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:

• 

  Problems with my Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Maria - September 20 - 2:23 am

  I love driving my Tribute, wonderful in bad weather, great visibility. It is noisy, but generally I have liked it except it has had lots of problems. Electrical - completely died in traffic at 30,000 miles. Had to have computer reset. Transmission problems at 34,000 miles. Now I just had to have radiator and coolant system replaced at 42,000. All covered by warranty and service excellent but I am afraid to keep it. I need reliable car to travel to see elderly parents.

• 

  Just purchased - already impressed - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Blague - September 18 - 6:40 pm

  Like other posters, I compared the Usual Suspects (Golf, Civic, Impreza) and, feature for feature, none of the others came even close for what I was looking for - both in terms of purchase price and the 0% finance incentive. Ive only driven it for a few days -and will post again once Ive broken it in- but I very much enjoy driving it, the Bluetooth features, the Bose sound system, the seating position and the suspension setup. In short, I truly feel Ive made the right decision.

• 

  Luxury on a budget! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Silv - September 17 - 8:05 pm

  My previous vehicle was slowly cleaning out my bank account and my confidence (2005 Buick Terraza aka life-curse aka money pit). I started shopping around for something new as I had never owned a brand new car before. I knew I wanted something in the SUV cross-over class and I set my sights on the 2017 Honda CR-v initially. I felt I better compare and see what other brands had to offer, so I test drove the Rogue, Quashqai (aka rouge sport), HR-v, Tucson, and finally, CX-5. Man oh man, did CX-5 ever blindside me. It was no contest really, once I took that baby for a spin it was love at first ride. The quality feel was unmatched by all the others and while its not ultra powerful its certainly zippy enough for my needs and handles like a dream. I bought it with confidence and havent had a moment of doubt with it since. I hope it holds up over time, and being the second generation of already popular CX-5 designs Im certain it will. Im really not a fan of the new Soul Red colour, so I got mine in Deep Crystal Blue Mica and it just shimmers beautifully in the sun and looks sleek, almost black in the shade. The exterior has a mean looking grill with sleek LED headlights and I love that they turn with the corners while driving. The leather interior and all the knobs, buttons, and displays are of a quality I would have expected to see in a lexus or audi and went unmatched by all the other cars I test drove. Rear heated seats were a nice touch too! Im so proud of my new CX-5 as a first time new car purchase and I just felt really good about the entire experience overall. I would re-buy it again in a heartbeat!

• 

  MazdaMeASAP - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By luv2drv - September 17 - 1:23 pm

  Mazda is cleary the most under appreciated car company in the market. The Protege5 is in a class by itself for people who know they dont need 800 cubic-feet of space, love to drive (not ride) and can still appreciate a good looking example of automotive design (no snarling hood nostrals, bat-wing fins and exessive door ribs).

• 

  fun toy - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By noname - September 17 - 1:06 pm

  Ive had this car for 3 years since it was new and it is the best toy I ever owned. Close to worthless for long interstate drives since its noisy and uncomfy for long sitting periods. However for pure fun on curvy mountain roads with the top down, it can make your day. No complaints whatsoever, but the car is not a BMW. I think of it as a go kart with a great sound system. I would not have this as my only car; cant even use it to go grocery shopping and forget out of town for 2 trips with the limited luggage space unless you pack lightly. But it is a great car for what it is.

• 

  Engine Failure - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By mazdasrjunk - September 16 - 7:21 pm

  We bought a 2008 CX 7 with 62,000 miles on it in April 2012 they replaced the vvt adjuster and chain at that point. It is now March 2013 and 14,000 miles later and the vvt is out again, the turbo is out and after a $3000 quote to repair it my dealer calls back and says "well we made the repairs to your car but it is going to need an engine". That is supposed to cost $6,000. No helpis being brought from Mazda the issue is being pushed to higher up in the world of Mazda. Needless to say Mazda has not impressed me. They are telling me this is caused by "sludge". But in the next breath my dealer tells me "sludge" is normal in this engine. I wonder how this will play out.

• 

  Fun Car to Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Peter Fahrney - September 16 - 6:06 pm

  After searching the market for such a car, I found and loved the Mazda 6. It is a perfect match for what I need and have not been disappointed. It is reliable, peppy, sturdy and comfortable to drive. The fold down seats are great for skis. My only frustration is the digital clock which automatically resets itself one minute slower than the actual time!

• 

  2nd review-a year after my last one - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dick Tater - September 15 - 4:00 pm

  Ive had my 07 Mazda6 since Sept 07, and it now has about 13000 miles. I still love it! I find excuses to go places just so I can drive it. Some owners and car authors comment about the lack of power from the 4 cyl engine, but I think it has plenty of power. I get over 30 mpg on highway (31.5 usually) and Ive never been in a situation where I wished it had more power, even when climbing mountain passes in western NC. I am leasing the car; when lease is up Im considering buying it. I recently test drove the new 09 Mazda6 and I dont like it as much as my 07; its too big and lacks the fun-to-drive factor that the old model has. I think Mazda has screwed up with the remake of the 6.

• 

  Buyer Beware nothing like the earlier models - 2015 Mazda Mazda3
  By Daryl Nitz - September 15 - 11:38 am

  The 2015 Mazda3 is a hassle to drive. It is nothing like the 2012 Mazda3. It is problematic. The radio/navigation does not work well at all. It can NEVER be turned off, just muted. It freezes up, restarts, deletes favorites, and is overall poorly designed. Mazda offers very little solutions. On top of this, the MPG is grossly inflated. I have not gotten over 30mpg ever in 5 months. I typically average 27-29mpg. The gas tank is smaller than the 2012, so total range is less than 400. The 2012 would have a range of 500-600. I am so disappointed that I let my 2012 go for this 2015.

• 

  New User New comment - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By lawrence - September 15 - 9:10 am

  Have just got the car for 3 days. It is a car for my son to replace the Grand AM that he had driven for the past 5 years since I bought it in 95. I drive a 05 BMW 530i and an Outlander. test drive Jetta, Sentra, Corolla and he finally settled on this. I suggest <2.0 engine size, so Jetta was out (only 2.5l). Excellent handling, easy to drive, light steering, nice match interior and external color. Nice panel. Engine very powerful considering a 2.0 engine. Speed up smoothly, efficient brake. Not used to the zig-zag type auto gear shift. too early to comment fuel economy, still on 1st tank.