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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  Our best vehicle ever - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Constantin - January 26 - 3:40 am

  Mazda MPV was $10k cheaper then Honda. We bought it and never regret it. Oil, brakes, battery and tires those are four things I ever touched. Never failed. Nothing. Nada. Just put a gas and drive. 120k miles and still driving like it just been taken from a dealers lot. We raised 2 of our kids with this car. We have been to 14 states with our MPV. Best minivan ever.

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  So far so great - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By bepc - January 25 - 4:23 pm

  This is a great vehicle that allowed me the full blown feature packed vehicle I wanted for the price I could afford. Its been pretty great for the 600km I have driven it for. With the hills and hwy (Vancouver BC) and slushy rainy sunny weather we have had since I got this thing, it handles very well, although I have not put it to any real heavy duty testing as its just a baby, lol.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jay and Emme - January 25 - 1:43 pm

  The Mazda5 has been one of the most fun cars Ive owned. After finding out we were going to become a family of six rather than five, we needed a vehicle that could hold us all and traded in our sedan. We already have a large minivan and I wanted something better on gas and a bit sportier, so we bought the Grand Touring. The four kids fit fine, though it is umbrella stroller only as there is almost no trunk space. Trips require use of the luggage rack with 5+ people. I love the nimbleness in traffic and the tight turn base and size makes parking a breeze. It definitely has some zoom-zoom compared to other family vans. The 5 is fun to drive, has nice features and I get about 26 mpg.

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  Not bad... not bad at all - 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
  By pleasden - January 24 - 2:10 am

  This is my second Mazda. Drawn to it obviously because of the gas mileage. Had an old Jeep which cost around $90 to fill up recently. Was looking for an SUV to replace it. Came across an article talk about the Tribute hybrid. Decided to take a look. Nice looking car, 34/30 city/hwy mpg, comfortable to drive and quieter than my Mazda 6. Couple that with the available $3000 tax credit and the deal was sealed! Hurry and find one.

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  Incredible Value - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Rich - January 24 - 1:40 am

  Compared with the Accord and Camry, the V6 isnt as powerful and it doesnt have the name recognition, but its thousands of dollars less. With traction control, ABS, dual front and side airbags, 6 disc in dash CD changer, V6, large back seat, alloy wheels, moonroof, etc. it came to just a hair over 20k new. No other car gives you this much luxury for the money, and since they dont hold value as well as the Honda or Toyota they become even better values used.

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  best large 3-row Crossover for the price - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By jc - January 23 - 7:56 pm

  Basically a acura mdx for someone on a budget like me - get some great features and utility worthy of luxury- level vehicles for an affordable price. Fuel economy is the big downside but no vehicle in this class is any more impressive. I can honestly say this large cuv is pretty fun to drive... Easily comparable to my 05 murano even though its bigger.

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  So Far So Great! - 2012 Mazda Mazda2
  By rikdea - January 22 - 6:17 pm

  I just got this car used, with 39000 miles on it and the engine fires right up and doesnt miss a beat. Im loving the gas mileage. I had a small SUV before I bought this car, and this little Mazda has cut my gas bill in half! Its surprisingly zippy and fun to drive. I agree with the other drivers here, that its not sluggish at all. Even with the a/c or heater running, when I step on the gas, it responds, and I have no trouble getting on the highway. Park it anywhere. Comfy interior. Plenty of room for a tall person up front, not as much leg room in back, but thats not something Im concerned about.

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  2010 CX-7 S Touring AWD Turbo - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By jstephens617 - January 22 - 2:50 am

  After searching for 3 months for a crossover, I finally settled on this vehicle. The exterior is very sleek with its wide stance and cascading roofline that slopes downwards to the back of the vehicle. The interior is very comfortable with its heated leather seats. The controls and display on the inside are very nice and quite ergonomical as well. For the price I paid (just under $30K), the amenities it comes with cannot be matched. The turbocharged AWD engine provides the power you need at your beck and call and the AWD can handle any weather conditions here in RI. I have received numerous comments on the styling and how sharp it looks, and I couldn’t agree more.

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  Loving the Club! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Diana Vann - January 21 - 1:09 am

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  My RX-8 Review - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Mr Rotary - January 20 - 10:13 pm

  This is a very fun animal to drive. Performance could be a little bit better on the engine side: theres no torque or power at the lower RPMs until you hit 5k or more. Too bad theres no turbo, I miss the old RX-7s. As with all rotary powered cars, fuel economy is awful. Interior design is really good but the chairs cant recline all the way when I want to lay down and theres no lumbar support. The reason for an 8 on reliability is because I had to bring it in for three different recalls and this thing EATS OIL! Rotary engines consume a lot of oil, I had to add oil to it every 3k miles.