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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  CRAP-mistake to have bought this piece of junk - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By a524157 - July 7 - 12:01 pm

  2010 Tribute bought new (I thought) had a recal to recalibrate tranny...gas milage got worse, rear wiper has failed and worse still I cannot get the wiper arm off to replace the motor..even tried a wheel puller but no go. Rusting under lip of the hood and the hatchback. Had to replace resonator because weld let go. had to change purge valve because it is made too cheap. Wheel lugs are constantly coming loose on mags even after being torqued to manufact specs. Now I was told that there is rust on the roof above the drivers side door in the roof rails that appears to have been fixed before we bought the car According to a Ford dealer looks like car was dropped-explains funny clunk closingdoor

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  25,000 MILE UPDATE - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By hoveringfalcon - July 7 - 6:44 am

  Ive had my 3 for just over a year, and have put 25,000 miles on it. I still think its a fantastic car. Its not perfect, and I will soon explain why, but it provides a superb combination of sportiness and fuel efficiency that is unmatched in its class. If you love driving but need something that sips gas, look no further. However if you prioritize comfort and luxury options above all else, you might want to cross shop before you buy.

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  Love the Car-Real Value for Money - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Sandy - July 6 - 2:46 pm

  We bought it as a second family car after lot of research by me, my wife & kids who have an eye for stylish things. We test drove CRV, Tiguan, RX350, RAV4 and so on. I was driving a CX9 rental for 2months and loved the car but its fuel economy always put me off. One day driving past Mazda dealership, I saw the 2010 CX7 on a pedestal outside the dealership and loved its looks. Went inside and had a look at the interior that was very impressive. Dealer offered a test drive to my house and my wife & kids made an instant decision to buy this. Been using it for 4 months and love every minute of it. Has helped us a lot in hauling everything from lawn mower to formal area furniture - love the space

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  Great Drivability but horrible interior finish - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By graym6 - July 6 - 1:32 pm

  Pros: I bought this car mainly because it has great exterior design and 6 automatic transmission. After I test drove Honda accord, I know I am not ready for CVT yet. I knew I made a right choice of buying Mazda 6. It drives amazingly well and has great handling. I give a special credit to front suspension which does the cornering without creating discomfort. Cons: Interior rattles a lot. This problem is already known for many Mazda 6 owners. If you just type the words "2014 Mazda 6 rattles" in google engine search, you will wonder if this is a new car. I just cant believe they dont catch all these rattling noises when they made prototypes. Granted, I bought Mazda not Toyota.

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  Surprised - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Debbie - July 5 - 8:06 pm

  I was reluctant to purchase the Mazda3 automatic, but after shopping for almost 3 weeks,and driving countless cars, I found my Mazda3. I love it, it handles awesomely, it is stylish, clean, the engine is sound, the stereo system is fantastic for such a small sedan but it is not small inside. I can fit 4 average sized people comfortly. The only problem I see thus far is the dashboard is a very dark brown, almost black, and I live in Florida, so it collects the heat and makes for a hot car until the air gets going full blast for a few minutes. I would defintely buy another Mazda!

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  I was looking for you all this time - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By xabo - July 5 - 5:20 pm

  This is "the almost perfect family car". I studied every possibility for our family and couldnt find the right match. I finally discovered the 5 and realized quickly it was the one. Space, quality, price, doors, features, design and MPG, it has it all. Its a pleasure to drive this car. I must admit some jealousy as we found the 5 in Switzerland with dark tinted glass and a sporty luggage rack system. It looks even better. The seating possibilities are endless and easy to play with.

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  Amazing inside, out and under - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By MARIOS LOUCAS - July 5 - 12:36 pm

  Ive purchased this car 2 weeks ago and I have to say that the more I drive it the more I like it. Mazda was not in my priorities when I was out in the market, this is my first Mazda and I have to say that if this is the kind of products that will keep coming from this company Ill stick with them. The CX-7 has excellent road handling; please note that Ive owned big Alfas and Lancias in Europe for years and I know what I am talking about, the brakes are the best Ive ever driven in a car so far, the built quality much better than the all of the European cars Ive owned and if the reliability proves to be just "Japanese" then there wont be a problem.

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  Good Truck without Personality - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Bill - July 4 - 9:16 pm

  I purchased this truck new, trading in a 2000 GMC Sierra. I got a lot of truck for the money. The truck has been reliable except for odometer failure (warranty) and EGR flow sensor. The 4.0L engine and 5-speed auto transmission are a fine drivetrain. The main problem is that this truck just has no personality to distinguish it from the crowd. The tin-can sound of the doors closing doesnt help. I recently installed a Magnaflow catback exhaust which has given the truck a distinctive sound.

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  Nice, Fun to drive - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By NiceRide - July 4 - 10:46 am

  Have had the car since 11/09 and still get excited to hop in and go for a drive. There was one comment on road noise below, which it has some of but, much less than the new Accord we test drove. Getting about 23 MPG mixed. Great response when stepping on the gas and wanting to pass, dart, or just show off.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom.......................... - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By oconn11 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had my eye on this van for quite awhile. I also have a 99 Ford Taurus. One selling point for me was that the Mazda MPV has the same engine. My Ford, which is 10 inches longer and weighs just as much, has fanatastic get up and go. So does this MPV. The MPV looks great and catches everyones attention. I paid 21300 with a roof rack, fog lights, and alarm. Also I got a 5 year 60k mile warranty included. Truly is a sports van. Zoommmm