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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  My mini-minivan - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By rlaw - June 28 - 2:13 pm

  Seats six comfortably, gets great gas mileage and it really fun to drive. Its actually my wifes van but we both couldnt be happier. Kept our 2003 Protege because we still love that Mazda.

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  Best Sports Car for the Buck - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By krusty - June 27 - 9:20 pm

  By far the funnest car to drive short of shelling out 130k for a Porsche 911 GT3. A very beautiful design. I test drove the Nissan 350Z and knew within 1/4 mile which car I liked better...the RX8. Great handling, stability, and braking. I do have after-market BF Goodrich G-Force, which are incredible and probably a much better tire then stock (first upgrade). Very comfortable on highway. The car is deceiving in how fast it really is. You will be going 100mph and not even notice it and very stable and easy to drive at that speed. Bose Stereo is great. Transmission (manual) is smooth as butter and has very short throw. Your power is at 5000RPM and up, so you have to learn how to drive this car

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  Perfect - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Drew - June 27 - 5:43 pm

  Traded in a Protege5 for the Mazda5. I am married with no children but the look and reliability made me really want this car. I got the Touring edition with 5 speed and Navigation. I was going to get the black but the black on the Mazda5 is a flat color with no metallic. I chose the carbon grey and am very happy with my choice. I have no complaints. This car is fun to drive with plenty of power. Great road response and a great Navigation system. I will recommend this to a family or even to the single person which wants extra room in a sporty car. Buy this car!

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  A Steal 2 - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By J Chin - June 27 - 3:06 pm

  Just got one last week and I cant stop driving it. Definitely a one of a kind car - rotary engine. Cant wait till I break it in - then I can start having some real fun with the 9000 RPM redline. Still cant get over the looks I get when Im slowly cruising down the street.

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  Worst car you could buy - 1999 Mazda 626
  By A H - June 27 - 2:56 am

  This is by far the most unreliable car you could purchase. This car has racked up over $8 grand in repairs, every other month something goes wrong. The quality of the vehicle is beyond horrible. In addition to top it off Mazda USA headquarters are the rudest and most unprofessional people to ever work with. They dont back their vehicles at all and dont care what is going on. This car gives a new meaning to a lemon. I have had the steering rack, boots, oil leaks, hoses, fan, motor, radiator, thermostat, O2 sensor, EGR service, and much more done to this. Mazda is the worst company to do business with and this is the last Mazda I would ever purchase or recommend take your money elsewhere.

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  Mazda 6 - Fun to drive! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lou - June 26 - 2:30 pm

  Ive had a Mazda6 for a little more than a year. Ive been pleased to say the least. I have the Bose sound system, the spoiler, the sun roof and all the extras and its the Sonic Blue colored vehicle. The car has the pick up and go youd expect from a sports car and had the comfort and reliability youd come to expect from any automobile. The car is quiet, drives well, has great pickup and a sleek look. Definitely a fun car to drive no matter how far your going!

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  I am amazed!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eric - June 25 - 2:56 pm

  I have been a mustang driver since I have been driving. I chose the mazda3 because of my current job. I do alot of traveling and needed better gas mileage. It is fun to drive, looks great, and with all the sport options it has this car is a real head turner. I am still a mustang guy deep down, but I could get used to this. Mazda hit a home run with this one. With their motto "The Soul of a Sports Car", it makes losing my beloved LEGEND easier.

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  So Far, Exceeds Expectations - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By annika2 - June 25 - 2:51 pm

  I traded in my sweet little 2010 Mazda 3 for this guy, and Im in love. I would have kept the 3 (I was this close to paying it off), but I needed more room for the family. Namely my 64" husband. The CX-5 is beyond roomy, and its really comfortable. But driving it, I dont feel like I lost much of the quick response and easy handling that I had with my 3. The only thing Im not sure about is the audio/phone computer thing. Its clunky and ugly and cheap and feels like an afterthought. An unwise afterthought. BUT...its been working for me when it eventually gets all connected and set up with my phone. No problems so far streaming Pandora, or playing the music from my iPhone or calling out.

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  Can you say, "Recall(s)" - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Pete - June 25 - 2:00 pm

  From the a month after buying, we had our first of now 5 recalls. I actually bought the 2003 model. Since then I have heard of no significant difference in the number of complaints to dealerships. The Tribute drives well around town and is built solid, but the engine proformance is horrible. Constant transmission problems. Dealerships are blaiming that on the non-Japanese built engine. The seats feel good at first, but after an hour, your rear end goes numb. Not a good road trip car. But around town, for the price, you cant beat it. I give it an average rating, all things considered. I recommendend paying an extra 2-3 thousand and getting more a SUV. I will never buy again.

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  A performance car that doesnt perform - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Sensitive car - June 25 - 3:00 am

  I have had my RX8 for 18 months and have been to the dealer MULTIPLE times with many different issues. First of all, let me say I love cars and I baby and care for them meticulously. I have had to have the car towed 2 times, I have had 3 flat tires, I have had all the spark plugs replaced, the brake shim kit replaced, and multiple trips to the dealership for recalls. To top it off I only have 8800 miles on the car. I bought snow tires for $900 because I live in VT. That was the least of the problems. It really did quite well in the snow. I am just sick and tired of being tied to the dealership due to constant problems. The car is just not reliable !