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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  Style,engineering,economy at good price - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By jaldav - May 29 - 11:43 am

  Enjoyable to drive. Solid build and handling. Looks sexy. I bought this car last February and so far its been a good choice when comparing to Nissan, Honda and Toyota. More bang for the buck. Im planning to hang on to this vehicle for as long as possible since I fear future cars may look like upscale golf carts.

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  Very Happy ... So Far - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Vic - May 26 - 7:00 am

  Weve had our MPV for almost 3 months. So far were more than happy with it. The ride is comfortable and car like. Its tidy dimensions, compared to rivals from Honda and Toyota, are a plus to our family of 4. The sliding rear doors are a blessing, since our 3 year old doesnt know the meaning of "slowly" or "gently" when opening his door. As far as reliability goes, so far, so good. 2 1/2 months is a little too early to make a judgment. Lets see how things go in the next 4 years. As I said, the MPVs smaller size is a plus for us. However, if you feel "bigger is better" in terms of cargo and passenger space, then an Odyssey or Sienna would be a better choice.

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  Micro Mini Van does the Job - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Damian - May 25 - 7:53 am

  During the 15,000 miles Ive been through the initial up the middle down and back up. Dont change the tires for heavier ones, leave it with the toyos or use carlike light tires. Do that and youll like this vehicle forever. Its zoom zoom and I really like it. My wife and I cruise we dont race and all our cars last long and never go to repair shops.

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  Mazda 6s - great value - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By DH800 - May 24 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned my Mazda 6s for a couple of months and I love it! Value is first rate: leather seats, powerful V6 engine, and beautiful design at a very affordable price. The 220-hp lets me run with most cars on the road while it doesnt kill me at the pump (although mpg could be better). And when I wax my car, I still catch myself staring at it; love the exterior design. The only thing you have to do to this car is open up the mufflers, add an intake and you have a legitimate, stylish contender that stands out from the economy-car pack. I cannot attest to the reliability yet, however, but I think these cars have done well considering 03 was the first production year.

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  02 Mazda MPV LX with GFX Package - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Amy - May 24 - 2:50 am

  I did extensive research before purchasing my MPV and found the MPV to be the best price with the most standard and unique features. At the time, Odyssey was the only other minivan with tumble flat rear seats, and the MPV had the unique feature of rolldown rear windows. I liked the look (very sporty) and the motto ("body of a minivan, soul of a sports car"). I still love all these things, but have been disappointed with the reliability. I have it serviced regularly at my local dealer, yet it has been in the shop for repairs at least 6 times since I bought it. 3 weeks ago, it left me stranded with my 2 small children in the car. Its also been in for 2 recalls and my tires wore out at 28k miles.

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  Fantastic driving experience - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Vinnie Dee - May 22 - 2:16 am

  I have been driving over 56 years and my Mazda Tribute has been the most enjoyable drive ever! In three years of driving the only mechanical problem required replacement of the transmission which was dealt with very well by the dealer. It still has a new car smell and each time I get in it I feel as excited as when it was new. The finish is still like new and shines as if just waxed. Soon I will be ready for an upgrade to a more current model.

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  One Year Later - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By mary668 - May 21 - 9:40 am

  One year later, no major problems. Runs well, still comfortable, decent sound system (I dont expect a studio experience), no new noises, rear door still occasionally resists latching once, closes the second time. My primary concern is getting on the interstate via a short ramp and 70mph plus speeds whizzing by, this car can be dangerous trying to get up to speed fast. It hesitates too long or is unpredictable in its response. Hope future CX-5 engineers fix this danger.

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  Rust Problems - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By mazda owner - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I decided to sell my MPV just 5 years after I bought it because it was rusting so badly at the base of both the passenger and driver doors as well as on all 4 wheel wells. In this day and age you dont expect a vehicle to rust before its even 10 years old and this car began rusting when it was just 3 years old. When I brought the problem up to Mazda they were only willing to go by the book: The rust warranty only kicks in when the rust has perforated the metal. Well its perforated now--now that the warranty has expired. Between fixing the rust and some other scheduled maintenance I was going to be spending more on the car than it was worth. So I cut my losses and sold the car.

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  CX-7- a really nice garage ornament ! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By fliar - May 15 - 10:00 am

  You will LOVE this car- right up until it becomes a garage ornament! This car has GREAT styling and performance UNTIL you start having known issues with it- 1. the A/C compressors are known to fail/smoke/catch fire 2. the timing chains are known to break in even LOW MILEAGE cars and trash the engine 3. poor turbo cooling design leads to sludge buildup and failure. Numerous owner reports in Mazda forums of MAZDA NOT honoring the 5 year/ 60,000 mile Powertrain Warranty to repair the trashed motors citing "poor owner maintenance" even when owners present valid oil change receipts, etc. Overall, the nicest car you are ever going to HATE! Avoid this engineering nightmare!

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  Excellent Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By excellent value - May 15 - 5:10 am

  My Mazda 3 was actually the last car on my list to test drive. I rejected the Mini S, Camry, Accord, Mitsus, Dodge, Ford, Audi 4, and Volvo, all for various issues and reasons. The 3 was a delight to drive from the moment I turned the key. Sport suspension, quick turn-in, super brakes, smooth engine and powertrain, quality build throughout. Whats not to love? The copper-red paint and pleasantly good looks bring many compliments. As can be expected for sport sedans, the ride can feel noticeably taut over tar strips and rough roads, but it never loses its composure, inspiring confidence in even the most timid drivers. The engine comes on strongest while manually shifting the slick automatic near 4000 rpm.