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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  Poor persons exotic - 2011 Mazda RX-8
  By DLu - April 12 - 9:40 am

  If you want a car that has universally been loved for its handling prowess, especially for cars under $100k, and you want a unique vehicle (the only rotary engine available in a modern car, "freestyle" doors that offer easier rear stea access while avoiding ridiculously long coupe doors, 9000 rpm redline, non-vanilla looks, etc), then the RX-8 (now only available as used) is an excellent option. I got my R3 new for less than what Insideline paid for their FR-S, so the value factor is excellent too. I drive the R3 on a daily basis, except when there is salt/snow on the road. I swapped out the OEM summer tires, and the handling is still great. Mileage is not a problem for my 22-mi round trip.

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  Loveit/Hate it - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Lisbek - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought it in 6/02, edited version: door chime rang nonstop when door open, replaced ignition. Happened again and finally fixed. Dashboard scratched during repair, replaced under warranty for being "warped". Odometer replaced (didnt work after dash replaced)resetting the mileage to zero. Incorrect mileage written on door jam sticker. Replaced: master cylinder, drivers seat, drivers side mirror. Repaired: rear window washer (X2), speaker, Air con vent stuck. Currently the power seat wont lower the back half and the replacement seat is developing a lump under the fabric like the first seat. I am going to pursue Mazda buying back the vehicle.

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  Pretty good...... - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rich - April 11 - 1:20 am

  I like my Mazda. Bought it new, and now at 14k miles, having some problems. Warped front rotors, squeaking belts, steering clunk, transmission hesitant to go in gear from reverse to drive. The clunk happens mostly at low speeds, and comes from the passenger front. The tranny problem is not too good. It goes into gear when it is good and ready. It is a fun car to drive (handling) but the auto trans seems to always try to be in top gear so I am turning fewer revs. Do I really need to be in 5th gear while driving 35, turning 1800 revs? Thats why I usually go manual around town. It shifts to higher gears too quickly.

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  Wagon? Van? Whatever! Its fun!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By ajl - April 10 - 5:40 pm

  After shopping every small SUV out there, and the only real competitor to the 5 when we bought it (the Kia Rondo), we bought our 08 Mazda 5 Grand Touring new in May of 09. After 6000 miles, its still fun to drive and the mileage keeps getting better as the motor breaks in.Its based on the Mazda 3, considered one of the best driving small cars out there, so it drives and handles like a taller version of that car. If you need a capable vehicle for a small family thats fun to drive, look no further! I cannot say enough about how great this vehicle is to drive. Averaging about 21 mpg in mostly hilly, stop and go driving.

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  1 year review - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Etienne - April 4 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has surpassed our expectations. It is only 1 year old, so it is too early to give a full evaluation, but it has performed well both in city and on the highway. Its seating options and fold under rear seat allows us much flexibllity as we use it for business.

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  Luxury Car Replacement? - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By TheRas900 - April 2 - 12:13 am

  This is an initial review and Ill provide more feedback after logging more miles. However, here are some first thoughts. The Mazda 3s GT is a very fun car to drive, with good performance and excellent handling. It is not very refined, with much engine noise and some cheap interior materials. It is a very good car, but maybe not as great as people say. Compared to a Civic or Corolla it is worlds better; compared to an Audi or Saab it is worlds worse. The decontenting (no more mirror signals, foot well illumination, etc) that took place mid-year gives away some of the cars edge on competitors.

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  A great minivan put to the test and beyond - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Joe Nurse - March 27 - 2:30 pm

  I bought this van from a private seller in 05 with 72,000 miles on it. My van now has 173,000 we have routinely towed an 18 ft Ski boat with no problem except when the ramp is wet. Get out grab the cooler and kids push hard HA HA! No major issues what soever even towed a popup trailer to Tennessee through Blue Ridge Mountains.

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  Good car but - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By paul p - March 26 - 3:40 am

  No doubt about it, it looks great, handles very well, and has the biggest trunk out of all the cars it competes against, but it probably has the hardest seats and the weakest air conditioner which should be a concern to anyone living in a southern climate. Other than that I dont regret buying it for a minute.

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  One of the best family cars - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Costa - March 25 - 12:26 pm

  We bought our MPV brand new in 2001 and have never had a single problem We have 90K+ and it still runs like a new vehicle. We are planning to keep this car for another 5-7 years. There is no reason to replace it. We have been to 25-30 states with our Mazda, sometime driving 15 hours straight. You would never want any other minivan. We love it!

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  adequate vehicle - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By bookworm - March 24 - 2:56 pm

  Overall, not a bad vehicle. Never owned a Mazda and after this may go back later on. NOT very comfortable on lower back for cross country trips. Own 5 speed 4 cylinder engine. Performs ok for size. Shifting can be difficult especially for reverse. Upsides - roomy cargo area, better than average front leg room. Handles well at speed. If you buy a Tribute, go for a v6 engine. Not bad gas mileage for an SUV, averaging about 20/23.