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:

• 

  Van did us well - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Melody - May 12 - 8:03 pm

  I replaced this van at this time first of all because of the CARS program. Secondly 3 of the 4 kids are now on their own so its bigger than I need and its Mommas turn. : ) Otherwise this van served my family well for 7 years. We put over 130,000 miles on the van with minimal problems towards the end. And this last winter was the first real midwest winter since Ive owned it -- the smaller tires on the larger vehicle had me in the ditch twice. Despite that I still recommend it to families with children.

• 

  Its really just a Ford - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike - May 12 - 7:36 pm

  I bought the Tribute new and at 3100 total miles, my transmission broke and had to be replaced. There were no error codes when technicians hooked up to the test computer. The dealer had it for over 10 days until I got it back. The wheels and brakes continually squeak at slow speeds (typical Ford). I dont really trust the vehicle now because of the transmission and am seeking to trade it for something else (not Mazda). Unfortunately it may be awhile before I can do that as the Tributes trade in value has severely decreased since I bought it, and continues to decrease. I will never buy another Mazda or from the dealer I purchased it from. Also poor workmanship in body panel on r/front door.

• 

  Great - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Stark - May 11 - 10:43 am

  I got my car in June and i love it. I would rather not have any other car. My experience with the Mazda6 has been incredible and I expect it to get even better. So if you want a magnificent ride then get a Mazda6.

• 

  7 month owner - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By tonyr5 - May 10 - 9:55 pm

  The biggest negatives I can find with the cx7 is the back seat needing more leg room, my a/c isnt the coldest, and when blower is on 3+ it is loud, the ac vents could be a little bigger for more air blow, the black material seats and black thruout the car is very hard to keep clean w/dust particles, and the hard plastic material in the back hatch scratches very easy, and the loud engine when accelerating, head room is a little low, and low ceiling when loading larger items in the back hatch & could use a little more open console room. the pros are it is really comfortable to drive on long trips, turning capablility in a parking spot is awesome, solid ride, decent gas milage on the hwy.

• 

  zoom zoom needs more vroom vroom - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By bsilly - May 7 - 2:00 am

  This was my first purchase of a "sports" car. The exterior styling was the deciding factor when comparing it with other vehicles for me. To me it is the best looking car on the road. I am happy with the RX8 for the amount of money spent, but would be happier if this car moved faster. In middle gears and at 55 to 60 it just doesnt move as I expected it would. Zoom zoom needs more vroom vroom in my opinion.

• 

  Great buy! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By terjej - May 6 - 1:25 am

  Originally was going to buy a 3 but upgraded to the itouring and it was a wise decision. This car is a solid performer and since purchasing it new, only regular mainenance has been done and no warranty work has been necessary. I have owned full size SUVs and was surprised to see what I can load in this Mazda with the rear seats folded down. it has a wide opening when the truck is opened up. I enjoy going to manual shift and pushing this vehicle to the limits on tight turns. This car has a very good feel for the road and fun to drive. The cabin tends to be a bit noise at highway speeds but the stereo can automatically adjust the volume to changing speeds which is a nice option.

• 

  Mazda Protege - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By narayanmg - May 3 - 4:53 pm

  I switched from Honda Civic to Protege. The driving experience is amazing. The car is so much fun to drive. I have a 5 speed model and love it in the city driving. I have had it for over a month and already clocked about 1500 miles on it. My average mileage in the city varies from 33-37 per gallon.

• 

  A fun disappointment - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Andy - May 3 - 5:46 am

  There were several cars I was looking at when I bought my 6. The Lexis is 300, Acura tsx, Volvo s240, to name a few. I only stopped and looked at the 6 because my friend wanted to look at one. After I drove it I looked at Edmunds.com for reviews and really did not see anything to turn me away so I bought a fully loaded one. Its comfortable; It runs good, not to small/big. Its just right. However these people on here that rate the 6 a 10 when it comes to gas are nuts!! My Sticker said 22/29 MPG. Seeing how all I do is highway driving I figured 29 would be ok. Well, I check my mileage every time I fill up and the most I ever get it 22MPG. I have a 2001 Ford F150 crew cab 4x4 that gets 21MPGHW

• 

  Versatile and fun Mazda 3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark - April 27 - 1:26 pm

  Ive had my 2007 GT for almost a year. It has been a fun car to drive and easy to live with. The versatile hatchback converts to a mini-SUV when you remove the cargo cover and fold the seats - Ive had 14 bags of mulch back there! The 2.3 with automatic is peppy enough, however on hills with the AC running it can get a little strained. GT standard equipment is generous. Annoyances: over time some of the interior plastic panels have developed rattles, and the auto trans sometimes hesitates between 1st and 2nd gears. I would buy this car again but would go for the MazdaSpeed 3 with the manual tranny. Overall a great car which you can get loaded for low $20s.

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By mrvic - April 26 - 7:10 am

  Have had the CX-7 for about a little over a week now. The gas mileage is still to be determined. The transmission has a mind of its own sometimes and gets a little confused what gear it should be in. I have FWD, and driving in heavy rain with water ponding on the roadway is a little challenging, the front tires seem to have a mind of their own at times.