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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  great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Eric Borenstein - December 15 - 10:00 am

  this cardrives nice and has comfortable seats, but i would like the car to have a power passenger seat.

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  2.0 L is plenty of power - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By rstibbetts - December 13 - 2:06 am

  Recently purchased a 2014 CX-5 Sport AWD, as we were looking to get into the vehicle on a tight budget. So far so good. Love the ride and handling. I am surprised so many have commented that the 2.0 L engine is underpowered; it is not. Not by a long shot. Test drove the 2.5 L and 2.0 L and found that the 2.0 L was plenty punchy to get up to speed on the freeway without too much engine groan. This is coming from someone who has driven an overpowered V6 Rav4 for six years. Its lower cost and better MPG make the 2.0 L a good choice for many. Just disappointed the Sport is not trimmed out better. Will find out how reliable the vehicle is.

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  Japanese BMW - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By sbowden99 - December 12 - 3:33 pm

  Fun, extremely tossable hatchback. And you would not believe how much cargo this vehicle can hold with the seats folded down. Its my wifes car, but I feel lucky when shes out of town and I can drive it a bit.

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  Been very reliable, gas consumption bad - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Kim - December 12 - 10:33 am

  Bought this car new to replace a 1991 MPV. Gas mileage was good to start but as it gets older its terrible. Hate the spare tire setup. Its the worst to try and change to the spare. It broke right after the warranty expired. Mazda needs to re-think the mechanism of storing the spare. Mazda also needs to be real on the carpet color choices. Kids, pets, etc. are riding in this vehicle and the light colored carpeting takes a severe beating. Thank goodness for steam cleaners. Upholstery is light but cleans up nicely. Leg room and clearance between back seat and middle seats are hard to maneuver unless youre a kid. I like the middle seat feature of being able to move them apart.

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  Fun ride, but beware of problems. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brad Benton - December 11 - 4:04 am

  Bought my car 3.5 years ago at 47,000 miles and now have 95,000 and am looking for a new car. This was a fun car, but had issues throughout the 3 years of ownership. Check engine lights galore, door locks not unlocking with remote/interior unlock button (had to manually unlock each door, got annoying after 1.5 years of them not working and incompetent dealer service department not fixing), 4 headlights replaced, fuel pump broke pouring gas I just bought all over the ground, and most recently my drivers window will not work. Auto trans shifts rough into 2nd. Its a shame because the car is fun to drive on the highway/down country roads, the car is nice and tight, drives like its on rails.

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  I will think twice! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Elizabeth - December 9 - 5:56 pm

  I will think twice before I buy this car again. Tires were junk!! Lasted less than 23000 miles..what a rip off! After replacing with awesome Bridgestones...ride and traction is sooo much better. Within a few months a driving has to have the front end worked on...leaking front differential needed to be replaced as well as the drive shaft. I feel like I was the one who got the shaft! I am just waiting for something else to fall apart!

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  A pretty good SUV - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By dan18932 - December 8 - 3:16 pm

  I have had my Tribute for 1 year now. I bought it used from the original owner. It has gone through all of the recalls and I thought it was fine, until the transmission went out at 47000 miles. It had burned up one day while I was driving home from work. The original warranty had expired because it was a 2001. I took it into the dealer and they said I needed a new one which would cost $3000 dollars. I told them I never heard of a cars tranny going out so soon. After fighting with Mazda they agreed to pay half and the dealer I took it to paid some so it only cost me $1,000 dollars. I do not think I would ever buy one again though it drives nicely and has pretty good performance. My mpg is 19.

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  Awesome 1999 miata - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ray - December 7 - 6:56 am

  Bought a 1999 miata with 64k mileage on it around 8-9 months ago. Bought it from the original adult owner. About the car: Manula transmission -Low mileage when I bought it -havent done anything aside from 3k oil change -Current mileage on the car for the past 8-9 months is 73k I enjoy driving this little beauty. My gf doesnt like it because its manual and she thinks the car is too small(your opinion matters little..). So far, upgraded air filter to K&N oem filter(1mil mileage warranty), momo shift knob, and just recently added a High Quality trunk lip spoiler, Original did major service @50k, so I guess I will do one at 90k or so. So far, the car drives flawlessly.

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  Fun and power - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Atong - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I accually bought my Tribute in 2001. Except for some manufacturing defects (ford) it has been a great SUV. I put alot of miles on it every year and so far it it takes me anywhere I need to go and is fun getting me there.

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  Zoom! Zoom! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Patriotjim - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Tribby for a few months now. Its been great. I dont get the complaints about the shifter or road noise. Mine is fine. I love the feature that allows you to roll up the windows after youve turned off the engine. Gas milange has been 20 mpg, insurance cost low, great room and driving. Get one. When I bought mine, the Tribby was the better deal over its sister the Ford Escape (better financing/rebate and warranty).