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:

• 

  Great Car - 1998 Mazda 626
  By nowaymadison - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for four years and had no problems. Drives great in mountainous areas as well as the desert. The exhaust has a nice sound. Handles really well for a sedan.

• 

  Pleasantly Surprises - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By Doug Atkins - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this truck brand new last summer. Have not driven many of my other cars since then. I drive it everywhere. The ride is typical for a small compact truck but improves dramatically with a load. Also, the tonneau cover adds about 3 mpg to your gas mileage which is a really disappointing 17 mpg with the V6. No complaints other than that.

• 

  Good for a few years.... - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By carrobbi - April 15 - 12:57 am

  First, I really, really enjoy driving this car! Had it almost 2.5 yrs. We are a family of 5. (Kids are 2,4,6yrs)Have few overall complaints, the biggest being driving in snow: it doesnt. It goes NOWHERE in snow. Never experienced anything like it before. Regarding tires, our local mechanic put the new ones on (since weve owned it, weve replaced just once) and told us that wed have to make rotating them a priority in order to help with wear. He suggested once every other oil change. (So, every 6,000 miles.) This car looks good (esp with sunroof), gets good MPG, great sound system, gets around easily. Other moms tell me frequently they love my "can" (Car/van)!!

• 

  2005 Tribute-S overview - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Mark B. - April 12 - 5:03 am

  My wife & I set out to purchase an SUV to transport kids, have the capability to tow at least up to 3,500 lbs, small enough to drive around in city traffic and be as inexpensive a purchase as possible. I looked at the Honda CRV & Pilot but neither met our entire criteria. After 2 months of ownership the Tribute-S is very satisfying in terms of driveability, reliability and looks. We find the Tribute quiet, nimble handling, fits/adjusts to my 50 wife & seats her high to see out over the traffic. The V-6 power/take-off is great! Of all the options to choose from, we opted for the extra security of the "side curtain air bags" and did lower our car insurance a bit.

• 

  Great to Drive, Poor Quality Interior - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Eddie - April 11 - 7:46 am

  I love this car! Plenty of power, great handling. Love the looks both inside and out. No problems, all maintenance has been very affordable, great dealer has been doing the maintenance for me. One flaw - very very very low quality plastics in the interior. The plastics scratch very very easily. In taking my laptop out of the passenger seat, it scratched the dash, also Ive been putting my cell phone on the console near the power outlet and it too is scratched, just from being there. Im hoping the company has a recall and they fix this - until then, its the biggest bummer on such a FUN FUN FUN car!

• 

  The Mazda2 is for the car enthusiast of the "B" segment. - 2013 Mazda Mazda2
  By marvinloldham - April 10 - 2:04 am

  I have two types of cars: The sports car I love and the work car I need. It was time for me to replace my need car. so I wanted, cheep, easy to maintain, great mpg, and it had to be A STICK! I looked at the Mazda2, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai accent, Chevy Sonic, and the Honda fit. Let make it REAL easy for you since I drove them all. If you need cargo hauling-- go with the Honda fit. If you want to be under the radar and the best warranty-- go with the Hyundai Accent. If you need bells and whistles- Go with the Ford Fiesta. If you need a compromise of the previous three --- Go with the Chevy Sonic. But if you like a car that acts & feels like a sports car--- Mazda2 hands down!

• 

  Most reliable vehicle we have EVER owned. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By krustuhfar - April 9 - 1:04 pm

  We bought this car brand new in 2008. This has been the most reliable car we have EVER owned. It has not once left us stranded. Weve hauled some huge loads too. and it just keeps going and going. We took this car ALL THE WAY FROM LOUISIANA TO MAYNE. THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF MILES. In a period of 5 days. and not once did we think it was going to give up. We loved our cx9. Sadly, at a wopping 179,000 miles, we hydroplaned into a ditch and totaled it. Such a shame. We never had to do any major repairs on it. THe only bad thing is it was constantly having tire/wheel issues. it would need a brake job about every 16 months. And tire pressure was always low. Other than that. it was amazing.

• 

  Like the luxury - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Joseph-WWJD - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Mazda 626 ES is a stylish and good- looking car. Good handling. Fair gas millage. Rough transmission. Excellent price. The swing fan is so cool. Heated mirrors are the standard. Good CD player. Radio has great reception. Hidden antenna. Trunk-open remote control. Two 12V outlets and one of them is under the front console for cell phone, MP3 player, or palm pilot.

• 

  as good as it gets - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By bonyeller - April 9 - 5:13 am

  This has been a pretty decent purchase, just wished I had gotten cruise control. I didnt want to pay the extra costs of just adding cruise control as an option. The vehicle has al ot of pep and passing power, not too bad on towing either. I would recommend this "baby SUV" to anyone, just make sure you have cruise control.

• 

  Review: - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Shellee - April 8 - 3:16 pm

  I agree, I bought my car just by the look and test drive. I should have known that when I drove off the lot after signing papers something would go wrong. Since March last year I have had my car in the shop about 7 times, all to get the transmission replaced. When I bought the car I did not know about this site. I have finally gotten my car fixed right and its wonderful.