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:

• 

  Versatile, economical package - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mazdone - November 14 - 1:36 am

  Ive only just purchased this vehicle after exhaustive deliberations. While the Mazda 5 is a fine choice as a practical, cheap, do-it-all wagon, construction is borderline flimsy and materials are cheap. My windshield creaks over every bump and the floor, pedals and steering wheel all take turns vibrating as if the car had 100K miles on it and bad tires. I hope to resolve these issues soon...

• 

  Mazda RX-8 lot of flash, bad on gas - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By lugnutz - November 13 - 12:46 am

  The Mazda RX-8 is a great sports coupe. In terms of performance the RX-8 competes well with the Porsche Boxster and BMW M4. It has a broad rpm range, true 9000 rpm redline, has a shifting sweet spot around 7500-8000 which is absolute music to the ears. The Zoom Zoom is in the curves. Its .88 Gs in slalom testing by Motor Trend magazine puts the RX-8 in a class with true exotic sports supercars. This is an ideal sports car for the family guy. With seating for four, you can take drop the kids off at soccer, ballet, and lacrosse practice. Its exterior design is flowing and graceful, but definitely exudes its sports car nature. The drivers cockpit very stylish, but all business.

• 

  Its great! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By nne3jxc - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda3s handling is tight without giving a punishing ride. The interior was nicely appointed and well laid out. Sure -- it doesnt have some of the fancy doo-dads that the luxury cars have, but I can turn on my headlights just fine all by myself, thank you. Its a comfortable little car that feels bigger than it is and has some nice bigger car features. (Many "stolen" from the upmarket Mazda6.) Its sensible without losing any of its zippy fun factor.

• 

  Mazda Sport 6 05 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By 4 dr sport sedan - November 12 - 12:20 am

  It has a lot of pep when you need to get into traffic or getting on the interstate. Its fun to drive.

• 

  sporty and fun in comfort - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By dan - November 11 - 8:46 pm

  The Mazda MPV is real easy to drive. It runs smooth and handles well. For instance making a U-turn is simple as well as parking. The acceleration is good. Overall the van is comfortable, spacious. I dont have any complaints.

• 

  TRIBLOVER - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By TRIBLOVER - November 10 - 10:00 am

  MY TRIBUTE WAS A MOTHERS DAY PRESENT AND I REALLY LOVE IT. IT HANDLES LIKE A HEAVIER SUV, BUT NOT LIKE A TRUCK. THE CARGO ROOM IS GREAT BECAUSE I HAVE 2 BOYS AND LOTS OF HAULING TO DO. I WOULD RECOMMEND ONE TO ANYONE LIKE ME WHO CANT AFFORD THE BIGGER SUVS, BUT SILL WANTED HIGH STYLE.

• 

  Dont want a new car :( - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By My3Demons - November 10 - 4:36 am

  I LOVE my yellow P5. Bought it used in 03 & Im trying not to cry now that I need a mini van. I love the way it looks, handles, & the room. Even with 3 kids in car seats! Only thing wrong is the paint. Its SO faded, even with weekly baths. I live in Florida, maybe thats why? My shift plate (R D N 2-etc.) is damaged and will cost me $125 to fix, let the next owner do that. My other issue is at 60,000 miles my tranny keeled over. I drive it like I stole it & like a mom. Mazda said it was probably previous owner; it had 27,000 on it after only 1 year. Now at 74,000 it still acts a little funny, hope that tranny stays put. :) But otherwise I LOVE it and still get people asking me about it. My fave car so far!

• 

  Push button start and some safety risk - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By kamal - November 9 - 4:35 am

  I have this SUV since April. Its a great ride and I do not want to add more to what most already mentioned. I would like to mention a huge safety issue with the key less entry. The key will disable the "start" feature itself if you are inside the car with the key and someone exiting the vehicle presses the outside lock button. This is ridiculous and unsafe especially if I am traveling. You will need someone bring the 2nd key or dealer need to reprogram it. There are vehicles push button start features which will prevent the doors from locking if the key is inside. Mazda says system disables keys in order to prevent theft! I do not buy this excuse. I rather have a locked key inside that I can have a locksmith open it and I can be on my way instead of a dealers costly reprogramming (in case you were traveling with both keys and they became disabled). Imagine getting stuck with a disabled key in the middle of the woods or a snowy road!

• 

  My 4th Mazda wagon - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By gregstl - November 5 - 5:41 pm

  Previously owned: -02 Protege 5 -08 Speed3 -10 Speed3 Many things remain the same through the years. Sporty handling, quirky but some how attractive interior, road noise, fun-to-drive, best hatch for the money, etc. What was new and enticing was the Skyactiv drivetrain and a Mazda3 getting over 30mpg.. let alone nearly 40mpg. Havent quite gotten there yet on average, but it seems possible. If you keep the RPM around 1800-1900 which is close to 60mph.. youll break 40mpg. After that it seems to dissipate pretty quickly. Youd be lucky getting over 30mpg at 70mph. At the end of the day, you can pick one of these up for under $17K brand new at some dealers. Best car made under $17K.

• 

  Function Follows Form - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sport - November 5 - 6:33 am

  The Mazda 6 Sport wagon is used to haul family kayaks and bicycles. It does this well. The roof height is just right for loading large objects onto the sturdy factory rack. No trouble with three bikes or two 17 ft kayaks or four adults. Have driven long distances fully loaded at high speeds. No problem. The Mazda is fun to drive. Very good handling.Only problem is poor fuel economy. Having a V6 is no reason for poor MPG.