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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  CX7 review from prev. Tribeca owner - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Cruisin Guy - October 8 - 6:10 am

  Ive had the CX-7 for a little over 4 mths and really enjoy driving this vehicle. It drives more like a car than a truck. I previously owned a Subaru B-9 Tribeca 06. I love the CX7 styling, leather interior, heated seats, Nav etc. The CX7 handles better than the Tribeca, i.e., more fun to drive. The CX7 has a nicer looking Nav system but a trip computer/mpg readout should be integrated in for future models. MPG is better with CX7 by about 2mpg ie. about 17 w/ CX7 compared to 15 w/tribeca overall observed.

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  consider MPV its a 9.9 for us! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By matluoma - October 8 - 2:00 am

  excellent van & worth it! dont just take my word for it - you should consider this van. no concerns about power & torque. (hp to weight ratio is awesome - so dont just compare hp to hp...0

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  Big Value, Big Fun! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Morgan - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds describes this car as a Lexus SportCross for the masses, and I totally agree. I dont think theres a better balance of practicality, reliability, mileage, looks, and performance out there. I rarely get beyond my driveway before this cars performance puts a smile on my face.

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  Most affordable fun - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By crh_usa - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I hesitated for a long time between the more reasonable Civic Si, the Golf GTI and the speed. The strong financial incentives on the Mazda 2010 made it an easier decision. This car is so much fun to drive. Without the turbo on, it is a peppy economical car. With the turbo on, you wake up the beast.

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  Great car, great handling - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kicking_cans - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Love this car! Accelerates fast, getting 31 mpg, corners great, and... handles accidents well! Plus, mine has push button start, awesome! Going to the gym, throw my keys in my gym bag, & leave them there. Push the button to start, while the bag is sitting on the front passenger seat! Ive driven the Dodge Challenger for a day trip; and performance wise, 3 big differences. Mazda gets better gas mileage, and corners better. The Challenger travels at 95 mph better. (At 65/70 MPH, theyre the same.) Oh, and I backed into another car, got a 3 inch dent in my bumper. But its plastic, so pushed/popped it out. Now looks like a light scratch on my bumper, instead of a huge dent!

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  Love this SUV!! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Love this SUV!! - October 4 - 4:13 pm

  We bought our Tribute new back in 2001 and absolutely love it. We now have 140,000 miles on it and the only servicing that it has needed has been the usual wear and tear. We have always had our servicing done at the dealer. Best of all...this SUV is great in the snow. I have never had a problem driving this vehicle in bad weather. I average about 20 mpg. We also had a Miata and finally departed with that car after it had 250,000 miles on it. What can I say about Mazda.......they make reliable cars as long as you do your part in maintaining them.

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  So happy I went with this vehicle! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kewright - October 4 - 3:58 pm

  Overall, I have to say that I am really pleased with the 2014 Mazda CX-5 GT with Tech package. I feel like it was a great value and upgrade from our previously owned Jeep Compass. The ride can be a little stiff on bumpy city road surfaces, but feels great at highways. The handling is fantastic and sport-like. It feels like it handles more like a sedan than an SUV. We broke in our CX-5 by taking up to the mountains right off the lot, and it handled great up the hills (plenty of power). Ive seen many comments about road noise, and this vehicle was far quieter than others in its class that I test drove. Its a little loud at start up, but that is the rapid engine heating system.

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  PUT MORE FUN IN YOUR LIFE - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miatax3 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I only need a few words to express how much I enjoy Miata’s. I have three (3), all bought new. My first a ‘92 my second ‘99 and my beautiful ‘‘02 black & tan with all the bells and whistles. I couldn’t accept the SC brown leather with metallic gray.

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  Few minor problems BUT still love car!! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Sherry2004 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car but I have had a few mishaps. First, two Dunlop tires were damaged after a mishap with a curb and not too hard of a hit. The tire walls were damaged after 9 months of owning the car. No warranty on the tires and Dunlop would not consider the tires to be defective. A small part broke on the cars heating fan, CD has started to skip but was covered under warranty. The service at the dealership has been impeccable.

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  Great "Small" SUV!!! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Tmetz - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased this vehicle for my wife, for highway travelling and to carry around my daughters monstrosity known as her carseat. My wife is nearly 6 tall, I am 66" and my daughter is very long/tall for her age. In turn, our front seats are always to the rear and my daughters huge carseat faces rearward. Simply put, the Tribute was the only "small" SUV that would fit us all comfortably. It is a dream to drive and fun to boot. This is, by far, the best new car purchase I have ever completed. I have a feeling that there might be a second Tribute in the garage before too long!