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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  Very noisy & bumpy ride - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By JANIE - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is without a doubt the most noisy and bumpy ride that Ive ever owned. Just going over a manhole cover can be a teeth-rattling experience. Im taking it to the dealership this week to have that problem checked out. Very poor suspension? Bad tires? I certainly dont know, but hope that they can do something about it. After driving a Mazda MPV for 8 years, I really miss the cargo space. When I first looked at the M5, I thought that it seemed rather less than the MPV, so asked the salesman how the cargo space compared with the MPV. His reply was, "Its the same". What a lie that turned out to be. Nearly impossible to get my bike into the back - even with 2nd row down.

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  Still going strong at 95,000 mi. - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Richard D - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in Dec.06 with 21,000 miles on it. After a few minor issues due to the previous owners neglect, it has provided me with years of trouble free, reliable transportation.I still love to drive the car even after all this time. I keep up with routine maintenance,(oil and filter change, tire rotation , etc. ).When the time comes to retire this one, Ill probably look to a newer model 6 , consider me a repeat buyer.

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  Love this car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda 3 S - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I used to flip cars very often, had many faster cars. But i always looked up for economy also. This car comes with nice compromise for both. Its sporty, good on gas, has practical hatch and looks good. The main thing is that is very reliable. Im getting close to 150k miles on this car and has been trouble free. Just tires, brakes, plugs and runs still strong. Have improved radio with navigation system and headlights with HID.

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  2010 Mazda 6i GT Sangria Red Mica - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By mrchuck - August 25 - 4:56 pm

  The new car smell of tan leather in a red car is a must! WOW! The tech features are outstanding. The Bose sound system is absolutely awesome. Comfort and quietness wherever you drive is just pure satisfaction. Acceleration is great, and the gas mileage on 87 octane is great. I have no complaints, and I test drove ALL of the mid-size luxury cars and this car wins. Period. It won. The trunk space with the back seats down will easily handle our Costco and Sams Club shopping trips. The quietness and super quality attention to details make this car a winner, no matter what luxury car you have been driving. I am extremely pleased. You will be too! Mazdas "Zoom Zoom" is infectious!!

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  Swap the Continentals !!! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By pennypincher - August 24 - 1:22 pm

  Do yourself a favor and swap the crappy Continentals for Michelin Latitude (as Ford did for model year 2009 and on) or, for less $$, Khumo AST, or anything else that is more of a highway tire (less agressive treads) The noise reduction will be AMAZING !!! My wife thought we had a new ride. Always rotate the tires (front/rear, no X pattern) at EACH OIL CHANGE. The Tribute (Escape) rear suspension is soft (to avoid the jerkiness in turns) so the tires tend to chip off on the edges. So, diligent rotation will save the day. All in all the greatest value of my driving experience !!!

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Monkyc - August 24 - 1:03 pm

  Amazing family sedan that handles better than a BMW 3 series. Great acceleration from the 4 cyl 5 spd. Absolutely no problems in two and a half years over 36,000 miles.

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  WOW! This is fun to drive! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jackson - August 24 - 11:19 am

  This is fun to drive. Im not sure I would be comfortable driving on a long road trip but the vehicle is fun driving around town. I find myself accelerating into turns and braking hard. The performance is unbelievable. This is a homerun and the price is reasonable.

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  Believe what you hear...its fun - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bh76 - August 23 - 2:10 pm

  One word: FUN. Everyone says it but its true. Bought used with 29K miles and after 10K more miles I can say that Ive had zero problems. I drove it from VA to Maine with a passenger & luggage and loved every mile. Using the top takes mere seconds. Fun & practical daily driver too w/ excellent turning radius & good ride quality. Lots of little cubbies for smaller things. Maintenance: cheap so far. Of course with most any small roadster youll run into storage issues. For example, I cant fit my golf bag in the trunk without removing the longer clubs. Performance: Nothing earth-shattering - just FUN. Its relatively diminuitive size and mass make it very maneuverable and acceleration is brisk.

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  Second Mazda 3! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By moonman - August 23 - 5:50 am

  Went to dealer for an oil change on my 04s, and looked in on the 06 Grand Touring. Mazda has done right by this car -- several of the larger problems (the slow shift out of first when cold) have been fixed by the new 5 speed transmission, and the other refinements on the car are well done. Its the same shell but it feels substantially different ... also appreciate the (admittedly slight) gain in MPG w/ the 5 speed.

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  tributes are terrible - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Gary Moore - August 23 - 1:46 am

  Here is a car that after 96,000 miles (50,000 of which were highway), now requires a valve compression job ($2100) in addition to spark plug and coil replacements ($750). To me that is unacceptable and has convinced me along with the other problems weve had (several times for the emissions light, stalling while simply driving down the road) NEVER to buy another Mazda product again.