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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  Followup - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Alex - May 24 - 3:40 pm

  This is an update from "Be careful what you wish for" below. Mainly I write this Followup to praise the Continental Extreme Contact tires and the positive change they have wrought. I went from the OE Michelin run-flats to a slight wider (215 vs. 205) tire but kept the 45 series aspect ratio. In effect I made the tires a few millimeters taller and a bit wider. But the switch from run- flats has been amazing. The car has a much more comfy ride, with little in absolute performance loss. Light snow traction is great now, important here in CT. I did about 19k last year (33k total) and no mechanical problems. So thumbs up there. Everyone loves the car still, especially my wife.

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  18/22 mpg??? - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Goober - May 21 - 8:40 pm

  Dunno where they get these fuel ratings. I get 27 on my commute & up to 30 hiway. Have never gotten lower than 25 mpg, even pulling the trailer. Not bad for a 2.0 4 cyl.

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  140,000 miles Minimal issues - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By 140000 miles - May 19 - 5:26 pm

  Purchased with 80,000 miles on it. Love the handling, hated the excessive camber in the rear causing this car to eat tires like crazy. Got a set of camber compensator links for a 3 (same suspension) and installed them myself, then had the car re-aligned. These are designed for when you lower a car they allow enough adjustment to get the camber back to spec. I used them to fix the camber issue and have not had an issue since. The car still handles great. Just had the AC die. Repair cost $750 from an honest local shop. Only Mazda parts are available to fix the AC. Make sure you shop around. Fun, quick, roomy and reliable. It even tows a motorcycle trailer while getting 24 mpg. Dump your SUV!

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  Mazda doesnt suck - 1999 Mazda 626
  By - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 626, first Mazda I ever owned, with 52000 miles. Drives like new and have had no problems. Could use more power and better gas milage as well as a little more room. Would buy Mazda again. New Mazda 6 should solve most complaints everyone has of the 626.

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  I preferred my 2005 Mazda 3 - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By dawnmcaz - May 18 - 7:24 pm

  I traded in my 2005 3 in Jan for a new 12. I absolutely loved my 05 3! So fun & sporty, I was very proud of it. The a/c had gone out on it and after 1 summer in Phoenix with no a/c, I couldnt take it. It does get better gas mileage than the 05 did. I like that you can easily check to see how well your doing with mpg.

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  Great SUV alternative - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By frank4cars - May 18 - 11:36 am

  After test-driving dozens of hatchbacks, wagons, and small sport utes over the past few months and not finding anything that felt "just right," this vehicle appeared out of nowhere at my local Mazda dealer. Small on the outside for easy parking, large on the inside for people or stuff-hauling, car-based for better economy and sure-footed handling, but with a high, commanding seating position like the best SUVs -- this met all my needs. I think Mazda should be praised for introducing Americans to the kind of vehicles that Europeans and Asians have been buying for years but other manufacturers were scared to sell here.

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  Mx 8 Superior - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Turtle - May 16 - 4:46 pm

  Just a fun sexy car to drive Great handling Beautiful on the open road

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  follow up from november 2014 - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By screwedinaz - May 16 - 7:55 am

  have had a chance to drive this for some time now. only been about 1300 miles but i can better review it now vs. 5 hours. overall the car is alot of fun, again i have the base model. this IS a sport sedan with the sport sedan feel so i will caution you up front the ride is stiff and the suspension will NOT be like driving an El dorado. now that does not mean you feel every bump and pebble in the road either. get it on a smooth highway and you hear almost nothing at all. the motor idles near flawlessly at stop. and the OEM tires seem to hold the sharp turns on a nice mountain very well. the info center is good for MPG. but the 6 spd manual. also helps achieve well over the listed 28 mpg. city

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  Good Value - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By kraft4a3 - May 15 - 10:36 am

  We needed a secondary people mover with a 3 row seat and AWD for the winter. The CX-9 fit the bill. For shuttling kids around town is good enough. Long road trips would be tough with more than 4 people/kids, but that is what we have our mini-van for. When driving solo or on date night it is a fun, sharp, and enjoyable car to drive.

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  2 years old -19 mpg - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Mom - May 15 - 5:20 am

  All the Mazdas have a problem with the transmission where it feels like you got hit by another car. Its the transmission shifting. It only happens every few months, but they wont fix the problem. The gas mileage is lower than they say at 19 mpg with part highway and part in town. If it is all freeway, and you drive 60 or less, you can get 24 mpg. I got that once. Overall I love the van, but the gas is too expensive now, so Im selling. No other problems have ever occurred, and I have 24,000 miles.