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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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By parolee - February 5 - 8:42 pm

  Bought used at 35,000 miles. This car is exactly what I was looking for. My hatchback is a manual transmission, and I love how it takes hills. Even in cruise control, it doesnt skip a beat. The steering is responsive. Its a fun little car to drive! Drove around the other day with 5 people in the car. One person 62 the rest 53 to 511. Everybody was comfortable!! IF youre any taller than 511, the backseat might not work for you with a fully loaded car. We still had plenty of storage in the hatchback to boot! The engine did not miss a beat. Slight loss of power out of 1st, but did fine other than that. For the class of car, this is the best option. Period!

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  Expensive Experiment - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By basic black - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Fun while it lasted. Good "summer car" value for its price range, if you plan on keeping it for four or more years. SEVERE depreciation in first two years. In fact, the local dealer refused to take mine in on trade for an SUV because they have so much trouble getting rid of used Miatas. Mines for sale. Car also has annoying, minor mechanical problems: Clutch shudder; valve ping; crunchy shifting; hard to keep aligned; the worst paint job Ive seen on any car; ridiculous cupholders.

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  Mini Minivan Impulse - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By presappl - February 5 - 2:00 am

  We were planning to buy the CX-7 when we saw the Mazda 5. It was love at first sight! While my husband test drove the car, one of my daughters and I sat in the very back seats and raised our hands like we were on a roller coaster ride -- we had too much fun on the test drive! It is a cute (love the smiling face), fun car, and I love to tell people about our mini minivans features. The low car height makes it easier for my daughter with disabilities to get in and out. But, low and longer than expected makes it harder for me to park and has resulted in more scrapes to the front bumper. The third row has come in handy a few times, too. For trips, I prefer larger vehicles.

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  My New Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Melanie - February 4 - 4:30 am

  We just traded in a Lexus E300 (2000) for a new 2005 Mazda6 Sports Sedan, 6 cylinder, with all of the options. While its not as plush as my Lexus, it is much sportier and will be lots of fun! It has a roomy trunk and the backseat IS just as roomy as the Lexus. The ride and steering are different -- more like my old Volvo 850 turbo wagon (1996) -- tighter steering and I can feel the road. I really do like this car, though.

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  My Favorite Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Catherine - February 4 - 2:43 am

  This has been my favorite car Ive ever owned. I had a Kia minivan before that I hated. I like that it drives like a car but the sliding doors make it super easy to get the kids in and out. I love the third row seating so we can take Grandma with us sometimes. It has great cargo area for groceries. Agree with the road noise and I wish the front passenger seat had an armrest. Agree that the seats are not comfortable for long drives. Shocked to discover that the side mirrors were not heated. Paint seems to chip very easily and the battery wont hold a charge (but its winter and I dont drive it enough). Transmission does seem to hesitate sometimes. Key is huge.

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  Great purchase - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3 for fun - February 3 - 5:03 am

  Purchased the car in October 2004. The car has GFX package, leather with 5 speed tran. No problems to signal after 8K/7 months of ownership. Car is very stable, feels solid and tight, has a firm but comfortable ride. Engine is very responsive and is a good performer. Car can turn on a dime! , 5 spd tran shifts moothly. Can cruise with ease at 80 + mph.

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  rx-8 fun car, horrible factory support - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jpw8737 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  i bought my rx-8 about five months ago, its been through 2 transmissions,and continual factory problems, with no good manufacturer customer service. fun to drive, handles great!! too many minor problems.

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  ZOOM - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By melguy - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Love the car

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  Total Package - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Faro - January 31 - 1:56 am

  I am the 2nd owner, bought it with 67000 miles. Currently 76,000 in a little over 8 months. Had a 97 Prelude (auto trans) previous to this and I can say that this car handles just as predictable as the Prelude, which was lowered 2 inches all around. It has just the right amount of power to merge onto the highway, to cruise on the open road, as well as passing someone on the highway. I have the manual tranny and so far havent had any problem. I do experience starter squeal from the clutch dust in the bearings, as well as a defunct CD player, and my fan control module went - causing the engine to overheat. The car does have its reliability issues, other than that, its a great all around car.

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  2013 Mazda CX-5 Touring FWD with Bose/moonroof - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By bdranger1947 - January 30 - 5:32 am

  My wife bought this vehicle on Monday, February 27th. This was going to be mine, but it does not have the manual transmission. Anyway, my wife really liked it and is replacing her 2003 Tribute ES-V6 AWD with the CX-5.