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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  Great Looking and FUN! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By westports94 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it a day, but this car is FUN! The P5 should be gaining in popularity since others, besides the 20- somethings to which its being marketed, are starting to discover it: hatchbacks are practical at any age. I gave up on my 1988 Civic hatch that I loved. I missed it, but not anymore. P5 is definitely an upgrade in handling, hp, looks, goodies. A sportyish ride, but reasonablely tame. Mostly it just feels like it wants to go, and begs to take corners. A short test drive did it for me. Compared to Acura RSX, which was too sporty for me (too low, no adult-height back seat), the P5 is more fun for thousands less. Looks GREAT, gets peoples attention... a test drive makes the sale.

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  Over 300,000 miles - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By bluechicken - October 8 - 9:13 am

  I bought my Mazda Tribute new in December 2002. I live at 6,000 ft elevation on a mountain. For the first 9 years of owning my Tribute, I commuted 100 miles a day, mountain road all the way. My Tribute had no trouble pulling the grade going up the mountain. It performs great in the snow with snow tires. It is a very stable vehicle. I now have 306,000 miles on my Tribute!! The only major repairs I have done is a new alternator at 175,000 miles, at 280,000 the radiator blew. When having the radiator replaced I had the coil packs and spark plugs replaced since they were still original!!! Other than those repairs it was just the normal stuff .. batteries, brakes and oil changes.

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  CX7 review from prev. Tribeca owner - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Cruisin Guy - October 8 - 6:10 am

  Ive had the CX-7 for a little over 4 mths and really enjoy driving this vehicle. It drives more like a car than a truck. I previously owned a Subaru B-9 Tribeca 06. I love the CX7 styling, leather interior, heated seats, Nav etc. The CX7 handles better than the Tribeca, i.e., more fun to drive. The CX7 has a nicer looking Nav system but a trip computer/mpg readout should be integrated in for future models. MPG is better with CX7 by about 2mpg ie. about 17 w/ CX7 compared to 15 w/tribeca overall observed.

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  Solid ten years of transportation - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Mark - October 8 - 3:43 am

  Looking to buy a new (used) car and mentally struggling to part with "old reliable"--think Ill gift to the kids for transportation and expect they can get at least another five years out of the old gal. Bought as year-old used and have had no troubles--simply changed the oil every 4-5K miles and was careful to change transmission fluid every 60K (as recommended by my non-dealer mechanic). Otherwise all predictable and expected general maintenance. Mazda is a winner in my book.

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  For a niche buyer - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By sugoiya - October 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car out of pure necessity. I couldnt wedge anything bigger into the underground parking stall for our condo. The new 300hp V6 gives it a surprising zip when passing or driving on hills, and the smaller wheel base provides excellent maneuverability on our narrow city roads. The folding 3rd row seat was also an important feature to me since I dont have a garage. The trade off for the MPVs small size comes at the expense of passenger comfort, especially for the poor souls sitting in the third row. Definitely unsuitable for long commutes.

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  consider MPV its a 9.9 for us! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By matluoma - October 8 - 2:00 am

  excellent van & worth it! dont just take my word for it - you should consider this van. no concerns about power & torque. (hp to weight ratio is awesome - so dont just compare hp to hp...0

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  Big Value, Big Fun! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Morgan - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Edmunds describes this car as a Lexus SportCross for the masses, and I totally agree. I dont think theres a better balance of practicality, reliability, mileage, looks, and performance out there. I rarely get beyond my driveway before this cars performance puts a smile on my face.

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  Awesome little car! - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By bigkampe - October 7 - 9:30 pm

  I recently purchased this car and enjoy its quick and responsive handling. For a 100 hp, this little car can move. I could not disagree with edmunds assessment of this car more. I drove the Fiesta and was a little disappointed. Plus, while the Fit is a nice car with more storage, the drive is not a pleasant and its styling is less attractive to me.

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  Most affordable fun - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By crh_usa - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I hesitated for a long time between the more reasonable Civic Si, the Golf GTI and the speed. The strong financial incentives on the Mazda 2010 made it an easier decision. This car is so much fun to drive. Without the turbo on, it is a peppy economical car. With the turbo on, you wake up the beast.

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  Great car, great handling - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kicking_cans - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Love this car! Accelerates fast, getting 31 mpg, corners great, and... handles accidents well! Plus, mine has push button start, awesome! Going to the gym, throw my keys in my gym bag, & leave them there. Push the button to start, while the bag is sitting on the front passenger seat! Ive driven the Dodge Challenger for a day trip; and performance wise, 3 big differences. Mazda gets better gas mileage, and corners better. The Challenger travels at 95 mph better. (At 65/70 MPH, theyre the same.) Oh, and I backed into another car, got a 3 inch dent in my bumper. But its plastic, so pushed/popped it out. Now looks like a light scratch on my bumper, instead of a huge dent!