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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  2004 Mazda 3 S - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By h2win - September 22 - 10:00 am

  You cant go wrong with this vehicle. Good mileage, responsive speed, acceleration is great. One of the best interior design Ive ever seen. Dont go with Honda or Toyota their interior design just cant compare to this one. You dont want to drive a car that everyone has do you? This car has very good horsepower and torque. It can take civics and Corolla with ease.

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  great car , bad stereo - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By roj - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought the hatchback with sunroof and ABS. Have not broken it in yet..Opted for the auto since I felt the performance was close to the manual, also better in traffic:) Handling is exceptional, highway driving is smooth..was doing 80mph and did not even feel like I was going fast. Brakes are excellent. Engine could be a little more responsive but for a 4 cylinder is excellent..I am coming from the maxima engine, so I am a little spoiled. Plus my wife has Toyota Matrix XRS, which I feel has a more fun to drive engine...but Mazda 3 beats the XRS in build quality.

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  Fun to drive, plenty of power, reliable - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Chuck W - September 22 - 1:10 am

  I own a 1990 Miata which has been bulletproof and a blast to drive. When looking for a family car, the 626 seemed like a logical choice. Its a great highway cruiser, the handling is fantastic for a mid priced 4 door sedan, and its been reliable. The gas mileage could be a little better, but it is a v6. From the research Ive done and the posts on this site, it looks like the Mazda made v6 engine and tranny are the way to go.

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  As cool as a minivan can be - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jen - September 21 - 8:46 pm

  I like small cars but need space to carry furniture. This mini minivan is the perfect solution! It drives like a car, with no swaying around corners like the Odyssey or Sienna. Super maneuverability; the turning radius is surprisingly tiny. The cool exterior styling means I dont feel like a soccer mom. Very comfortable interior and handy controls on the steering wheel. Manual shift option is great for driving in the mountains. Im surprised at mileage complaints. I have carefully recorded my mileage the entire 10 months Ive had the car and I average 27 mpg mixed use. Driving style matters, though; I drive no more than 5-8 mph over the speed limit and I dont speed away from stoplights.

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  New Rotors at 30,000 miles...WTF!!! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike Valentine - September 21 - 11:16 am

  I have been told by Kona Mazda/Suburu that the 2003 Mazda Tribute ES (may apply to other years and models) requires new rotors at approximately 30,0000 mile service...WTF. They state that they cant be shaved because they wear down just like the brake pads and do not groove the rotors thus allowing a mechanic to shave them. Further, Mazda dealer states a federal sticker is located somewhere on the rotor that warns or states not to shave them. Had they told me this when I bought it new...I would have never bought this piece of crap. That was my fourth and last Mazda. Hello Honda!

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  tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By denise - September 21 - 10:46 am

  this suv is the best. fun to drive.....fantastic car. smooth driving especially on the highway.

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By dlobrien1980 - September 21 - 5:38 am

  I bought my 2014 Mazda CX-5 Touring back in May of 2013. I used to be a Dodge guy all the way, but my best friend, who runs a Mazda dealership, introduced me to this ride. I am a heavy commuter, 100 miles a day, and have already put 20,000 miles on it. I have not had one single problem and have had great gas mileage. It is a fun to drive car and a safe ride for me, my wife, and our 14 month old son. Decent cargo room, and the 2014 has that 2.5 liter engine, giving it a boost over the 2.0 from 2013. Im looking forward to Mazdas reliability to get me through years of commuting, because I do A LOT of driving. I highly reccommend!

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By riqqie - September 20 - 11:53 am

  This car is great. It is amazing to drive. It grips the road and corners like a dream. It isnt the fastest car from a stop, but it more than makes up once you get moving. If you plan on buying though, do some research. The rotary engine should not be driven like a normal piston engine. It requires high rpms to run correctly. If you try to baby this car, you will have problems (carbon build-up, flooding). The best advice Ive seen about this vehicle is drive it like you stole it. BTW, get the manual transmission, it gives you a lot more horsepower than the automatic version. Make sure you check that the engine recall was taken care of before you buy and you shouldnt have any problems.

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  2001 mx-5 - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By robsmx-5 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  i really love this car. the new body looks great and it runs great in the city or on hwy trips. yes, its my car of chose for long road trips. the only trouble iv had is a recall on the clutch that was replaced under warrantt because it was chaffing. i only wish that the re-sale value was better. i wanted to buy a new 2002 special edition mx-5 and the dealer would only give me 15K for my car that was 22K less than a year ago!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  The Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By kurthumbug - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my new Tribute. The only down fall about it is the wind noise. It could be reduced. I love the car so much though, that it doesnt bother me. I looked around at almost every kind of SUV, and this was the best one I drove. I would highly recommend one, to everyone.