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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  No problems so far - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By BillD - March 28 - 2:36 am

  Got a great deal on a great SUV at the end of 2009. Back seat a little tight for adults but Ok for kids. Fun to drive and quality of build is good.

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  Mazda MPV a winner - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By two tone - March 25 - 2:00 am

  We love our 2000 MPV. the only downside is the small engine. Everything else is flawless.

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  Why didnt I buy one sooner - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Frank Guido - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I just love driving it all over... Have done several 300 and 500 mile trips and its a hoot!. I used to own a V8 Mustang but the Mustang is a great straight line, stop light to stop light runner and the rumble is a V8 but I am more road racer (which in my opinion is the true racing spirit) then a drag racer so its a ton more fun even though it doesnt have the power. Handling in corners is just fantastic and its agility... :-). One of the most fun and best cars I ever drove.

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  Gettin use to it... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By sydney - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I like my tribute, which i bought 11/02...i think! Im mostly getting over the mpg shock. okay, i may be a little lead-footed, but i was hoping for better than 20 mpg, mostly highway driving (was spoiled by my previous Mazda GLC and Protege). As for sporty and fun...it is. I hate the placement of the gear shift on the column (it makes it difficult to reach radio controls...do i go over or under the gear stick???) Im still getting use to the blind spot on passenger rear side, and have hit my herbie curbie twice to prove it. Overall, i like it, but like a good pair of shoes, gotta break it in.

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  A Great Station Wagon for Winter Fun - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Skiier4 - March 24 - 8:23 am

  I drive extensively on snow and ice in northern Minnesota so winter performance is important. I switched to Nokian WR All Weather tires which improved summer performance, reduced road noise and made the car a complete joy to drive in the winter. I am running Mobile1 which improved winter starting and fuel economy slightly. Controls are good but are easy to bump with gloved hands. Ventilation is fair. Accelerator pedal space is tight for a boot. Overall the vehicle has been very flexible and reliable with a few warranty items including exhaust heat build up, rear sliding door locks freeze, cold weather squeaking over a bump (TSB 02-007/06) and fuel gauge calibration.

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  Uber wagon with a few quirks - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By uber wagon - March 18 - 9:53 am

  Great car. I love the hatch. I think that the sedan looks better but when you can put a fully assembled grill in the back it brings a smile to my face especially in an economy compact. Engine sound is buzzy, sound system is horrible and 4 speed transmission is is joke. At 80 MPH the engine revs at 3600 and this kills the fuel economy. I am used to a BMW 335i and Acura TL so my expectations are high.

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  MY RX8 OF 3 YRS - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Lethal - March 17 - 4:03 pm

  I have had my 8 for 3 years now got it when I graduated from high school as a first car it ran great never any problems and really fun to drive. 2 years in my cat converter got plugged which gave it no power this was fixed by the dealer no problem free at cost have to change the oil at least every 2-3 months they key is taking care of the car dont be cheap n turn the engine off ull flood it or worse there are no problems if it is taken care of i have also done my car up n boy its been great!2 10" Alpine Subs V12 Alpine Amp Greddy SE exhaust custom led lights K&N Intake

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  Fun car - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Great8 - March 17 - 1:36 am

  The third row is small but fun car to drive, spacious and love the MP3 availability. Does not look like a mini van. More like a wagon. Perfect for parents that want space, sporty and good gas mileage.

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  New CX-5 Rocks, so far - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By newcx_5 - March 16 - 8:25 am

  Hi all. Just got a Sky Blue AWD CX-5 Touring a couple days ago. No moon roof or Tech package. I love it so far. Handling is just like everyone is saying. Acceleration is good enough for me. It is a little sluggish on hills as others have said but guess that is the trade off for fuel efficiency. Havent used a tank yet but am curious to see where it comes out. No regrets at all. Love it

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  Best of the current breed - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By tenfour - March 16 - 3:17 am

  Doing as much research as possible on the current market led me to the CX-5. A long term RAV4 owner with friends who drive Subarus provided some first hand insight on my most likely competitor candidates. Yet a test drive--along with some nudging from style--made the decision an easy one. I settled on a Touring AWD with Sunroof and Bose. So far Im pleased with the driving experience, style, value and comfort. Any negatives? Yes, for a dozen reasons, I wish I did NOT purchase the Bose audio system. What a waste of $ not to mention effort Ill expend to replace it with something less annoying.