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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  2005 6Wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gary - August 6 - 6:36 am

  So far my Mazda6 Wagon has been a blast to drive. The sportshift auto keeps it interesting. Its been on three long trips (3 dogs-in back, bikes on roof, luggage on rear seats). Despite the seeming clutter of all that, it was surprisingly comfortable. Plenty of leg and headroom. On another trip, I had four bikes on the roof, all the gear in the back and 3 passengers beside myself. There was still plenty of room. The car is built solid...no rattles. The engine has plenty of power and is smooth (with the traction control turned off). The only problem, and its small, is the ticking noise (not the cams) just behind the passenger-side firewall. Its a solenoid that Mazda wont repair.

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  Regarding engine noise - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By skyinactiv - August 3 - 7:27 pm

  Had the car for about two months now. I reviewed all the comments here about engine noise. My family drives the car most of the time and they dont pay careful attention to weird sounds. The only comment I have now is the louder engine noise after cold start in the morning which gets better after about 1 minute. I sent an e-mail to Mazda about it but no response. My dealers response was " bring the car in we will check it out" . The problem is when I take it to the dealer it will not be cold start situation anymore. I will have to take the car out for a drive more often to listen to engine noise during normal use which others are claiming. Other than that everything seems to be okay so far.

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  OK but compromised - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By dbrown15 - August 1 - 12:48 pm

  Good value. Excellent gas mileage 29 to 35 mpg mixed driving. Acceleration Ok but nothing special. Major rattles and vibrations in cold weather and on dirt roads. Driving side mirror replaced due to vibration at highway speeds. Three trips to dealership(s) to finally resolve instrument panel rattle. Still noticeable body noise and resonance from rear. Thinking of trading in for a Subaru Crosstrek as have driven that car over similar terrain with no problems.

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  Want great handling, this is the car... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By TeeCee - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Seats are very comfortable. Many different driving positions with tilt/telescoping steering column. Handling and braking are superb yet 17" rims compromise smooth city rides. Automatic tranee shifts flawlessly except at times of extremely rough accleration and braking. Braking in ALL weather conditions is extremely comforting with the ABS brakes. Radio and climate controls take ALOT of getting used to and have yet to become second nature even after two months. Storage is plentiful for maps, bottled water and coffee. Sharp car but needs tweeking here and there; MANY options that are only seen on more high end, costlier cars.....

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  Awesome Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeff - July 28 - 12:46 am

  I purchased my Mazda6i brand new with 55 miles on it. It currently has 97,000 miles on it. I chose the 2.3L 4cyl and I have had zero trouble with it. It handles like a dream and its a lot of fun!! I bought the sport package with moonroof/bose/17" wheels etc. Its been a great car and its paid for!! I will never get rid of this car and its absolutely wonderful to drive. I feel the same way I did when I bought it brand new. Confident and classy.

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  Good Combo - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Jim - July 27 - 8:06 pm

  Bought this over a Honda, which had nothing under the hood. The Mazda is a good combination of size, features and performance. Better warranty than the Escape and $2,000 less. This is our first SUV and I would buy it again.

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  CX5-FWD Touring with Tech/Bose Package - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By tirang - July 22 - 6:14 pm

  Firstly, heart felt thanks to all the other reviewers for their reviews in helping in my car purchase process. Had to make a decision between the CX5 vs Forester and went with the CX5. So far so good. Car makes engine noise when just started and also on windy conditions, you can hear the wind noise inside the car. Drives real smooth around corners and in city conditions. For me the lack of reclining back seats nor enough rear leg room for adults was not a deal breaker. Forester has better reliability and AWD as standard. CX5 Bose/Tech package is amazing especially the night adaptive halogen headlights. If you drive around poorly lit areas, this will make a ton of difference.

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  An Okay Vehicle - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fluffy - July 21 - 10:03 pm

  I have had this car a couple months and it is not a bad car, but it could use a few improvements. The road noise is the worst, esp. when travelling on road paved with recycled blacktop. The carpet is cheap, more like a felt. I probably will go to the 09 Toyota Matrix which is offering Bluetooth and XM. I got a good deal on this car, but I dont think long term that it will hold up.

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  Rotary car doesnt fade - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Andy - July 21 - 7:16 pm

  There is a tendency to do errands in zig-zag back and forth across town style. It is very difficult to go home after completing the errands. It is difficult to do the actual errand, because you dont want to get out of the car to go in anywhere. I plan out huge, inefficient road trips on computer trip software. Im fond of poking along routes that skulk through the corridors between the major interstates. 18 hours at a pop sometimes. Always sticking to posted speeds because Im in "local territory", unshielded by the usual pack of rabbit-chasers and "what I can get away with" cruisers. Bottom line? Theres no end in sight with driving this car at this point.

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  Really decent vehicle - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By realitycheck1 - July 19 - 7:41 pm

  Exterior design is very attractive. Excellent handling, good pickup from the 4cyl engine. Could be better on the fuel economy but not too bad. Ride is well controlled but it can be a bit busy. Decent room inside, good design to the dash board. Interior quality is a mixed bag. Some parts of the dash and doors are very high end but other parts are cheap feeling. Leather quality is decent, if a little stiff feeling, but it smells good though. Xenon lighting is excellent. I would suggest this car for those who like spirited driving, if you drive it softly it may leave you a bit cold.