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:

• 

  My First Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dav - August 29 - 10:46 am

  the mazda 3 is my first car. ive researched many cars and found that the 3 was the best... i browsed honda, toyota, nissan, and mitsubishi but found the mazda the best in style and comfort... i got the fully loaded S, all packages, the 4 speed automatic with sport shift mode, and the color is titanium grey.... the 3 is very roomy compared to its competitors, gas mileage is great, and the performance is great (very smooth pickup and cruise driving)... overall the mazda 3 is the best of the compact market! (to Me)

• 

  Mazda Protege Review - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By cliff9826 - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Car has sharp turning radius. Can pull into parking area with no problem at all. Car has good pick-up speed. Love the sound system. Lots of trunk room. Good car overall for the price. For taller driver lots of head room. Nice stiff handling. Only problems are that its not comfortable on long rides and I dont see where its great on fuel, I only get 250 miles on full tank of gas with all highway driving.

• 

  We liked it sooo much, that - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Sha - August 29 - 2:00 am

  We bought a new Tribute in Sept 2003 and liked it so much that I traded in my Mazda Miata for our second Tribute. They are great multi purpose vehicles that arent perfect, but do a nice all around job, both on the highway and city type driving.Hi what do you expect for 25K? We are very pleased with these vehicles at this point and would recommend one to friends.

• 

  Well its pretty - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jonathan heeps - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Erratic shifting with the automatic...

• 

  2000 Used Mazda Millenia S for Sale - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By n_8dog - August 27 - 2:06 am

  This car has amazing reliability history. I dont know why it never took off in sales. I mean, you cant get a sleeker, snazzier, roommier, sportier, car for the same price. It is my second S model, and I dont agree with the review given by Edmunds. I am selling mine to get into a house with all these low mortgage rates flying around. With the high ratings for reliability and build quality given by Consumer Reports, I think this is a great car.

• 

  WORTH STATING AGAIN DO NOT BUY TECH PKG!! - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By ktsb11 - August 26 - 4:23 am

  I did do some research and was aware the Infotainment system was a tad glitchy before I bought my car but its way beyond that. It is exactly as someone else said...ipod use has stopped completely even WITH the 3 minute time to start a song and the starting over each time you turn on the car. Bluetooth is beyond frustrating...it seems to think Im speaking a foreign language. And Ive had to reset the bluetooth twice. Ive had the car one month. I drive a lot and need my music. Im so disappointed Mazda has let this go on.

• 

  Hereditary transmission problems - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Cookieman - August 26 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle was a delight to take in the rough, even though it was two-wheel drive, I could take it anywhere. It had a good ground clearance, and low rev torque. Its downside is its transmission. The Ranger series has always had problems with the transmission and when I bought this Mazda I thought they had cleared that problem. Not so. After 7K miles, it began to have trouble shifting in and out of second. It got to the point that I had to skip the gear. After the replacement if immediately took care of second but fourth was now the troublemaker.

• 

  awesome car - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By chris123 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  this is an awesome car!! i love the car!

• 

  Great at first, now problems - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Disappointed - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Buyer beware. There is a problem with this vehicle and gas pedal getting stuck. If you go to the NHTSA website, you will find 9 complaints on gas pedal getting stuck. I submitted mine today, making it 10. It gets stuck in deceleration position, but going 60+mph, this is very dangerous. Once gas pedal gives, the SUV jerks forward. I drive this car a lot for business. I bought it in Nov. 2007. I have driven 68,000 miles on it. Radio stopped working, a short circuit. Had to buy aftermarket since Mazda charges $800 plus installation for stock. Battery had changed at 65,000 miles. I find it very comfortable for my 6/7 hour trips, but the gas pedal getting stuck has scared me.

• 

  Never loved a car till this one ;) - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By LoveMeeata - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love to drive my Miata! It is so quick on the highway and just flat-out a BLAST! The convertible top is easy to manage from INSIDE the car...love that! My family whines that its too small and "get a real car" but ya know...they are just jea-LOUS! My 63" 250 lb boyfriend complains that he doesnt fit in it, but hes always grabbing the keys to get a chance to drive it. lol