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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  Still Turning Heads - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Ed Darnell - September 3 - 9:33 am

  Purchased new, still turning heads when cleaned and polished after eight years! Trouble free (knock on wood).

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  Excellent - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Marci - September 3 - 1:10 am

  I have owned my Tribute since January. I test drove a Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner (all produced by Ford) and the Tribute was the best of the three. Better warranty, less expensive with a nicer interior and exterior. Gas mileage could be better.

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  Great value - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Davud - September 2 - 11:03 pm

  I love almost everything about my car. Quality, handling, are excellent. Never had a problem with it in 13,000 miles so far. I took out the 6 disc changer in favor of a pioneer nav HDD system.

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  Loving my ride so far - 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mickey Ramos - September 2 - 2:19 pm

  This car is for someone who loves a quick, sporty ride and has the physical ability to get in and out of a car extremely low to the ground.

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  not very practicle - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jammer - September 2 - 10:00 am

  i cant seem to get where i am going, the car keeps taking me down all these back roads and alternate routes. cant get the car off my mind ,i just want to keep driving, its also getting expensive on gas doing 500 miles a week,am now late for work most days, so the car is not very practicle if you want to do any thing but have fun driving

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  New 2003 Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By avonman - September 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my firstg SUV and I decided on it after extensive research, including Edmunds online owner comments, and test drives of a number of compact SUVs. I love the performance and handling of the car. The six cyl. engine is very peppy. The size of the Tribute is perfect for my needs, which do not include much off-road driving. I paid $500 over the published invoice.

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  Cant be better - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bib - September 1 - 12:06 pm

  Mine is awesome. Its 3.5 years now 89K miles and all I did was replace oil, transmission oil (twice), tires and brake pads. My MPG is 24-25 driving 90% on highways sometimes in traffic. The only problem was recalled A/C vent which was promptly replaced.

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  At a loss! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Gerry - September 1 - 5:16 am

  Im at a loss as to why a new car leaks oil on my driveway, why the door panels always look awful, why there is no sound insulation in the wheel wells, and why I can only get $19000 for it 9 months later. Sorry Mazda, You will never sell me another car!

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  A FLop Instead of a Pop on Trim/Color Options - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By NanNan - August 31 - 10:24 am

  Have looked at every brand for a replacement second vehicle and are looking for comfort and ease of driving. Mazda has entered the higher end price market with the CX-9. In most repsects, it competes head-to-head with its comparably priced SUV rivals, some with 3rd row seating and others without it. The climate and infotainment controls and functions are the best/easiest we tested, and access to the 3rd row is excellent for its size. Handling and performance also get an "A". There are only a few things that keep it from being best of breed, all of which led to our not buying the vehicle. First, the interior color choices are limited across the exterior color pallate. Only black interior is offered for most exterior colors on the Grand Touring trim, including silver that is popular in this region. The Signature model (top of the line) is offered in very nice leather, but only in one, somewhat tackey, if not ugly, two-tone, color pallette. This makes the interior look cheap though the materials are not. The height and tilt range for the drivers power seat on the GT and Signature should be enlarged ( either in the existing 8-way or as a new 10 way), and the 4-way passenger power seat should be at least 8-way, like its Volvo, BMW, and America competitors. Heated/Cooled front seats would hit it out of the park. Last, there is no front parking assist. Front beepers would be ok, and a surround camera would be a plus and bring the CX-9 in line with its Asian competitors. With the Signature model selling for over $45K, Mazda has placed itself in a higher class with this SUV. The targeted market for this class of vehicle can afford, and should be given more interior/exterior color combinations at the Grand Touring and Signature levels and certainly more power seat positioning options. We hope Mozda will make some changes in this SUV so folks like us can buy one.

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  Do I have a lemon? - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Kaycee - August 30 - 5:30 pm

  This car is rough, loud, & too many things have broken that normally never break; leather(?) door panels peeled off in garage kept car. Cruise control off & hissing noise when accelerator is used.