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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  A great vehicle - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By ajl - October 6 - 7:33 pm

  We looked at everything in this price class,new and used. CR-V, RAV 4, Subaru Forester, Kia Rondo,Suzuki Grand Vitara. Nothing offered the combination of fun and function like the Mazda. This is not meant as a replacement for the minivan from Honda, Toyota,etc. You must drive this "microvan" before passing judgment on it. If you appreciate sharp steering and handling over a softer ride, you will not be disappointed. Bottom line: If you need to haul a small family around or just some stuff AND have fun doing it, the Mazda 5 is for you! It was for us! For those complaining about snow traction. Get four snow tires. 205/50/17 all season tires were never meant for snow!

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  Okay - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Rico - October 5 - 6:56 pm

  Had one for 1 1/2 years. Really liked it at first. Then noted loss of stable feeling when driving. Drove a lot, had 37,000 and the rear shocks were really shot after 17,000. Very bad in the snow, front tires just spin. Had to get snow tires then it was okay. So factory tires were bad after 20k. So thats two sets of tires after the first year. Overall we got sick of the thing. Gas mileage was not very good. It is low to the ground which makes it look nice but watch it when parking into a stall, you will hit some curbs. Anyhow, with the bad suspension and all I got rid of it for a Mazda6, wow what a difference. Like night and day. Got the 4cyl 2010 and it does get more than 30 mpg. Dont get a 5

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  Brakes - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By annoyed - October 4 - 10:30 pm

  This is my second 6. I had a 2006 Mazda 6 and recently purchased a 2008 6. I have just 2,000 miles and once AGAIN, my brakes are shuttering and pulsating and my steering wheel has vibration from the brakes.I had the same issue with my 2006. Now I have to again bring the car in to be checked. The only concern is after I repaired the 2006, new brakes, rotors, I had to after, 1,500 miles have the new rotors re-surfaced! I am hoping I do not have the same issue all over. Mazda needs to fix this problem! I do not think I will purchase another Mazda. This is a pain, to say the least, also quite expensive to repair.

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  Love this SUV!! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Love this SUV!! - October 4 - 4:13 pm

  We bought our Tribute new back in 2001 and absolutely love it. We now have 140,000 miles on it and the only servicing that it has needed has been the usual wear and tear. We have always had our servicing done at the dealer. Best of all...this SUV is great in the snow. I have never had a problem driving this vehicle in bad weather. I average about 20 mpg. We also had a Miata and finally departed with that car after it had 250,000 miles on it. What can I say about Mazda.......they make reliable cars as long as you do your part in maintaining them.

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  So happy I went with this vehicle! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kewright - October 4 - 3:58 pm

  Overall, I have to say that I am really pleased with the 2014 Mazda CX-5 GT with Tech package. I feel like it was a great value and upgrade from our previously owned Jeep Compass. The ride can be a little stiff on bumpy city road surfaces, but feels great at highways. The handling is fantastic and sport-like. It feels like it handles more like a sedan than an SUV. We broke in our CX-5 by taking up to the mountains right off the lot, and it handled great up the hills (plenty of power). Ive seen many comments about road noise, and this vehicle was far quieter than others in its class that I test drove. Its a little loud at start up, but that is the rapid engine heating system.

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  PUT MORE FUN IN YOUR LIFE - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miatax3 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I only need a few words to express how much I enjoy Miata’s. I have three (3), all bought new. My first a ‘92 my second ‘99 and my beautiful ‘‘02 black & tan with all the bells and whistles. I couldn’t accept the SC brown leather with metallic gray.

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  Few minor problems BUT still love car!! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Sherry2004 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car but I have had a few mishaps. First, two Dunlop tires were damaged after a mishap with a curb and not too hard of a hit. The tire walls were damaged after 9 months of owning the car. No warranty on the tires and Dunlop would not consider the tires to be defective. A small part broke on the cars heating fan, CD has started to skip but was covered under warranty. The service at the dealership has been impeccable.

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  Stay clear of this vehicle! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Jim Barnes - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had engine oil leaking problems since I bought this van in May 2003. I have learned recently that Mazda has issued an advisory that the particular V-6 used in the MPV had a faulty die that was miscasting engine block parts that cause seals to leak where the cam housing meets the block. This vehicle has been a service nightmare. Mazda is currently trying to fix the problem at their dealers. Catalytic converters and O2 sensors have also been faulty and have had to be replaced. I am currently applying for Lemon Law status with the State of Florida and have appealed for replacement by the dealer.

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  Great "Small" SUV!!! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Tmetz - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Recently purchased this vehicle for my wife, for highway travelling and to carry around my daughters monstrosity known as her carseat. My wife is nearly 6 tall, I am 66" and my daughter is very long/tall for her age. In turn, our front seats are always to the rear and my daughters huge carseat faces rearward. Simply put, the Tribute was the only "small" SUV that would fit us all comfortably. It is a dream to drive and fun to boot. This is, by far, the best new car purchase I have ever completed. I have a feeling that there might be a second Tribute in the garage before too long!

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  Good value in a great to drive package - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ShawnP - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Hard to say enough good things about the 3. As a previous owner of a Protege5 I was really hoping they fixed a few of the things I found lacking in the previous car and Mazda came through in spades. Performance was improved, dramatically, the engine is not only more powerful but a lot smoother, something I didnt like about the outgoing Pro5. Handing is improved though I found the PRo5 to be competent as well (not a concern before) And more over interior noise is down and road comfort is improved dramatically. A fantastic car with great performance, features and poise for a car in its price range, a definite great buy!