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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  red roadster - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By red roadster - June 15 - 2:43 pm

  This is a really fun car. Ideal for a single, smallish person. Drives great. Technology is great, although takes a little practise to master. Sound system is also excellent. Seats are very comfortable for me but might be narrow for a larger person. No center console which is challenging for someone who kept mine full. Not a lot of storage and small trunk. Ok so far because the seats easily fold down. I am happy to exchange this more limited space for a shorter body length and ease of city parking.

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  2000 mazda - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Mike - June 14 - 2:46 pm

  I bought the car in 4/2002. Replaced battery and brakes only (besides normal maint. items). At around 185000 I need to replace the fuel filter. Mazda builds great cars.

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  zoom-zoom - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By JetsToBrazil - June 14 - 10:00 am

  this thing moves! Ive never had more fun in a car before. So far, so good, its pretty new and all but nothing is wrong and I have no complaints at all at this time, if I think of any, Ill let you know...but its fast and it hauls a$$

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  Best Buy - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By LEE - June 14 - 8:30 am

  Just picked up 2009 Touring a week ago. Love the utility for its size. Have 2 children but no longer need to carry baby stuff. Need 3rd row seats once in a while. Drives like a car and is much better looking then a Kia Rondo. Like the rear doors.

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  2004 Mazda MPV - only get the rare ES!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Tyler - June 13 - 12:26 pm

  I had a 2003 MPV LX and loved it but then I decided to go for some new technology like the 2004 has. I looked at Odyssey and Sienna but they are really too bulky and wide which makes them unsafe to manuever out of someones way. I loved the 2004 MPV (the new body style) but had to order an ES. ESes are very rare since they are the top model and I also wanted all the options and packages, DVD, sport package - very rare, sunroof.

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  P.O.S!!!!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By turtle21 - June 12 - 9:30 pm

  I had my car for 4 years and it is the worst car ever! Ive had 3 engine replacements and 3 transmission replacements. The car has left me stranded numerous times and the brakes even go out on me. Ive also had to replace my coils every 3 months. And once the warranty is up good luck trying to get the thing to run!! It overheats and shuts off when driving long distances. It looks nice but runs like crap I wish I never got this car. And now getting rid of it is even harder due to all the problems it has.

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  Mazda CX-7: fantastic crossover - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Nikster - June 11 - 7:00 pm

  Ive owned this car for just under a month now, and am totally blown away by how much fun it is to drive. I have a Lexus ES 300, and bought this car for my wife. But I find myself arguing with her over who gets to drive this on the weekend. Great looking exterior, good looking interior, excellent functional features. I got the GT AWD with the technology package - just love the way the nav screen moves to reveal the CD player. For a family of 2 who needs more space but doesnt want to go for a large SUV, this is perfect. The way the turbocharger kicks in to give the car a boost, is phenomenal. Gripes include an over sensitive light sensor that dims the screen, no memory seats.

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  Okay, but - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By mrs_ollie - June 11 - 5:36 pm

  I have enjoyed driving this car for more than a year and a half now. At this time, though, I have 19k miles and need new tires. Also, the fuel economy could be better, this is why I selected the 4 cylinder. Otherwise, the interior has weathered my family and dog wonderfully and the car has as much pick up as the day I drove it off the lot.

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  Surprising 2004 Mazda Tribute LX-A - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By hughlock - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is just plain old fun to drive. The steering is extremely responsive with no "center dead space" to limit reaction time. Some people have complained about the wind noise at high speeds; I suggest you test drive some of the other makers of SUVs and you will change your mind. The Tribute is an overall success at a great price. Mine was less than $20,000.

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  Great Value - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By akepley - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Never owned a mazda before and have been extremely happy. no issues, maintentance problems, drives smooth, nice interior, equip and knobs very functional. I cheaped out and got the 4 cyl-5spd and the 4 cyl is a bit weak, but fuel econ is great for SUV as i get 25-27 regularly. Very smooth, solid, car like drive. I bought due to the incentives and picked it over the Honda CRX and Honda Pilot. Chose Mazda over Ford due to styling and better warranty.