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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  not bad, if you can spend the money - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By chris - June 28 - 10:03 am

  First off this car is a blast to drive. Handles very well. I average around 18 mpg in mine and it is on premium fuel. I personally havent had any reliability issues, but I go easy on the rotary. Plenty of aftermarket parts available for it and turns heads everywhere. Overall a great car if youre willing to spend a little more on gas and maintanance.

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  Very Impressed - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By ms_addy - June 27 - 7:04 am

  I spent a whole day with my father test driving cars. It was around 6pm that I had my chance to test drive my Mazda 3. Let me tell you, it is an awesome ride! I was trading in my 07 eclipse and looking for a four-dour under 20k. I tried hyundais and honda but I felt like I was driving a car for my mother. The mazda 3 I got had everything I wanted and then some! Im a young lady finishing College and needed something with good gas mileage without being weak and slow.

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  Mazdas Magic - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By JR - June 26 - 9:53 am

  We were looking for a vehicle with some cargo and good safety scores. The CX-7 delivered and much more. It was roomy enough for a three adults and a child. It has exceeded expectations in all departments except gas mileage. The sleek design does turn heads as well as its potent 244hp turbo. There is a little bit of turbo lag but the leather front seats are comfortable enough and give you that performance car feel. Handling is surprisingly good for $30k crossover. Love the xenon lights as well as the easy to read instrumentation panel. The premium fuel requirement is disturbing especially with todays gas prices. And the mileage could be better. Not satellite ready. It is an option.

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  Electric Problem - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By thecoop51 - June 24 - 5:10 pm

  Although I believe this vehicle is a decent mid-size SUV, I cant believe I had an alternator problem at 19,000 miles. It has to be replaced already and the dealership has to wait approximately 7-10 days for a new one. So Im driving a rental until Mazda decides to ship a new one. Ive had cars with 100,000 miles on them and never had an alternator failure. Anybody else experience this problem so early in their purchase?

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  We love our Trib! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By MLewis - June 23 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute is just about everything we were seeking in a small SUV. It is compact enough to manuever easily in traffic and in and out of tight parking, yet roomy enough for comfort, with a decent cargo capacity. It has a stylish, not-too-sporty look, and as much "get up and go" as we could ask for. When the time comes to replace our 2nd car, another Tribute will be a strong contender. ZOOM ZOOM!

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  Steering and air conditioning vent problem - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By zoomzoomtx - June 22 - 12:37 pm

  I have 1500 miles so far, having some issue with the steering wheel column making vibrating noises whenever the cars driving on bumpy roads, sounded like somethings loosen. I went back to the dealer to report the problem and they said it is a common problem that theyve seen before and Mazda have a solution for it. That was three weeks ago, and now this vibrating noise is back again. Also, one of the air conditioning vent makes a noticeable whistle sound if air speed is over 50%. Any of you had similar problems?

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  Excellent and Poor - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Leo - June 20 - 4:13 pm

  Car was an excellent experience until recently, it started to stall in hot weather. After looking in the internet to see if this was unusual I was surprised to see that persons in hot climates, with or without humidity have had major issues with the engine. Mazda seems to have done all it could to fix the issue without having to replace the engine but in some cases the harm done to the engine has been too great and an engine replacement is needed - if you have this issue get to the dealer before the warranty expires or you will be stuck. I now have a new engine at 56K miles and all is well. Aside from the engine issue, the car had been the best I have owned.

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  zoom zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By spikeblue - June 18 - 9:46 pm

  I used to have a Mazdaspeed Protege but I wanted to change. I dont like SUVs but I saw the CX-7 at the dealer and I fell in love with it. The styling, the inside, and how it feels when you drive is just a sports car with more space and more height.

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  2008 Touring Hardtop 6 speed - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rabbit - June 16 - 8:50 am

  I wanted a convertible & found MX5 has the package deal. Discount off MSRP was very attractive too. Fit me well (54"). There are after markets that sell for faster speed & other accessories...

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  Overall a Good Value - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Murf130 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  We wanted a car based mini-SUV that could get around the city while still having the ability to haul and go off- road; we got it in the Tribute. It hauls my 3000 lb boat with no problem. It is sure footed in the mud of the Pac NW and you can get it in any parking spot in Seattle. You can tell however that you are buying an "economy" vehicle as its missing some of the bells & whistles that my Silverado has.