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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  My experience so far - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jason L - June 22 - 7:36 pm

  Im driving the 2.0 liter 4 speed auto. Before buying this car, I drove a 2000 Toyota Camry CE. Its really amazing the difference in interior quality between a Toyota and a Mazda. Toyota certainly beats the Mazda hands down in terms of build quality inside the car. I.E. Cheap plastics and poor stitching on cloth seats. That being said, the Mazda3 is leaps and bounds more fun to drive than a Camry. Virtually everything in the performance dept is better, with the exception of low end torque. Maybe its only the 2.0 liter, but the low end torque is a little weak. Once it gets into 3rd/4th gear, it accelerates QUITE nicely. When I need a burst of speed, the car definitely delivers.

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  Outstanding Tribute! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Jimbo - June 22 - 2:33 am

  I have had no problems with this vehicle. It has been a pleasure to own.

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  Move over Maxima - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By FT - June 19 - 10:33 am

  Car is a lot of fun to drive. In sales, my car is my desk and this car fits the bill. Map lights (front and back). My kids love to read and the lights dont interfere with my vision. Storage compartment in front dash is very convenient. Car has plenty of pep and the manual shifting is slick when you want to play. I had two Maximas before this and this car is in the same league.

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  Great Little Car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By MikeyCinciC - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Its been a great car to own and its totally reliable. Weve got 69K miles on it and it drives like it did the day we bought it. No noises, no rattling, no nothing. We liked this one so much that we bought a second one in 2001 and thats an even nicer model!! If youre looking at this for a used car, I would highly recommend it.

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  Disappointed in 626 transmission issues - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Disappointed 626er - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 626 new and had no problems until recently. I only have 42,000 miles on a 4 year car and the dealership says I have to pay for an external cooler for my transmission to "preserve" the transmission because it WILL go out early.

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  This is Protege #3 - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By JackH - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This is our 3rd Protege and each one is better than the last. Our 2003 is agile and fun to drive. My wifes last car was a Honda Civic and I was happy when she readily agreed to the Honda LX.

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  The good and the bad - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By MR O - June 14 - 10:20 pm

  Good engine, great manual transmission. Car handles very well. 25 mpg in mixed city/hwy driving. The remote entry keys work less than half the time. Good thing I can still lock/unlock the doors manually. Absolutely terrible in snowy/icy conditions due to slick performance tires. Occasional strange lurch in 2nd gear. This is a small, economical minivan, not to be confused with a Honda Odyssey. Compare it to other compact cars, not the big maxivans weighing half a ton more. Overall, a pleasant driving experience. Good, reliable, economical transportation. No mechanical problems after 23000 miles, except as noted above.

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  It will be one year.... - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Marlo - June 13 - 11:33 pm

  in a few weeks since I bought the 08 CX7. It has 18k miles, and I havent had any problems with the vehicle. I brought the Sport but it came with some options (nav, Bose system, moon roof, Sirius, remote start). The CX7 is the perfect size for me. Overall, I enjoy the CX7.

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  Do not buy CX-7 AWD - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By Maavalous - June 13 - 8:43 pm

  Do not buy a Mazda CX-7 with AWD! Mazda has a serious vibration issue in all the Cx-7 AWD models. From 55 to 100 mph (yes, I tested to 100) the car has a vibration in the AWD system. I tried to get it repaired and they tried for a while and gave up. We found four examples and they all vibrated. They now consider the vibration "normal". They refused to replace mine because "it would not eliminate the problem". I tested almost all the CUVs out there... none vibrate like this! Beware! They are not going to fix this!!

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  ONLY 3 row US vehicle w/ manual tranny! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dave - June 12 - 10:26 pm

  Perfect for a small family. If youre worried it wont do for the family vacation, dont fear! With the cash you save in purchase and fuel over a minivan you can rent a minivan if ever you need to!