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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  pleasant surprise - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By mph 120 - May 27 - 2:50 am

  Purchased this vehicle without any reviews available. So far pleasantly surprised. With 6 members in our family and several ski trips to Vermont yearly, this vehicle fit the bill. Well designed interior, with large rear doors to easily access third row seating. No OEM roof rack available at time of sale is a major error for an SUV.

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  DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY THIS CAR - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By amylouise2 - May 25 - 4:02 pm

  I bought my 2007 Mazda CX-7 Turbo with AWD a year ago. A few months ago I needed to renew my inspection. I drove down to the dealership to get it inspected, and they told me the codes in the monitors are in readiness mode. My fiance and I took the car out to the highway and all in all, by the time we got back to the dealership, we had been driving for 3 hours. 3 major codes still havent come in yet and I have been taking the car on major trips for the last three months. I have been making sure all of the oil changes and maintenance is done. Still not sure what the issue is. Ive been on the phone with Mazda dealerships and Ive taken it to a few different mechanics and nobody has an answer.

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  protege es - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By toddla - May 25 - 2:00 am

  After owning this car for 3 months, I can say I fall into the majority of owners posted here.I paid 14200 for an ES, 6cd/moonroof including rebate. The car is fun to drive, low on power, but I get 30mpg weekly driving steady 50/55 mph to and from work. Hello Mazda, build the protegespeed for the masses. Hands down styling beats Honda/Toyota etc.

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  Mazda Miata - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By razzlesue - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Needs highest octane gas or the valves vibrate.

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  good vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By siebers - May 25 - 2:00 am

  the construction in and out is fragile. Sheet metal and interior plastic easily marred or bruised

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  good all around small SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By nils - May 24 - 11:30 am

  Drove several Small SUVs before deciding on this one (Xterra, Escape, Vue, Equinox, Liberty, others). Tribute was the best overall value. With good rebates got some nice options including moonroof and 6-cd changer. I find the FWD to be just fine for my style of 99% road driving. Dont pay extra for 4WD unless youre going to use it off-road.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By mitch - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Really nice price on a well built car. Wind noise on the highway is annoying, and interior lacks storage, but overall a great deal.

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  Unbelievable - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By LIBERTINE - May 21 - 1:53 am

  This is the kind of car that makes one glad to be alive! True to roadster heritage. I recommend getting a pair of good driving gloves to go along with this car.

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  Wishing I bought a Odyssey or Sienna - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By joyfulgirl_3 - May 18 - 7:12 am

  I bought a 2012 used with 8.5K. It was flawless except for a stain on the front passenger seat which I have been unable to remove. Another stain is on a back seat that I cant remove. Needs better seat fabric- seems cheap. I have 2 kids and am finding that as my baby turned into toddler, and with a 9 year old, we are outgrowing the car with backpacks, soccer stuff etc. If we had another child, thered be little room for a stroller. No way this car is functional for 4 kids full-time. Since I bought it, the gas mileage has gone down considerably though its well maintained by Mazda. Great to drive forward...seems to have lots of blind spots in spite of all the windows.

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  Not perfect, but no bad for the money - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By DDT - May 16 - 10:13 pm

  This is my 2nd car/van, & the 1st one I bought new. Maybe because the MPV is smaller; it handles the road a bit more stable than the other two minivans I tested. I love the flexibility of the 2nd & 3rd row seats arrangement as well as the 2nd row window that actually opens, which other car company copy in their later models. MPV does have its weakness in horsepower & torque (especially when you turn on the a/c). Another problem is the rear wiper spring is very weak; may break when car wash. I hated the transmission for its jerkiness. In terms of up keep of the vehicle, it actually cost me less than my brothers Honda Odyssey (5 years running), which he later traded in for a Sienna last year.