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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  Mazda Protege5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By brent_va - September 7 - 2:00 am

  funnest car ive driven. more practicle that i wouldve thought.

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  Fun to drive - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By domek69 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This “compact” SUV is not so compact after all. I’ve been driving the Tribute for over 2 years now without any major problems. It is roomy. The 6- cylinder engine has a fantastic acceleration if you compare it to similar cars from other manufacturers.

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  Review of a Mazda lover - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Reetz - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Tribute in March of 2002. Its fun to drive and is very reliable. It handles every kind of road condition and even stops straight on icy roads. The things I would improve would be the front passengers seat belt. It locks up too easily. Also, the interior quality could be better. The molding on the inside of the doors keeps coming loose. Then again, there is no perfect car in my opinion.

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  I wish I had a longer commute! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ScotProf - September 6 - 4:16 pm

  Kids finished college, decided to celebrate by buying a convertible to drive in sunny California. This is a great car. As several reviews state, it drives like a fast go-kart. It is so easy to overtake slower drivers by zipping out & back in that I am having to rein in my urges, otherwise Ill get my first ticket in >24 years of driving. The PRHT is great. My "suggested improvements" below are minor, and focus on the interior design; the only DRIVING "defect" is that the rear visibility is not great with the top up. So, when reversing with the top up, I am coming to rely on the side mirrors, which I dont enjoy; Id prefer to be able to scan the whole area by quick glances over my shoulder.

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  A car worth to own - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Hasham - September 6 - 11:26 am

  I bought this car after driving a Maxima and Lexus ES. The instant I saw it I was in love with this car. Its sporty, slick and luxury. It has more bells and whistles than other premium cars of its age. Super reliable in maintenance, nice smooth acceleration, great dash and interior lights. It is certainly an eye catcher car. All my friends want to buy it from me but I am not going to sell it.

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  Decent but Disappointed - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kewlcanuck - September 4 - 6:01 pm

  Having driven the CX5 for a year I must say Mazda needs to make some changes in my opinion. Handling is very good, fuel mileage is good for the 2.5 and power is pretty decent. Seats are comfortable and driving position has good visibility. Overall not a terrible choice but could be a lot better for the price. Will be looking for a replacement in the next few months.

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  Wife Loves It, Im Not So Sure - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By tabjaxx - September 4 - 3:00 am

  Our search came down to a used 2008 Ford Edge or a new 2009 Mazda CX-9. The Mazda won out because of the favorable lease terms that were being offered. The car is fun to drive and the engine has plenty of zip. The transmission is silky smooth. Drives like a smaller car, even with third row capacity. Ride is on the stiff side. Engine is quiet. Form and fit are good; no rattles. 3rd row offers nice space, but seems to do so at the expense of the 2nd row. The width of the drivers compartment is cramped. Not the easiest car to get in and out of (watch your head vs. frame). Console storage not good considering space it takes up. Gawky radio nobs on dash. Nice car, although Im not wowed by it.

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  bad suspension parts - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By gergis - September 3 - 9:11 pm

  I just spent 10k miles om my new certified Mazda 5 , then I should change all tire of my car as all of them were variable damaged from inward , and when I check this problem with dealer , told me I should change suspension parts of three of 4 wheels , It very strange to find that , if you want to buy this car , put in your mind 1- check alignment every few months 2- change tires every 11k to 13k miles , fix suspension parts yearly

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  Good Deal - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mike Murphy - September 3 - 9:00 pm

  Had a 1994 Grand Voyager, and wanted something smaller and sportier. I always liked the 1st generation Odyssey--big on the inside, small on the outside. The Mazdas dimensions are almost identical. I especially like the manual transmission. Others have complained its underpowered. I disagree--I think that we in the US are on a car "power-trip"--theres plenty of power here, esp. with the manual. Handling is surprisingly quite good--you only notice the weight and high center of gravity on high-speed curves. Ive consistently gotten 25 + mpg every tankful, with a combo city/highway driving (6085 miles), and the last several tanks have been 29-32 mpg. Love the car.

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  Zoom Zoom My Tail!! Bad Car - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By mkburgess828 - September 2 - 11:14 pm

  I posted about 2 months ago because the Tranny went out! This has been the most terrible vehicle that I have ever owned! In addition to the transmission going out at about 108k now my engine is shot. The vehicle has a 112k on it now. Its the 2.3 4 cylinder 2x4. Very Slow, very little performance at all. They look sharp but without doubt a true money pit disaster. I drive my car very easy and perform routine maintanence ahead of time!! All out just a bad vehicle!!!