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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  2012 Sport manual - 2012 Mazda Mazda2
  By kengriffey - August 18 - 1:21 pm

  Bought this car new and have put on 2000 miles so far. Got the Sport because I couldnt find any Touring models with manuals in my area. Excellent handling, I really feel like I can toss this car around. The shifter is very smooth and quick. At first I was worried about the 100hp but while it wont knock you back in your seat during acceleration it is more than adequate(previous car was a 9-3 Saab). Personally I like the simpleness of the car, the dash is basic and for an economy car its what it should be. Ive been averaging 33 mpg with most of my driving at 70 mph on the highway. Basically it is what most of the reviews say, a fun to drive economy car.

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  lots of room for improvement - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Vishal Lakhotia - August 18 - 10:00 am

  In about 2 monhts, i found that it makes too much noise, when iam above 60 mph. I had to increate the sound level so high to drown out the wind noise. leather quality is not good. Anything on the leather slides left right, back and forth. The A/c controls are a lil weird. Since I cannot put the full a/c blow between face and legs.. it only works on the top ( face) and not anywhere else. Too much body roll on sharp turns, much more than a subaru.. ( tested both on same turns).

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  RX8 6-speed cant handle the power - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By alamoman - August 14 - 11:46 pm

  We have had an 05 RX8 with the 6-speed for 18 months. The rotary engine is much improved over the old one. My wife loves to drive it and we both like the styling. I enjoy hearing a motor rev about 7,000 rpms. We have had to replace the transmission, starter, and spark plugs. Too high maintenance for me.

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  Takes a lickin Keeps on tickin - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Ryan - August 14 - 6:56 pm

  This is a good truck for all around use. The fuel economy is average for around town, but is good on the long trips. I have not had a single mechanical problem. The truck is strong enough to pull my boat to the lake and tough enough to handle me taking it out in the Mojave Desert to have some fun exploring. I have only made a couple of changes to the truck to accommodate my uses. I installed slotted and drilled rotors for heat reduction while towing, and an air- fuel programmer to dial in the exact power or fuel economy I need. I put on some 31 x 10.5 R15 mud tires to keep it moving in the sand, mud and snow.

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  Gas Mileage Solved w/ Other Thoughts - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By john - August 14 - 4:16 am

  Ive been driving this car now for about six months. For the money, it cannot be beat - just straight up amazing value. The high end appointments (bose stereo, xenon lighting, heated leather seats, 18" wheels) make this car a head turner. But Ive read reviews about the gas mileage - my thoughts: your two biggest variables are temperature and conditions. If it is cold in the city, I get like 20 mpg, if its warm and on the highway, I get about 35. Huge range on this car. Its engine is a touch undersized, so anything over 70mph on the highway drops your mileage considerably. I got about 34mpg on a roadtrip to NYC this weekend - just cruise at about 68mph.

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  Nice small suv, not good on gas - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By robinlewes - August 13 - 3:22 pm

  I bought my CX-5 last summer after doing a lot of research to find a small suv that would get good gas mileage. I thought I had made the right decision but now Im thinking I made somewhat of a mistake. I like most things about this car, the way it handles and its comfort and convenience but mine is getting lousy gas mileage. Mazda claims I should get 26/35 but Im generally only getting 20mpg! Even my dealership was questioning this low mileage. They have checked the car over but found nothing wrong suggesting that I use a better grade of gas. I did so but it made no difference. My BMW 325i I traded got better. Im really thinking of trading this car as Im disappointed in Mazdas claims.

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  Good Value - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By s-b - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Most of the features of the higher- priced competition. Short wheelbase makes for easy parking/lane changes in traffic. Mileage not bad for the class. Better warranty than the twin Ford Escape and better looking! Good rebate on mine and good dealer service. Drivers seat adjustable for all drivers comfort.

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  "Lemon" Yellow - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By toconner - August 12 - 3:53 pm

  I bought my car in Mar 04. After 6 months new brakes and rotors. Nov 06 - took car in for oil change, was told need new motor in recall. New motor then required a new trans. Now in again because car is just not running right - doesnt want to start and backfires. I just wish Mazda would fix my little yellow car and bring it back to the car I use to love to drive and brag about.

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  Turbo gone!!!! - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By nichele - August 9 - 5:02 pm

  I bought my 2008 CX7 with almost 5k miles. I really enjoyed driving it....until the timing chain had to be replaced at at 40000 miles, which I thought was a little soon but it was covered. About a year ago, I had to have the engine mount replaced, some bearings were worn and there was an oil leak. That was not covered over $1000 worth of repairs. The CEL came on over the weekend. Took it to the dealer ,turbo engine done....timing chain again, The car needs almost 9000 dollars worth of repairs..are you kidding me!!! The service rep told me that I did good for having 95k miles on the car without anyhing major happening before now. Going to get rid of this car!!!

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  Mazda3 2.0L Auto - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kennedy - August 9 - 5:53 am

  I bought this Mazda3 based mainly on previous professional reviews for its reliability, agility and fuel mileage. Plus, I really liked the exterior styling. After driving some 6000 miles Ive found that the ride is jittery, choppy and generally unrefined. It always feel like there is a wheel out of balance or tire out of round. Both motor mounts where replaced and a 4 wheel road force balance but there is still a lot of engine shake felt through the steering wheel and chassis. I wouldnt buy again.