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:

• 

  Best value in mini-SUVs - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By cobraal - September 11 - 10:00 am

  We just rolled over 10K trouble-free miles in our 2wd Tributes ES. The Tribute has to be the best value in the mini-SUV market. It has as much or more passenger room (especially in the backseat) and cargo room as some midsize SUVs but in the size and price of a mini-SUV. My wife likes the driving position, its small proportions and low step-in height. It handles well for a tall vehicle, has great power, brakes and steering. The biggest surprise has been how smooth and quiet the engine and ride are. Plus we get 22 mpg in normal driving. Great value, highly recommended.

• 

  Superb car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Larry - September 10 - 6:36 pm

  Just purchased this car a few days ago but it is clear what the pros and cons are. Great Handling, very firm and responsive steering. Acceleration actually surprised me when I first jumped on it and the car does feel sporty (I am guessing maybe 0-60 in 8 seconds?) For the money you can touch the performance and great looks. The only drawback is the seats are hard, they dont hug you like a Subaru or a Honda Civics, they are more like folding metal chairs (with lumbar support) I will be looking for a way to increase the comfort of them ASAP. The uncomfortable seats are a price I pay for the fun of driving this car, I never had a car I looked forward to so much to driving everyday.

• 

  So Far So Good - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By desertrat - September 10 - 9:36 am

  After recently owning both Lexus and BMW, I decided to try a Mazda this time. Considering I had a questionable repair history with the fancy nameplates, whats the worst that could happen with Mazda? Well after 1800 miles, nothing. The vehicle is fun to drive, handles well and looks great. Only time will tell of course, but so far I have been impressed with the car.

• 

  Sadly Itching to Trade-In - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By hey! - September 6 - 10:23 pm

  CONS. - The bumpers and the body paint do not match (white). The cheap plastic front air vent/fog light covers. The paint got scratched the day I drove it off the lot. The red radio display reflects off the windshield (very distracting). The windshield wipers are not fast enough in heavy rain and they shake my car when Im stopped. The interior handles for my seat feel like they are going to snap off. The gauges and steering wheel are difficult to line up. Condensation inside headlight covers. Little headroom. Front int. lights too bright. The low beams draw a sharp line in my view. PROS - Good mpg. Roomy trunk. Big back seat. 5 star ratings. Side airbags. Reliable. Unique styling.

• 

  Could be better..could be worse - 1999 Mazda 626
  By kat - September 6 - 12:53 pm

  Im only 17 so when looking for a car my grandpa wanted me to get one little but Nice. So he picked it out. At first it was great but within a week it was a total pain. The back sway bar was broke, there was a little oil leak and the fuel pump went out. In total repairs where over $1000. Thats a lot for a girl in school and working a minimum wage job but I got it fixed and its a great car. Everything works good. Pretty good gas mileage and not too bad on insurance.

• 

  Gas Mileage and Power Delivery - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By fitterpaul - September 6 - 11:56 am

  One of the reasons I bought my 2012 Mazda3 hatchback with Skyactive was the expected gas mileage. I check it every fill-up and am only averaging about 28mpg with mixed interstate/city driving. I never encounter stop and go driving and the terrain is mostly flat. My best highway-only result was 35 mpg. With other cars I have owned I can usually get better mileage than the estimate. The other issue I have is power delivery. When excellerating from a slow speed or passing the car hesitates for a full second before shifting to a too-low gear. Thank goodness there is a manual shift mode that works well. Dont expect to get 39mpg or Zoom-Zoom with this car. It has neither.

• 

  Avoid automatics at all costs - 1998 Mazda 626
  By HankMcStanky - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This was my second 626. The engine has been mostly fine, blew a head gasket at 85,000 but that feels like a fluke. The door seals, mentioned by many others, are annoying but no big deal. The trouble, as youve guessed, is the automatic transmission, made by Ford, which completely fell apart at 90,000 miles, took $2500 to fix, and has been back in the shop 3 more times in the next 12,000 miles. Some apparently break as early as 60,000. Its sad, because I really liked the car up until the fateful day it was towed to the shop. Look for a manual, which is what Ill be in the market for as soon as this one breaks again.

• 

  Best Value in a Sporty Sedan - 2012 Mazda Mazda6
  By madmaz - September 5 - 11:48 am

  We all know that Mazda got a deal on Black, Gray and Silver paint but thats OK. For the price of Mazda 3 where else can you find a car thats fun to drive, handles better than the competition, has great seats, is relatively quiet inside (windows up) and has a huge trunk. Very important (to me) ... this is not a "Skyactiv" engine but the 2.5 4-cyl averages 30 mpg in mixed driving; with a clutch, you can coast up to traffic lights. Alas, it is not a drag-racer but will keep up with normal traffic. Engine will come on strong over 3K RPM but fuel mileage will suffer. At 10K miles on the clock, no mechanical or electrical issues. A well-built machine. Highly recommended.

• 

  Good looks and great handling - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Lhoward - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I have been researching SUVs for months. The Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV 4 were also on my list of hopefuls and I test-drove each one. What sold me on the Tribute is the handling, power of the V6 and the std. options available on the ES trimline. Because of a fleet program my Company participates in and a rebate offered by Mazda, I got my Tribute for $1,600 below dealer invoice. The Highlander is also nice but too costly once you add all of the same options offered in the Tribute.

• 

  A- - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By JGZ - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Great power. Good Looking. Reliable. Nice Size with lots of room.