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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  Excellent value - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nelson Maylone - December 16 - 4:43 am

  This is by far the best car in its price range. It feels like a car costing several $K more. No comparison with so-called competitors like Corolla, Cobalt, Caliber, etc. (Maybe a Civic comes close.) The Mazda3 just does not feel like a small car. The 2.0 engine is more than adequate, reasonably quiet and zippy. I saw no reason to go the 2.3 for extra dollars. Handling is great, goes where you tell it to go. Brakes inspire confidence. Basic stereo is quite good. (I wanted the upgrade, but would have to have taken moonroof and other gimmicks.) Styling is fabulous, sporty but not too much so. Mileage is as advertised, but certainly no better.

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  Get a Honda instead - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By sofienyc - December 16 - 3:10 am

  Please look elsewhere for a family van. You will encounter cheap materials, uncomfortable seating and a noisy rear suspension with no fix from Mazda. It does get good gas mileage but besides that it is only good for short trips to the store under 30 minutes or so, otherwise it is not a car you would want to take on a long trip. It does hold a lot of stuff but the noises it makes will think you bought a used Yugo! Stay away from it

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  To Die For - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Anthonys Millenia S - December 15 - 11:30 pm

  I leased this car brand new and after the lease I had to buy it. Its a great car, (good going Mazda). It has 47,xxx miles and all Ive had to do is change the oil and buy new brakes. Of course I buy a lot of extras just to assure its performance. Usually Mazda has bad transmissions but the Millenia S proved me wrong. Its a smart choice for a used car. When this one dies Im going to look for another one with low miles.

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  perfect marriage of tech and performance - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By bipu - December 15 - 9:10 pm

  I have bought the car after reading all the positive reviews on Edmunds. I l-o-v-e the car. The bluetooth music streaming rocks. It paired up with my ipod in minutes, the palm centro works flawlessly with the hands free. After voice training I can speak to the system even with moderate road noise and get it to work. The drive is awesome. Zips through the Washington DC traffic with a true sports spirit. Although a bit sad to not being able to buy the manual shift (marital issue), the clutchless manual does the job right whenever I need the extra zoom zoom. Turns on a dime. The handling is better than German models. Still have my 04 jetta and love it. The 3 outperforms my jetta.

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  Very disappointed - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kimberlyr1 - December 15 - 1:06 pm

  I bought my car in Oct 2013, and it was ok for about 5 months. I switched from a Toyota Highlander (which I absolutely LOVED) to save on gas. While I realized gas savings over the Highlander, I am not getting the gas mileage they promised. I average 26 mpg tops! On top of that, my vehicle had to be at the service center on 3 occasions, all for the same problem. My push button start would not work correctly. They still havent fully fixed the problem. The other problems are road noise and no interior storage, and not enough cup holders, which made for a very long trip with my kids. All in all, while it has saved some $ on gas, I dont think I would not buy another Mazda again.

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  Awesome get the right options - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Westgl - December 14 - 6:36 pm

  I test drove all models for a while. The Grand Touring with upgraded suspension & DSC w/traction control feature made the car handle excellent & still provide a very comfortable ride, The Remote keyless entry is a must have. The retractable hard top is another excellent feature. Got the limited slip also, the leather is very nice quality. I have a 1999 20th anniversary miata it is very raw in comparison, the 99 does not have enough leg room. The 08 has way more than enough leg room as well as more roomy cockpit. The manual says you can run premium gas in it for added performance. I had test driven a new corvette, S2000, 350Z, BMW Z4, Solstice, nothing came close to the miata

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  my new ESSA - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Curt1962 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a very fine small car. I miss a stronger A/C that a V6 would provide. The handling is excellent and the ride is just firm enough to feel the road, but not so rough that my wife cant sleep while I am driving. The exterior design is sharp! I really like the 4 year/50,000 mile warranty also. I have a lot of faith in the Protege so I dont expect to use the warranty, but it provides peace of mind. This is the only new car I have ever bought that I have not had to take back to the dealer several times right away for minor stuff. Built solid!

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  Miada Mama - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Siata - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought it for fun but use it for work. Thrifty on fuel, waranty protection, dealer jumping through hoops for me. What more can one ask for. Mountain roads not a problem with the power and handling.

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  Just okay.... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By ShelleyA - December 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2001 Tribute in September of 2000. I now have 61,000 miles. It has been in the dealership several times for various problems such as the transmission (had to be replaced and they used a rebuilt), sunroof, sensors, fuel smell when you first start the vehicle. (Dealer said it is normal) The interior has never been quite right near the top of the back window. It always seems to sag.This was the first year model for the vehicle so maybe the 2002 & 2003 models improved some. Overall I am not sorry that I purchased the vehicle but am certain that I would not own another one. You definitely get what you pay for.

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  Frustrating!!! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Ellen - December 14 - 1:40 am

  As the passenger, I handle the Navigation Sytem while my husband drives. Because you cant add new destination while car is moving, I have no access to that function. So we now use our portable Garmin 99% of the time!!! And as a passenger, you are blinded to all the driving instrument panels. Very inconvenient if you are trying to help a new driver!!!