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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  Liked it so much, I bought another - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By JF - April 5 - 4:03 pm

  I had a 2004 Mazda3, which was fun and trouble free until it was totaled by an incompetent idiot. The resale value was such that I got $2k less than Id paid 2 years before! I value the driving experience and reliability, and for replacement narrowed it down to this or the Civic, but after a drive there was no contest. Unlike the Civic, the controls are perfectly positioned and weighted, the handling is superb, power is good, gearbox is short-throw, precise, pleasant. It looks good, and is well equipped. Love the small leather steering wheel, shame the gearstick is no longer leather. Improvements for 2007 are slightly more refined suspension, stiffer chassis, mp3 input jack.

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  HS Grad. Present - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By kcs03 - April 5 - 2:43 pm

  I got this car for graduation, and I loved it. I have come to find that people either love it or hate it/think its adorable or think its a joke. Driving it with the top down makes all of the comments disappear. Also, not having to drive passengers a lot (because you cant fit ALL of your friends in) saves you gas...when you are already not putting in as much as they are in the first place!

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  Awesome crossover - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By carter - April 5 - 12:43 am

  This SUV is one really good value for the money. It has great performance that provides excellent acceleration. Its very comfortable and the seats are very well put together. They have withstood my 6 year old child and all of his spills and damages. The SUV could have better fuel economy, but its better then most American crossovers. My Mazda is my favorite car that I have owned, and I have been through quite a bit of cars. My entire family loves how the car looks and what the inside looks like. The build quality is great too. Since I havent had it very long, I dont know its reliability but Im sure it will last me a very long time. Thanks Mazda

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  Great looking car, lots of tech, good mileage too; but need more power. - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By inwester - April 2 - 5:35 pm

  I got the 2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring in red, black leather interior with contrast stitching, Tech package and with mats, bumper applique etc. MSRP was $33.4k, got it for $30.7k and leased it for $370/mo with no down for 3 yr/15k lease. Now to the actual review of the car. The car just looks gorgeous and I always wanted a red car. The engine is under-powered, but the i-eloop gives great gas mileage (40% hwy/60% city = 33 mpg). The ride is a little harsh, especially for people in the back, the 19" low profile tires are overkill in my opinion. Interior materials are top notch, seats comfortable and Bose sound system is good too. Steering is a little light for my liking but its smooth.

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  Best Car Purchase - 2012 Mazda CX-7
  By bheft2012 - April 2 - 12:12 pm

  My husband and I just upgraded to an SUV and have been searching and shopping for over 6 months. I saw this car on the lot and it was so beautiful I had to test drive it, I didnt care about the price. I drove it and WOW, rides beautifully! The comfort of a luxury SUV for a reasonable price. I drive an hour and a half total to work everyday and I get great MPG! We bought it with 65k miles on it and we havent noticed any big issues or little issues. It takes turns sharp and clean, accelerates amazing for having a 4 cylinder engine. I feel like I have a 6 cylinder engine for the mpg and price of a 4 cylinder. My family and friends love riding with me, they always choose my car for carpool!

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  Fun but only in the sun - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Shinsen - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Love the looks. Many think it is a exotic at first look. Great car for nice sunday drives. Very fun to drive and gets the looks!!

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  Mazda 3s Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jhuttner - April 2 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my Mazda 3s sedan in black mica one month ago. Car offers good bang for the buck and the engine pulls hard...best towards the top of 2nd gear. The 5 speed shifts smoothly although the clutch could be a little heavier. Car looks good and the rear end is sporty I think. Sound system is good (get the moonroof 6 CD package!) and the glovebox is roomy too. Four wheel disc brakes with nice wheels are a welcoming feature that not many cars in this price range offer. The console is good and the trunk has plenty of room.

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  Reliable Mid Size SUV - Almost Perfect - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By phoenix131281 - March 31 - 6:16 pm

  Mazda has got it right. CX-7 is a reliable compact SUV. Drive feels solid. Much work & thought has been done on the interiors. Very well placed buttons. Good Cargo space. I have owned the car for 3 weeks and it is a pleasure to drive the car.

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  Dont buy it for the fuel Economy - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By No gas savings here! - March 30 - 3:26 am

  If most of your driving is in local traffic this is not the car for you. The sticker promised 18 mpg city driving, Im getting 12.5!!! When I called both the dealership and Mazda home office they said I had a heavy foot (not true) or it needed more time to break in. Well its been 7 months and no improvement is found, however the highway mileage was much better then stated. The sticker stated 21 mpg Im getting 26 mpg.

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  Great to feel young again. - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By MMTech1 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I love the car. Test drove alot of cars before buying this one. Have the 2002 LX 5 speed. Was driving a Jeep SUV and switched to the mazda and now I feel like Im in High School again. Took a 5 hour drive down the coast line for a week end trip and had blast. My wife said if she new it would shave 20 years off my life she would have got me one a long time ago.