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:

• 

  Couldve been better - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By modred17 - September 20 - 9:23 pm

  Bought almost 3 months ago, and while I like the style, I find it has little substance. I am very disappointed by the gas mileage. Averaging 21 miles in city and 29 on interstate. Should be better for a 4 cylinder. The automatic transmission is slow to respond sometimes. Rear seating is also a little cramp. Should have spent more time looking at other makes.

• 

  Suprisingly fun to drive van! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By tristanboy - September 14 - 8:26 am

  Bought this car used. Currently around 34,000 miles. Averaging around 24 mpg mixed. Car has a decent amount of pep for around town, lacking in passing power. Responsive 5-speed auto, with manual control. Love the space for 6, although if all seats are up there is small cargo space behind the third row. Clever packaging and storage with the huge glovebox and flip open second row bottoms. Love the armrests. Steering feel is lively. A bit of wind noise at highway speeds. Beware of suspension problems with the 5. I have noticed some creaking, look into it before buying.

• 

  Id buy it again! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Tim G. - September 13 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this vehicle primarily to pull a pop up trailer in the mountains. Mine is equipped with all wheel drive. It has performed admirably. However, it doesnt get the best mileage while pulling the trailer, but what car or truck does under these conditions? This brings up another point associated with the mileage; the fuel tank is only 16 gallons, not enough when youre only getting 14-15 mpg. Except for the above mentioned, Im very happy with my choice.

• 

  Very Good Choice - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By fordmazda29 - September 10 - 1:08 pm

  I have had this car for a week now and I can say that I really enjoy having this car. I purchased it used for $9k with 82,000 miles on it and this thing is loaded. I love the seats, they are supportive and comfortable. I love the stereo, the bass is good, but not overpowering. The speaker quality (bose) more than makes up for the lack of speakers. The engine makes a good noise, and is pretty quick. It doesnt take much to get this car up to speed. Unfortunately, the transmission is a bit dim-witted and definitely hampers the cars 0-60 time. I reckon that this car will do 0-60 more than a second faster if you went with the manual. Good build quality, good ride, and well equipped.

• 

  Good value - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By sth - September 9 - 12:33 pm

  Hauls both people and cargo quite well, Lots of storage areas, drink holders. A good value for everyday driving, work or play.

• 

  Decent car for the price - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By adrian - September 6 - 8:03 am

  Not as refine as the new 07 Camry or Accord BUT for $2.5K less I can live with it. Car handles better than most in its class. I took it out on the twisties and it was like glue on the road (& I have the lower-end 16" with steel wheels). Gas so far so good. Im still on my 1st tank and odometer is 365 miles. I figure I can push pass 400 miles easily with a full tank. Interior is about what you get for a $16K car. Not good not bad. Once I wear off the rubber (3 years maybe) I intend to put snow tires on the OEM wheels and get a "real" tire/wheel package for summer driving; then this car will look and handle even better!

• 

  On my 2nd Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By JJ - August 31 - 10:16 am

  My first car (05 3 s) was a lemon but I liked everything except its reliability so Im trying again (with extended warranty). I got a White Pearl GT 5door and so far so good. 5spd auto seems to get better mileage than my old 4spd so thats a plus. Handles very well, frictionless steering and the ride is nice and firm. There is some body roll because of the high weight but its nicely controlled. I love the heavy feel of the car and the dynamic driving experience. Also, the looks of the car still draw lots of compliments. The 07 model seems to have fixed the problems w/my 05- weak a/c, rear brake dust, harsh shifting auto transmission. Im relieved and can now enjoy the ride!!

• 

  A bargain - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Aelfric - August 31 - 4:33 am

  The best car Ive ever owned, it has awesome handling, great acceleration and brakes, is super FUN to drive. I prefer the manual top - simpler, less expense, less to break, and actually very quick and easy to raise and lower. Beautiful all around. My only complaint is that its a little too snug inside - Im over 6 tall and I cant stretch out my legs. I have to move the seat slightly forward to recline the seatback at all. I have to force my butt all the way back to the seat back to avoid back pain. But unlike previous generations, I can now tilt adjust the steering wheel so my knees dont jam against it. Perfect for someone shorter who likes to drive. The best buy convertible by far.

• 

  A nice car that somehow is made cheaply - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By ejh - August 30 - 1:53 pm

  Ive had this car for 15 months and 18k miles. It is a fun car and until recently I would recommend it to anyone. Ive had a few things go wrong that should never be an issue, especially for a Japanese car. Some are minor, some are not: * The plastic battery box cover broke the first time I opened it. * The gas cap broke, with part of it stuck on the filler tube. * The clutch is not working right. Something inside the clutch assembly broke causing poor engagement/disengagement of the clutch, which is felt as a notchy, clicking sensation in the pedal. The actually clutch friction plate is fine (this is not an issue due to poor manual driving skills). * Stock tires only lasted 17.5K.

• 

  Not a keeper - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By alissimo - August 29 - 10:13 am

  Car started out ok but after the miles wore on, its deficiencies wore thin. 1) Oil changes were a pain with 7 10mm bolts to remove the splash panel to get at the antiquated canister oil filter. 2) It comes from the factory with negative camber on the rear wheels: this will insure that the insides of your tires will wear out prematurely and render you tires unsafe in less than 25,000-30,000 miles. 3) Electric locks cannot be relied upon & fail regularly. Lousy GPS! 4) This is a fairly new model, replacement parts (cv boots, axle) are nearly impossible to find aftermarket. The dealer has such huge markup that I left my car up for weeks on jack stands until I finally found an aftermarket part