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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  MPV, a best kept secret - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By bobslv - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely no problems after 3 1/2 years and 28,000 miles. Used mainly for trips but very capable for city traffic and parking. The small (2.5 l) 6 engine is just fine unless you love to play Le Mans racer. This is not a minivan for macho drivers.

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  A/C & brake disc issues - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By karnollege - September 13 - 6:59 am

  I love my 2007 Mazda 5 - see my post dating back to July 2007. None of those opinions have changed. However, a few months ago my a/c compressor failed - a very big deal in Southern Arizona. My mechanic learned it was defective & Mazda acknowledged it and paid for a new one, which was appreciated. Then my brake discs rusted - my mechanic explained this shouldnt happen in a 5 year old car. So-o-o-o-o, I guess this explains why this car was such a good buy! Its given me pause about the Mazda brand & next time I may go back to my tried & true Honda, Nissan, or Toyota.

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  Apparently the only Mazda Miata Lemon - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KSM - September 12 - 6:03 pm

  I have a Mazda Miata MX-5 C in Splash Green Mica. Within a few weeks of purchasing this vehicle, Ive had hard starts (i.e. sometimes it takes over one minute to start the car and then it starts sluggishly.) I also have gas smells and a major braking issue where rarely the vehicles engine starts to race the more you brake. The only way to stop the vehicle fully is to turn it off or put it in neutral while braking. Dealership cannot reproduce or fix so now Im in lemon law court. Im so disappointed because I did a tremendous amount of research which strongly suggested this car was reliable. Its an absolutely beautiful vehicle but I seem to be the only one stuck with a lemon.

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  I love my SUV - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Gina - September 11 - 7:13 pm

  I just purchased a 2006 Mazda Tribute in December 2006 and I love it! It handles nicely, rides comfortably and my daughter and I just love it. It was only the 2nd car I test drove. Its the perfect size, not too bulky and small enough to fit in compact spaces.

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  Great minivan at a reasonable price ! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By bwhw - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I hated thinking of spending $23- $28k for a Sienna or Odyssey (SUVs with room are even higher) ! Found a great "in-between" bargain in the MPV. It is definitely smaller than your standard minivan on the outside but inside I was amazed how much it had to offer . Even in their base SV model you get ABS, disappearing 3rd seat, sliding side by side captains chairs, stereo control on the steering wheel, etc, etc ! What really swung me over were 2 things. 1) You can get this car for under 20k. and 2) They beefed up the engine to 200hp and it is smooth as silk. We took it on a 10 hour trip to Maine 2 days after we bought it and realized this was a great choice.

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  Fun to drive, but a real fuel hog! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michael - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Mazda3 in Dec 2009, but ended up selling it just 6 months later. While the Mazda3 was absolutely a blast to drive, I never did fall in love with the goofy "smile" on the front end. The seats were tight and uncomfortable for any trip more than 20 minutes, and the interior styling was just too much black. But the kicker was the terrible fuel economy: I averaged just 25 mpg after putting 12,000 miles on the car. I sold the Mazda and got a Civic. Yeah, the Mazda was far more powerful, but the Civic gets 37 mpg on average, is more comfortable and is overall a wiser choice. Shame on Mazda for poor gas mileage!

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  Best Bang for the Buck...AGAIN! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By NoVa - September 6 - 9:46 am

  I bought this to replace my beloved Civic Si after the great reviews I had read and the exhaustive research available on the net. This is by far Mazdas best offering for the money in any class. The engine is peppy if not outright powerful. The exterior design is broad shouldered & modern. The interior is well though out & purposeful. Material quality could be better as the plastics get dirty quickly but can be easily cleaned. The mileage is the biggest disappointment as only strictly adhering to the 55 speed limit will get you EPA advertised mpg.

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  RX7 to a RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Cbrit - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I have a 1988 RX7 SE. It has 175,000 miles and still runs good. I purchased a RX8 11/1/03, have 1000 miles on it, very satisfied! Gas milage is 19 avg. Six speed shifts very good. Bose stereo is good. Seats are very comfortable. Lot of fun to drive.

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  Competent Cruiser - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By phild_mason - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Millenia for about 2 months and have put on about 3000 miles. The Millenia is a competent car that excels at little but also does not disappoint. I like the styling and the fact that it stands out among the Camrys and Accords of the world. The ride is smooth and quiet. Acceleration is adequate, but mileage could be better. I have gotten around 26 on the hwy.

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  Wonderful ride so far ..... - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By pppjr63 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Owned vehical for only (30) days, however I think we made a very good choice with this car. Paid $22.2k after manufacturers rebate, and auto show incentive (that includes trading in a 00 Civic with eleven months left on a 39 month lease !!). Without a doubt, we bought more car for less money than any other. We also have the 4 seasons package thatr added bun warmers, traction control, etc. I highly recommend buyers in this market give the Millenia a try. The "P" version is no rocket, but the engine performs very well, with a high level of refinement. Very quiet. (Keep in mind we traded in a Civic