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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  Good solid little car - 2012 Mazda Mazda2
  By eptx3 - April 19 - 7:21 am

  I got to drive one of these recently and it made me think about this car over the one I actually bought. Being on a tight budget I bought a 2012 Ford Focus, but I never thought about looking at the Mazda 2. I have driven Toyotas Yaris 4-door and it had a noisy ride and a hard feel on the road. The Mazda 2 had a quiet, solid feel inside with lots of space for a six-foot tall driver. The doors closed with a solid thunk. The Mazda 2 was smooth and fast. The Edmunds review here says that the automatic transmission was not adequate. I thought it was. I hit the pedal hard to get it into passing gear and this car was fast. 100hp was very adequate in my opinion. Smooth and fast acceleration.

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  Goes great with our RX-8! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By HottieMWF34DD - April 19 - 1:30 am

  Replaced our Protege5 with this, it is awesome and much better than any of the minivans on the market. We didnt want the lousy gas mileage of an SUV either. It also looks so cool next to the RX-8... both in black, which is the only way I like it... once you go black you never go back!

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  Worst car ever - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Seriouscoin - April 17 - 12:56 am

  Not a fan! The only thing I liked was the look, and getting on the gas around 5k RPM. Tons of problems later!!

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  Best of class - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Jeffery Herman - April 16 - 10:50 pm

  We looked at all other major players in this class, including the 2017 Honda CRV. The CX-5 beat them all out and in particular beat the CRV with better controls (not as dependent on a touch screen), better acceleration and driving dynamics. However, the CRV beats the CX-5 in fuel economy. For my wife, who didnt want a "minivan" the CX-5 gave her a sporty vehicle that supports the family too.

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  Way under-rated auto/Fun to drive car! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By De Groot - April 16 - 6:20 pm

  This is my 6th car, 5th brand new car. I had to give up a manual, knee problems, and give up a car I just loved, an Infiniti G20 1996. I wanted something that would be different so I wouldnt compare, something fun so I wouldnt miss the G20. Ha! I got it! This car is fun enjoyment. And its a car I fit into. I never thought it would accommodate my 64" frame. You feel the road and it really hugs the road. At highway speeds its as smooth a ride as the G20. The handling is sure and real responsive. My favorite stretch of Highway 1 was no disappointment with this car, handling the switchback and tight curves with a sure footing. This car seems capable to give more than it is asked to give.

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  Maza wasnt even on my radar screen - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gulf Coast Florida - April 16 - 4:46 pm

  I test drove a 2009 Corolla and Honda Civic and this Mazda 3 offered more of what I wanted than either of those cars. The gauges are easy to read, the buttons make sense on the dashboard. The Honda Civic has a tachometer as big as a pie plate behind the steering wheel taking up a sizable portion of the dash. Maybe that is great if you are a 16 year old boy, but as a middle aged female I didnt like it and I thought it was a stupid design placement. The Mazda, on the other hand, is user friendly in terms of the interior and had more personality on the exterior than Corolla or Civic. I got a great (GREAT!) deal on my car and I may be a Mazda fan for life now.

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  It is a GREAT car!!!!!! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kellys - April 16 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car to drive and just to admir. I would definetly recomand the car,

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By cobrak - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Tremendous value and performance. handling is storng feature and build quality excellent.

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  Mazda Tribute LX V6 - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By jkannard - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I really like the pep my Mazda has. It has been a really reliable vehicle and is roomy enough for our family of four.

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  Looks are not everything - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By speeede - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Unbelievable looks. Its so fresh, I couldnt get looks like this in an nsx. You have no idea until you drive one how much people stare. Gas, however, is abysmal. I have 1000 miles and I average about 12 mpg, all city. Not granny driving, but not indy either. I am 62", way too tall for the sunroof. Cloth on rear inside fender walls is an AWFUL choice, will fall apart by end of year. I recommend automatic since 1st gear is very low power in the manual. Bose radio sounds dull and stock.