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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  As Fun as Minivan can get - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By bosnia4him - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Really like driving this car around - it handles very, very well and its even fun (if thats possible with a minivan). Had a transmission TCM issue - not shifting well between 2-3 gears, but dealership reflashed the TCM, all is well now.

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  Reliable, Great Value, Strongly Recommen - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By miatajeff - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Our 2004 ES 4WD has been a super truck, very reliable, reasonably good mpg (20) for a vehicle this big with this much power. Great value for the money as well, compared to the Grand Cherokee, Subaru, Explorer, etc I am really happy with this vehicle. Has great visibilty and handles very well. Great for people (like me) who need the height of an SUV but still want sporty handling.

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  Love This Car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By RubyRed8 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  We needed to downsize from a Z71 4wheel drive Suburban. After checking every option imaginable, I saw this car in a parking lot. I began to research options, etc.. We drove it and loved it. Even the teenager likes it. Roomier than most cars in this category. Many options available. Very, VERY happy.

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  solid - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By shaynedog - April 21 - 2:00 am

  i recommend it, my only complaint is that it is a tad noisy, but it is expected w/any car in this class

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  Very nice - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By joe - April 20 - 10:33 pm

  I drive quite a bit a year, I reviewed the 2007 Altima, and the Subaru Legacy. Altogether I found that the Mazda 6 had way more to offer for the money.

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  buy one - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By sorento2006 - April 20 - 1:44 am

  just took delivery yesterday of my graphite grey sedan with fog lights,spoiler,bose,sunroof.when i took it for a test drive,going over 60,the computer showed 41.6..wow !on the 30 mile trip home,got 47.8 at 63mph.the ride is tighter than expected,but much better than the 2008 amanti i traded in for this car.lots of features & wow factor.thanks mazda

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  Could not be happier with my choice - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By lisadent - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I looooooove this car

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  The best van for automotive enthusiasts - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By cartwright - April 19 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda MPV is grossly underrated by automotive writers because of their reverence for the Honda Odyssey. When my wife and I test drove the MPV and Odyssey back-to-back, we expected to be impressed by the Odyssey but we were stunned by its clumsy handling and braking. The MPV handles, maneuvers, and brakes about as well as our 98 Honda Accord EX. In contrast, the Odyssey is ponderous, handles sluggishly, and fishtails under hard braking. The MSRP of the MPV is overpriced relative to the Odyssey. Fortunately, Mazda continually offers incentives. We paid $1500 under invoice.

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  We love our Trib - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Boyce - April 18 - 1:06 am

  We have really enjoyed our Tribute. Nice and quiet and a smooth ride around town. So far we have not made a road trip in this vehicle so my observations are for around town only. Fuel mileage has been consistent at 19mpg. Power is adequate for our driving styles.

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  Spacious and reliable - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Rome45249@gmail.com - April 15 - 9:05 pm

  These cars are great on gas mileage they have a pretty good amount of room and maintenance is very low