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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  Its Top Shelf - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Les - November 20 - 11:06 pm

  SUV of the year!

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  Fun to drive - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By colorado80130 - November 20 - 2:38 pm

  Last year I bought my wife a Mazda 3 and she and I both love it. So, while gettting an oil change I saw the advertisement for the CX-5. I had a Nissan truck that I really liked but I was getting 14MPG. I traded the truck in and immediately took the CX-5 to San Antonio from Denver. I had 3 passengers and lots of luggage. It was the most comfortable ride of any car/suv that I have owned. I calculated that I got 31 MPG with the weight of my passengers and baggage. The vehicle handles very well. I find that it has, what feels like low torque on the low end but, I drive by gas pumps all day long.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By firemandan - November 19 - 10:00 am

  After careful research, i chose the Protege5. It is without a doubt, the best car i have ever owned. I would not hesitate to recommend it (or the dealership for that matter) to anyone interested in a Fun, Functional car with excellent handling.

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  Wife wrecked one with 4,100 miles - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Bengie - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Wife was rear ended by a Honda CRV going 45 MPH afer she had stopped for an accident on the I 285 Beltway around Atlanta. CRV hit the rear, ran under Protege5, tiping nose into the ground. The cars frame collapsed perfectly, and even though not one piece of glass was broken, and all doors would open, and the car would run, the car was totalled. My wife received a sprained neck and back and only missed a day of work. She was sick that we could not get another car just like it. Our dealer worked hard to fine one 400 miles away and we are going to pick it up. This car is not only fun to drive, but protects you as well.

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  Awesome Little Car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Flaming Moe - November 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great little Car. I tried all of the other cars in its class, and I found this in a league of its own. I cant believe that some people buy a Cavalier over this little gem. You are getting half the car!!!

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  Well designed compact minivan - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By madhatter - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned the MPV for just over two months and its been great. Very quiet on the inside, you can just about hear the horn. Love the third row seat and the sliding door roll down windows are especially popular with my kids. The well for the third row seat holds grocery bags excellently well. Fit and finish are excellent. The ride is relatively sporty - not in the league of my Ford Contour with its wide tires and stiff suspension - but there is noticable body roll in turns. The interior is quite ergonomic except for the fact that the column shifter partly hides the volume control and sometimes I have tried to "shift" the turn signal lever.

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  Very nice Compact SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Felipe - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I am surprised with the previous review of 2.8. The transmision problem you had does not reflect that all the Mazda tributes are bad. All cars have issues and you were just an unlucky guy. You do have the right to be upset at the fact that the dealer is not being helpful. I like my car very much and do suggest it to other potential buyers in that price range.. I compared to the Escape, Liberty and the Mazda was a much better car for the money. I encorage other people who own tributes to also write and share their experience.

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  Best Car EVER! - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By esreversm - November 19 - 4:30 am

  I love my CX-7. This is the 9th car Ive owned in my 30 years of living. Its also my favorite. The turbo is great and a thrill to drive. I know everyone keeps downing on the gas and mileage however, I have learned that it runs great if you can alternate between mid-grd. and prem. gas, also being very cautious with driving lately due to gas increase (not as much fun!). I can pull about 22-23 mpg in town and usually 26 hwy. Driving it hard it usually gets about 14-16 in town (we gotta have our fun sometime). Excellent, safe, dependable, not too pricey! Dont under estimate the performance till you try it.

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  Only a week old - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By RonG. - November 18 - 1:10 pm

  I only recently purchased this car and am so far pleased. After driving a diesel for the last 4+ years, even 170 HP feels strong at highway speeds! I wasnt sure about the "Red Mica" at first, but Ive grown to like it. It seems to be quiet at highway speeds and rides smoothly. I have to get used to the "Blind Spot" system. When you pass a car, or a car passes you in the adjoining lane, the yellow indicator light in the mirrors will light up. I wonder if it may cause other drivers to mistake it for a turn indicator & think youre about to change lanes on them. It will also indicate when youre driving next to concrete barriers and guard rails (sometimes).

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  Service queen - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By harry d - November 18 - 7:46 am

  Bought CX-7 last Dec after many great reviews and prior experiences with a mx3. This will susequently be the last. CEL came on first week, followed by an electric control motor of some kind. Next we began to discover several oil spots resulting in a week stay at the dealer for differential leaks. Last week, the cx7 was diagnosed with needing a new transfer case due to new leak problems. Very dissatisfied and will more than likely avoid Mazda in the future. In addition, rust is beginning to bubble thru the chrome trim around windows. What next?