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 Fun - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By dcurbelo - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute has been very fun to drive. It handles more like a car than a truck. It is very roomy & comfortable. The leather interior and design are great. I like the styling of the Tribute the best of all the small SUVs. The V6 is very quick and the braking is excellent.

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  Really nice car and great fuel economy - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By moog555 - May 9 - 2:32 am

  I have been driving this car for a month now. The fuel economy in this thing is really incredible. Ive had five Honda civics in the pass... but this little Mazda beats them all !!!. Also handles the road really nice.. This Sky-activ engine is super smooth and refined... The value in this car is hands down unbeatable.

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  Fun - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tom - May 9 - 2:16 am

  Just got Grand Touring PRHT. Drove 700 miles in two days. Its a hoot! Performance as advertised, good (not great) acceleration, very quick and agile. Brakes excellent. PRHT definitely worth the extra cost, as its much more secure than soft top. Bose sound has nice clarity, but absence of MP3 jack really unacceptable on a supposedly deluxe stereo unit. Fit and finish really good, lots of compliments so far. Fun to drive!

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  Awesome inside and out - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By HMAC - May 8 - 7:06 am

  Just picked -up the vehicle from the dealership.Traded in our sienna minivan,came out to be one of my best decisions.Tried going to pilot but cant stand the boxy look, the nose looks like a bulldog.Highlander is ok but on the small side. I love how the cx-9 looks from inside and out. Very comfortable ride,very smooth transmission. Manumatic shift is great,makes it more sporty feel.20" is awesome adds on the vehicles handsome look,BSM is great too.Interior finish and cockpit looks classy. Definitely this mazda is a keeper.

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  2nd one is better - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By jaybud31 - May 7 - 11:00 pm

  I bought one in april 2003 brand new 400 miles on it (from transporting) was in the shop m-fri for i think...the first 3 weeks, I got it back on weekends, they couldnt figure out the problem with the engine/cooling lights coming on constantly. I requested after the 4 week, I get to "swap" for a different one, as i had a 1200 mile road trip planned, that was why i bought a new vehicle, so I picked another new one with 15 miles on it in May 2003 paid more, but the 2nd one has been great! no regrets. I love it.

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  Mazda MPV - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Antoinette Johnson - May 7 - 8:30 pm

  I have enjoyed my van a lot. I prefer to drive it more than my other car. The ride is smooth, and it is very reliable.

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  Small AWD fully loaded!! Love my CX-3! - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Lauren Benoit - May 7 - 1:25 am

  My previous vehicle was a 07 Kia optima that didnt even have traction control.... My terrible snow experience with this vehicle convinced me my next car MUST have AWD. I test drove all the SUV style vehicles but really didnt want something so big. Also within my budget I always had to settle for the base model. Until I stumbled upon this gem! One of my biggest issues is I will NOT drive a CVT transmission.... I want to feel the shifting and almost all makers are trying to convert to this. But not Mazda! I was able to get the touring (mid level) with the moonroof and BOSE stereo system. The heated seats are amazing and the seat is extremely comfortable. The back seats are perfect size since I dont have passengers very often. The trunk isnt deep but the height is great. I think it is the same as my previous vehicle. I keep catching myself speeding in this fun to drive little Mazda! I have never felt so connected to the road. I still cant believe I was able to find a vehicle loaded with all these features within my price range! If you are considering a smaller AWD vehicle I highly suggest you test drive this amazing Mazda!!

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  A half-priced Bimmer! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By paublo73 - May 6 - 8:17 pm

  I am downsizing from a Mazda CX-9 and it could not be any more painless. This car is a blast to drive. Im amazed how quick it is with the 2.0 motor and automatic. This motor has enough low end torque and the transmission is so well calibrated that it feels eager in all situations. I did test drive the Focus and while it does handle well, the transmission shifted too soon and masked that engines extra power. I was able to get the 3 at invoice price which was much cheaper than the Focus similarly equipped. The cabin is on the small side but Im short and the car seats fit, so I consider it "just right". This car is serving as a commuter/2nd car and so far its exceeded my expectations.

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  Best car ever. - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sergey - May 4 - 3:50 pm

  Best car ever for the money you can afford.

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  One word - Unique - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By the_hurra - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had mine for two weeks now, and it is great fun to drive. Doesnt hurt that my golf clubs fit in the trunk without a problem too. Its more practical, and a way better value than any other car in this class. A little more civilized than the RX-7 was.