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:

• 

  Great little SUV - gets lots of compliments! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By compurip - August 8 - 12:46 pm

  I had a CX-5 as a loaner vehicle a few months back and was really impressed by it. Had to drive upstate to visit family and snow was predicted, so I wanted an AWD vehicle and it really impressed. When I decided to buy, I test drove the Sport with the 2.0 liter and was more than pleased with the power. I ended up leasing a 2014.5 Dark blue with Sand cloth interior with bluetooth. The mica finish is beautiful and the contrasting cloth interior is really unique.

• 

  4th car, now my primary one. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Virginian - August 8 - 12:36 pm

  Great car. Its comfortable to drive and has an outstanding 4-speed automatic transmission. Best manual climate control system I have ever seen - very precise controls over temperature. The 2.0l has lots of power for any type of driving and is very smooth and quite. First few tanks of gas exceeded 30+ mpg in mixed driving. This is my 4th car but the one I now drive the most.

• 

  1998 Mazda 626 4 cyl. - 1998 Mazda 626
  By slbtrekkie - August 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 1998 Mazda thinking I was buying Japanese reliance (i.e., Honday, Nissan, Toyota). Not realizing they are mostly Fords! Most parts you have to buy from dealership, now transmission has just went out (114,000). I have no idea how much repairs will be on that.

• 

  alarm too sensitive - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By penfield - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Love the car! But, avoid a real pain in the butt and have the dealership reset the alarm sensitivity before you drive off the lot. We bought ours on a friday and spent half the weekend babysitting the WAY oversensitive alarm system, and half the weekend with the horn fuse pulled. Check sensitivity by tapping-kicking the tires. We have since been informed (by a salesman at another Mazda dealership) that the P-5 comes set at maximum sensitivity and needs to be reset to the lowest level.

• 

  Goodbye BMW 330xi, Hello CX-7 GT - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By ZoomKyleZoom - August 7 - 9:06 am

  Traded my 02 BMW 330XI in for a 2008 CX-7 Grand Touring FWD. Best thing I could ever done. It drives and handles just like my Beemer did, minus the AWD. But here in KY, there is no need for AWD 99% of the time. Ive gotten a lot of compliments on this, and theres not a lot of them around since the closest Mazda dealer is an hour away. I was worried about giving up a 6-cylinder for a 4-banger, but with the Turbo, its even better than a 6-cylinder. Mazda really outdid themselves on this design.

• 

  My 3d Miata - 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By tristin - August 6 - 4:26 pm

  I just love Miata. But I had to do a lot of modifications to the 2012 to make it right. The Stereo is horrible. Is it even stereo? The sun visors dont rotate, and are made of cheap plastic. I guess nobody in Japan drives south in the morning or north in the evening, because if they did, they would soon tire of driving with your hand up by your ear to block the sun! And there is a huge area in the corner of the window that isnt blocked by the visor. There are not USB ports! Lastly, the horn! How could they mis-design the horn switch?? Its this tiny little area in the middle of the steering wheel. That said, I couldnt help but get another Miata.

• 

  Fun Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom - August 6 - 4:46 am

  After 3 months of this car, I can honestly say its the most fun car Ive ever driver thats been an every day driver. While not as much fun as a Porsche or a Corvette, this thing is still a lot of fun. This car has performance, better fuel economy, and can handle extremely well. Easily beats my sisters Pontiac G6 in every category except size. The handling is right up there with some of the performance cars Ive driven before. This thing never feels like its going to leave the road. The interior color scheme is awesome, and I think it says a lot about the Mazda 3 exterior design when, after 4 years, it still looks better than the new Corolla and the Honda!

• 

  First Year - Running Great - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By cheapisgood - August 5 - 11:03 pm

  This is my fourth Mazda. My previous Mazdas over the years have been very reliable. It looks like the reviews on this car are a mixed bag and a lot of discontent with AWD and the A/C. I did not want AWD because of added problems/maint and if you are going to purchase an AWD car buy a Subaru. As far as the A/C goes I live in Arizona where its very hot. There is a TSB out on the A/C for this car. Demand that the dealer fix under the TSB and your problem will go away. From a reliability perspective I have had no problems with mine. For mileage I get about 23.7 mph in mixed driving. The car is very fast with the 2.3 ltr and police have been my biggest drawback.

• 

  Smiling Car, Smiling Driver - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Suzi - August 5 - 7:46 pm

  Love my car.Really wanted a hatchback, so choices were limited. Mazda is fun to drive and has good pickup when I need it. Am happy with the mpg Im getting(27), and enjoy coasting when I can and watching the car get 99.9 mpg. Great blend of fun and practicality. If its as low-maintenance as my last Mazda(a 2004 6 wagon), I will have found my automotive bliss.

• 

  STAY AWAY! - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By esso - August 4 - 7:20 pm

  I would never buy another Mazda again. After a month the driver seat started making squeaking noise. Try to schedule an appointment with Mazda dealership, the hell freeze sooner than youll get an appointment. Everyone is rude, unprofessional. I even contacted Mazda Corporate and did not get anywhere. As of this time I am planning to sell the car and buy something American. Horrible car company, horrible customer support. What good is their warranty, when you cannot get any help. The only thing what you get from Mazda is a LEMON. I have tied a bag of lemons to my car and I am driving around our town like that, to let everyone know not to buy one.