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:

• 

  "WOW" Did I mention "WOW?" - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sandor - April 18 - 12:40 pm

  I purchased this car 04 Sep 2007. I bought it in Michigan and drove it home to Dallas. What can I say about the car other than wow? It handles like a motorcycle in the turns. Although I will admit it is not the greatest car for a 15 hour drive. But, it was not as bad as a motorcycle and yet just as fun. It has the easiest to operate top that I have ever seen. Has a very responsive and pretty powerful engine. Will stop on a dime and give you a nickel change. I have put over 25,000 miles on it and still love to drive it as much now as I did the day I bought it. It is not my daily driver, but I truly look forward to driving it every chance I get.

• 

  Lemon is the color of my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By wbc-dc - April 17 - 10:00 am

  At 5000 miles (3mos)-started hearing strange noise when car was cold-found out steering seals were installed wrong and rack and pinion steering needed replacement. As soon as that was repaired-noticed vibration and rushing sound with acceleration-determined that it needed a new transmission. Went in for transmission repair and found out that the bolt holding the transmission was only in by two threads and transmission could have fallen off. Obviously a bad day at the factory- whats next-I am scared to drive it!

• 

  Great - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Shon - April 17 - 10:00 am

  We love the handling, power and features the Tribute has. This SUV is perfect for a family of four.

• 

  I love this car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RotaryDave - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. The engine is magnificent, silky smooth and powerfull. Its agile and convenient. I do regular weekend road trips with my wife and infant son, our luggage and all the required baby gear, with no problems. All this in a car with razor sharp handling. Incredible.

• 

  Ive waited two years - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By gwendoline - April 15 - 9:54 pm

  I drove a 2002 Protege5 for nine years, the longest ever for one car. I enjoyed it. It still looked good, but I was bored, so bought the 2011 Mazda 2 hatchback. Not good, Too light, skips all over the road, trunk and back seat, too small. The economy is awful, but I would like to trade the car before it begins to have trouble. Ive only 12K miles, have driven two, less than 1000 mile each round trips. Taking a 800 mile round trip in two weeks. Highway mpg sucks. How can a good, 2002, go to a poor, 2011, like that? Angry

• 

  Love it! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Jeff - April 15 - 2:10 pm

  I have had my CX-7 for about 10 months now, and I have loved every minute. What a fun car to drive. The turbo has so much kick that it took a little time to get used to.

• 

  impressive value for the money - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Missouri Mule - April 15 - 9:40 am

  compared to Rondo and selected Mazda based on past experience with MPV. Great value for money considering flexibility and features; kids love the folding table in second row, hidden storage under seat is smart, could use another inch of legroom for my left leg but vehicle is still comfortable to drive; vehicle is primary driven by my wife who just loves the car. Mileage is strong, have gotten as high as 31 mpg on highway; hills of Ozarks bring mileage down but still does very well. would prefer 16 inch wheels and maybe an inch taller, but hard to complain about the value. Structure seems tight and well built. very easy to load and unload. road noise better than mpv, which was reliable2

• 

  Great Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By AdoboDude - April 14 - 6:33 am

  Bought the car on Dec 31, 2007. 2008 Mazda 5 GT. Power is adequate. Acceleration is ok, handling is superb, great gas mileage. About 23-25 mpg in LA traffic, but I did log 31 mpg going to San Francisco with 3 adults and 2 kids. Took me a long time to decide between the new CRV to the 5, but I sincerely believe that I made the right choice.

• 

  Ford Engine - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bernie - April 14 - 3:30 am

  With 12000 miles on our new Mazda, the engine locked up which sent us on a one month "Mazda doesnt want to sell us another car" misery. We found out that Ford builds the engine for our car. We also learned that the problem our car was having was a mystery for Mazda and Mazda engineering would direct our dealer as to what to do next and when. After one month of experimenting with our car and several threats from us that we would not accept the car unless the engine were replaced, Mazda replaced the head and gave us a 100000 mile engine/drive train warranty. If Mazda had been concerned about keeping us happy customers, they woulds have replaced the engine and had our car back to us in a week.

• 

  Great fun car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jonniejr2 - April 13 - 8:53 am

  This car has been great. I have had it now for 3 months and I just love it. It is my first car that I actually bought and I cant be happier. I dont have a whole lot of money right now so this smaller sized car is great for someone who just got out of college and needed a new car. It gets great gas mileage and is sporty looking and fun to drive. The 4-cylinder on this baby isnt even noticeable, accelerates like a champ.