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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  7000 miles and four times back to the dealership - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By greekguy9999 - February 9 - 12:56 am

  First, 1500 miles, check engine light went on. It needed a software upgrade. Second, 3000 miles, GPS was frozen. needed a battery change. Third, 7000 miles, blind spot monitoring will not turn on. Dealership has no idea why and I need to come back when the Japanese builders are awake wherever they live so they can figure it out. So next time will be the fourth time. For a car that costs 30k, and is the top of their line, you would think I wouldnt need to come back four times within 8000 miles.

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  It could be better - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By sara - February 5 - 6:36 pm

  We got the loaded one with dvd sunroof etc. Its nice but to put adults in the middle or back seat is bad there is NO leg room. Very disappointing with 2 parents who are getting old and have a very difficult time getting into the seats! Will have to trade next yr for this reason only.

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  Great Economy Car - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By ingersom - January 28 - 12:33 pm

  the exterior of the car for this price range is fantastic! the subtle lines the beautiful headlights are a total turn on, however the interior is bland using black cloth and some silver trim throughout the whole car. you can be sure its not luxury. the features of the car are pretty limited but it does have bluetooth which is now a must have and pretty much all i needed... the ride is very stiff so if u frequent crappy roads u will feel every bump but when u get it out on a smooth fresh paved road with plenty of curves well... theres a reason why i have 4 tickets. road noise is pretty high especially in the backseat but at least while your back there you will have plenty of leg room

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  New computer after 300 miles! - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Michelle - January 25 - 3:36 am

  Purchased car this month and after 300 miles, the computer went out and left us stranded in the middle of 5 lanes of traffic...sideways! Dealer very helpful and gave us a loaner car and replaced computer in less than a week. Very happy customer with this dealership. When accelerating from a stop, sometimes...sometimes...it feels like power is not constant. Almost like driving a turbo with turbo lag.

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  Large Family Loves it So Far - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By njmaryd - January 19 - 6:20 am

  We bought 04 LX w/ 14k. 1 mo, 1500 miles later we are in love! No problem seating everyone and fitting all FOUR carseats. Nice alternative to bulky mini-vans that looks good and is affordable.

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  I love my Mazda Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Dianne Leonetti - January 19 - 12:53 am

  Have had the Tribute for almost 4 years. I love its size, not huge like the others, so can justify daily use and gas usage, but large enough to haul a complete heating and air conditioning system up to Buffalo from Atlanta for installation in my sons newly purchased home! No problem fitting it all in. Buy one.

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  If you like the feel of a car but need s - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Kiele - January 18 - 2:00 am

  If you like the feel of a car but need something bigger this is great!!! I find it to be very peppy and it gets GREAT gas milage.

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  04 Mazda 6i auto - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By rblessed - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great everyday driver for work. If you can opt of the V6 it is worth it. However, I do a lot of driving in Home Health and miles per gallon is important to me so the 4 cyl benefited me. I like to do my own shifting, but in todays traffic pay the extra for an automatic. I looked into everything in this price range 22K and the Mazda offered more spunk than other manufacturers. If you reside in San Antonio, Texas go to the IPAC dealership and speak with John B. (Manager), Reggie A, or Eddie G. They were AWESOME!! I have only had the car a day so I cannot comment on reliability at this time. The car is great.. it sells itself.

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  SO MUCH FUN !!!!!!!! - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Lisa - January 11 - 7:23 am

  I previously owned a larger car. Took me about a month to become comfortable in my smaller space. But, let me tell you .....It is so much fun when the top goes down!!!! I absolutely love this car!

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  Fun to drive, looks sharp - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By CX-7 Owner - January 9 - 9:26 pm

  I bought my CX-7 about a week ago. Incredibly fun to drive. Transmission changes gears smoothly and effortlessly. Never feels heavy or ponderous. Able to zip ahead when you want to pass, whether youre going 30 or 80. Handling and braking are very good. Handles turns and cloverleafs much better than other SUVs without feeling like the car is leaning. Exterior styling is great. People have walked up in parking lots to ask about it and offer compliments on how good it looks. Have found myself just going out to drive, or heading to a store 20 miles away just to get a chance to drive a little more.