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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  2 year long term test.. 60000 km! 5 speed - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By doomz78 - September 28 - 7:46 am

  After having this car for over 2 years and driving it quite a bit (60000km, about 32,000 miles) I have the dirt on this econo-machine: 1) I have had no mechanical problems. 2) The steering and suspension are as tight and as precise as the day I bought it. You almost take it for granted until you drive a different vehicle. Then you realize: Wow this Mazda 3 really handles! 0.87gs on the skidpad. R U kidding? At this price? 3) I have the 2.0 engine, MT, It has more power then anyone really needs. I drive 140kmh (85mph) every day on the 401 highway and no complaints. Fuel economy is average. 520km per tank. I drive it hard which doesnt help the numbers. 4) So far so good!

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  My axela experience - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Axela3 - September 28 - 6:30 am

  I love the car hands down. It makes me happy whenever I turn it on. Sound system is decent along with everything in it. Only complaint is the fuel economy. If it can be improved by like 2-4 more miles Ill be happy. Im planning to add an intake system to increase mpg along with horpsepower. The value of this car is tremendous and I love it as much as my better half.

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  Have fun/save gas - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Wallenstein - September 27 - 7:43 pm

  Researched similar vehicles to death, but having owned 2000 and 2002 Proteges with no unscheduled maintenance problems, the 2008 was a no-brainer. Its fast enough, handles as if on rails, drivers seat and position are a great fit. Averaging 34 mpg in mixed Spring driving (I coast a lot downhill). Owner oil and filter changes are not difficult if you have ramps that are not steeply angled. Trade your premium fuel burners. It would be difficult not to like the value in the Mazda3.

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  Deal of the Century - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By dontknomuch - September 27 - 7:36 pm

  I bought an 09 Sport model with AT and pearl paint for $17995. My wife just loves the car...the four kids fit with no problem. The gas mileage is fantastic.

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  2002 Mazda 626 - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Patrick Collins - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car, and I have no complaints except that the A/C compressor had to be replaced a week after delivery due to a leaking seal. Also, the front bumper is misaligned and the dealership has no clue what is wrong with it.

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  What I Want It! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By mxfem - September 27 - 10:00 am

  After driving a Dodge Carvan 2001 for the last 2.5 years, I decided to purchase a reliable and cost effective vehicle (minivan). I searched and checked the Honda (overprice), the Toyota (not quite what I was expecting for $26k), and then the Mazda MPV. So far the minivan has performed well and my family is comfortable. I have owned Mazda vehicles before, and I am very satisfied with this one.

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  Zoom Zoom - and its a van?? - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By fiedlerclan - September 27 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased a Midnight Blue Mica MPV LX with the following accessories: Traction control, side airbags, 4 season pkg, luggage rack for under 20G. With 2,000 cash back, nice standard features and dealers willing to go below invoice price, You cant go wrong with the MPV. No buyer remorse here. Did I mention - 5 star crash ratings.

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  Avoid if you need tech pkg or visibility - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By AR - September 26 - 8:46 pm

  Bought a new 2013 Maxda CX 5 touring with navigation a couple of years ago. Cute car and comfortable but absolutely no power, navigation system never worked right, couldnt load my full address book (just over 1000 contacts) but you cant add new individually either so that was a complete waste. They blamed my iPhone. BS. I had the most current technology for both car and iPhone. Bose speakers only work if you are listening to CD. Otherwise all music comes mainly through center speaker in dashboard so everything sounds distorted. Again, they blamed the source (Sirius XM). I was able to survive unhappily with those features but the absolute zero visibility became impossible and too scary for me. Backup camera was great tho. Finally decided to cut my losses and get my sanity and happiness back and ditched the car for the 2016 Subaru Forester. The tech and backup camera in the redesign make the 2016 amazing. Love!!!! Best decision Ive made. Just wish it didnt have to be one of those bad life experiences where you lose thousands to learn your lesson. But avoid this car unless you are already a huge Mazda fan. At 52" I also couldnt clean the windshield because I was too short and there is a weird distortion in the window glass when sun hits it. Also, feel the edges of the steering wheel underneath. I sliced up my fingers on m a long road trip and Mazda had to file down the plastic. They checked and all of their steering wheels for the CX5 were like that. Huge flaw!!!!!!!

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  Mazda got it right this time - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Fly Fisher - September 26 - 1:43 pm

  Looked at everything out there for about a year and after I drove the Mazda knew it was the perfect car for me. If you love to drive but need a family sedan this car wins hands down over the competition. Power, handling, quality features and the best design out there make this a winner and I would recommend everyone test drive it before they buy.

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  Economical fun - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By fred - September 24 - 10:56 pm

  We have only owned the car for 3 weeks but have enjoyed the feel of the road again. Not big, not powerful but quick and very smooth on smooth road.