, IÂ’m sure glad I went with the best looking car in its class.

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  Love its features and size! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By VanDad - February 12 - 2:00 am

  We love it! Many of the professional reviews harp on the MPV for not being as big or spacious as its competitors. But for us, that is a real advantage--it is easy to park and manage. It is zippy and fun to drive, and has plenty of space for our family. Best of all, it was THOUSANDS of dollars cheaper than all of the other options.

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  Nice Car But...... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By GameOver - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Went to a Local Dealership Over the Weekend and there are a Few Things that Must be Made Clear!1st DO NOT Buy the Automatic!You DO NOT Get 238HP You get about 176HP,You Do Not Get the 9,000 RedLine You get about 7,500,You Do Not Get the Stiffer Suspension Pkg.,This car was NOT Created to Be an Automatic!I Agree w/Mazda for Doing This,what I Disagree with is this Should be Made Known Instead of Looking in the Fine Print!!The Milage is Absolutley Horrible for This Car!To make a Long Story Short I Love the Car and if I was Going to Buy I would Get the 6Speed Version,but for Now I Think Ill Keep My Vette as it is Much Faster and I Get Better Milage to Boot!!!

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  Good Deal, but needs some minor help - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Heather - February 11 - 11:43 pm

  Overall, my 2005 Tribute S has plenty of room, handles decent & good pickup. IÂ’ve always driven high-end luxury sedans & SUVÂ’s and while this isnÂ’t in their class with style, comfort, drive and some of the interior options, bells and whistles, it is a great deal. I get alot of compliments and would recommend this SUV for someone restricted to that price bracket. I transport alot of sporting equipment on the roof. This is the one reason I will not be a repeat Tribute owner. Mazda made a huge mistake making the rook rack extremely short.Unless you replace the entire rack with a custom rack, then this is not the SUV for outdoor enthusiasts needing to carry sport equiptment on the roof.

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  Mazda 6 s Sport Wagon/5-spd - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By 351W SVO - February 8 - 10:00 am

  After two months of research, Im pleased with my choice. The 5-spd was hard to find, but definitely the way to go - as long as you dont sit in traffic. Engine is smooth and features are abundant. Only complaints are a bolt, or something, rolling around in the console when I turn and a loose hook for the cargo barrier. Overall great value and would recommend to anyone looking for something practical yet sporty.

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  over 1 year together - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By vonsippen - February 7 - 3:36 am

  Car runs great, but I still have the feeling that something will break down. The driving is not so comfortable, and the engine sound is too loud, it sounds like blender and both with the transmission, they think before they act. I saw more responsive trans than this one. Overall quality and ride is ok, not for elderly but still only for going to work and back. The best thing is THE LOOK. MAZDA6 looks like much more expensive car, paint job is great after a year looks shiny like new.