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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  Very happy with my new SUV - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By suziesivlerado - July 17 - 7:15 am

  I just traded in a 2014 Accord sedan (which had multiple problems) for the CX-5, so let me start by saying I only had this car for five days. But I love it so far. The seats are so supportive and comfortable (apart from the head restraint which are fine for taller people) The Bose system sounds fine to me--not great-- but good enough. The interior noise level (I checked with a decibel meter) is lower than some higher price models. It is relatively smooth on bumpy roads and a pleasure to drive. The electronic multifunction interface is not great. it is a bit slow and sometimes requires multiple entries. Also, the screen could be a tad bigger.

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  Large Gap Across Headliner at Windshild - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By JLSHD - July 17 - 1:46 am

  Overall.....a good vehicle. However, have the same experience as other contributor with an extremely poor installation of rear view camera cable at forward edge of headliner. No thought was given to installation as they simply pulled the large cable thru headliner front edge causing a gap across the entire headliner at windshield. Mazda says they were designed like this and will ***not*** honour warranty for poor workmanship. VERY substandard installation and extremely poor customer service!! Mazda just lost a life time customer!!

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  2016CeramicMetallicSport - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Timothy N. - July 16 - 1:23 pm

  Ive been graced to drive/own multiple 2-Seat sports cars in my lifetime. Back in 1987 my first car my dad gave to drive was a 1969 Austin-Healey Sprite. It was fun to drive but extremely un-reliable and finicky. It left my behind stranded several times, once I was over an hour away from home (Broken throttle cable). When the clutch finally went out in it my dad said that was the final straw and we had to salvage it. My first Mazda MX-5 Miata experience was driving a used 1995 model back in 2002. It had sport suspension (sport springs/shocks), chrome rollover hoops behind the seats, aftermarket wheels/tires. It was a hoot to test-drive but was sold before I could purchase it. Fast forward to Black Friday 2015 I finally purchased my first MX-5, a 2016 Sport 6-speed. I was the first to own one in my town I live in now, Jacksonville, N.C. It was almost 4mos before I finally spotted another 2016 MX-5 in town, and now there is about 5 more as of June 2016. Anyway - its a blast to drive, handles pretty well even though I do plan on purchasing lowerings springs or coilovers for it in the future, gets pretty decent gas milage, the standard sound system still sounds amazing and even has speakers mounted inside the headrests. I love the L.E.D. headlights and taillights, and I get alot of looks from people even from people in alot more expensive cars than my Miata. If You have never driven one I suggest You do, its an experience youll never forget, Im blessed enough to have one and as my daily driver at that. Yall have a nice day...

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  Love the car but some tidbits... - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Wyleypilot - July 15 - 3:50 pm

  Well, after one week and 1000 miles including a 10.5 hour drive from San Diego we really like this car but there are some unique nuances. Car is extremely fun to drive and definitely has a good presence on the road. We have the all wheel drive version and driving in snowy conditions in Tahoe was not a problem at all, very stable. Car is very comfortable, good electronics, and overall seems a decent value within the category. Nuances are though that the car does not have a fuel range computer (and we have a grand touring with virtually every feature) and does not have a compass or trip computer. Finally the iPod attachment does not work with Sat radio and Navigation - big issue

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  2007 cx9 is pretty fine - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Bill K. - July 13 - 7:00 am

  I love the style and handling of the vehicle. We have not owned it long enuf to comment about reliability. my only complaint is the seats are too firm for my liking and the blinds spots are substantial.

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  Good Bad and the Ugly - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By geeman6 - July 12 - 4:53 pm

  After shopping around I decided to buy the 2014 CX-5 Sport/ 6A. This was my first non-American car. I love the car and it has every thing I wanted as standard equip. BUT the car has 4,200 miles and when you sit at a light, trans in gear, engine at idle the car will suddenly lurch forward. Its happened three times. At first I thought I got re-ended, not so. Very dangerous and it could happen at anytime. I believe the trans lock-up converter engages for a split second. Im trading it in. Its only a matter of time before the trans goes totally bad.

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  Biggest little SUV - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By jimbobstrib06 - July 10 - 4:16 pm

  After owning Jeep products since 1991. When it came time for a new vehicle the Jeep was out because of the Cherokees poor new look and gas mileage was suddenly a factor again. So, since I need the space of the Jeep and wanted AWD with reasonable gas mileage, I kept coming back to the Tribute/Escape/Mariner. A friend got a 2005 Tribute. Once I drove it, I knew this would be the only reasonable Jeep replacement. The Tribute, because of incentives, was the best price of the three. After a long search (AWDs are hard to find) one FINALLY showed up on my local dealers lot with all the extras I wanted and I got it out the door for $25K. I couldnt be happier. Definitely made the right choice.

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  Nice small SUV - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Lois Thatcher - July 8 - 5:08 am

  I felt the acceleration was okay. Did not like the choice of interior colors. Drove nicely, but I did not purchase the car.

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  Reliable Fun - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Irfan - July 6 - 8:16 am

  I had this car for a 4 year lease and didnt have any major issues with it. It was pretty rock solid, I didnt have a major issue with anything really. It did have its quirks and things that irritated me but nothing that left me stranded. I wish it had more power, but on the twisties it was outstanding. The interior styling won it over for me over the g35 at the time. The g35 had more power but just felt bulky and heavy compared to the lightweight agility the RX-8 offered. I always felt I could toss it around and maintain full control. Most of issues I had have been fixed for the 09 year as listed below. Mazda must have really listened because nearly EVERY quirk has been addressed.

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  A GREAT Truck Looking for a Soul... - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By mcook - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This truck looks great outside and has a well laid-out interior The seats are a little less supportive than I would like but at 6 ft. 4 in. I still fit nicely in the cab and ride relatively comfortably. The raised suspension is a very nice touch and I especially like all of the extras that were included in the price. The 3 liter V6 is gutless around town but feels like it would tow a tank. Fuel mileage is average at best but hey its a truck. The third break light had to be replaced because it leaked and the trim panel around the radio started peeling. Other than these minor issues and the boring engine Ive been very happy with this truck.