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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  Fun at First...but then - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By brokken12 - May 31 - 1:50 pm

  When we first got the Tribute we really loved it. We got an extended warranty since we bought the car used. This was a good thing because wheel bearings, the 4WD shift controller, Rear Suspension where just some of the things that needed to be fixed in the first few months. We took on a trip through the Maritimes and it had lots of pick-up, no issues on climbing some hilly terrain or passing. The comfort inside was great, but the radio broke and cup holder kept coming off. The all leather interior on our model was great and easy to clean.

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  We love our MPV - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By FamilyValues - May 31 - 1:20 pm

  The only thing that bothers me about this minivan is that you cant see the AC button on the dash because the shift bar blocks its view. Otherwise, I have never been this happy with any other pre-owned vehicle. I would upgrade to a newer vsersion without thinking twice when the time comes.

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  EXCITEMENT after 3 DAYS of OWNERSHIP - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Julia Kemp - May 31 - 7:03 am

  From a family owning a 2003 BMW M3 conv.,a 1999 BMW 528i,a 1989 Chrysler T/C by Maserati, and a 1965 Ferrari 330GT2+2, I think I know a bit about quality automobiles. Im a college student in Savannah, Georgia. My Dad and I picked up the Mazda 3 three days ago, and have fallen in love with it. THis car replaces the 1991 Volvo 740 I used to drive, and the Mazda is SO much more FUN, even though Im just learning how to drive standard. Even though the trunk is sort of small, theres ample room for golf clubs IN the trunk and out of view, without folding down the rear seat. I like this since I am on the Golf Team and carry my clubs wherever I travel. The Velocity Red paint-job is a real hit, too

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  Need To Know! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By RotorHead613 - May 31 - 4:43 am

  Rx-8s are good/great cars but few people know how to take care of them. They are amazing for handling and they are engineering marvels when it comes to the motor. The problem is most people who buy them, do it for the looks not the motor. Rotary is an amazing thing. YOU CANNOT BABY IT! When you buy a car do some research. Understand what your driving and what you need to do. rotary has a different oiling system and it requires the motor to be run at high rpm to keep it well oiled. I own a R1 93 RX-7 and My Rx-8 i know how to take care of them and if u listen to these words you wont have an issue. Check the oil every 750-1000 miles to make sure its full.

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  I love this car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lee C - May 30 - 7:43 pm

  I have been having a lot of fun driving my Mazda 3 since I purchased it. I dont travel very far each day, but it is always a pleasure to get into it, except for the trunk issue where I stow my gym bag every day. I am getting pretty good gas mileage - at least what was expected - or better.

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  Great Little Car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Martiif - May 30 - 8:00 am

  A few days after I purchased the car a huge storm hit the Northwest and I had a wedding to go to in the Mountains. I felt safe driving it from the start and never at any time had trouble with traction. I love the heated leather seats. I drove 300 hundred miles with four other people and their luggage with no problems. Most of the driving was on snow covered roads. Its maneuverable, quick and yes fun to drive even for an old guy. Ive never really been into cars except for transportation and utility. I just hope I feel the same way about it after I own it for a longer period of time.

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  best car ever - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By brynmarie - May 29 - 8:30 pm

  I just bought the car and WOW! I am loving it. Very easy on the eyes, like its driver! Safety was my key factor for this car. Its like a giant pillow with so many airbags it has in it. Also, fuel efficiency is great too. Im lovin it.

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  great small suv - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By john - May 28 - 11:00 pm

  the car is fun to drive and with the v6 eng it is very peppy on the road-the sound system is top shelf-i got the top model- i like that they only have two models and they come fully equipped depending on which one u get -i have the es it came standard with side airbags-it is supposed to be like the ford escape but the escape only has a 3 year 36 warranty the mazda has a 4 year 48 warranty-the ford model charges you for everything extra-ford wanted $100 for a cargo cover on the xlt escape and the tribut had it as standard-my only complaint is that in my model the column mounted shifter blocks a radio volume control a bit but this has now been eliminated with the floor console

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  After researching many vehicles, we love the Mazda 5!! - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By scj1 - May 28 - 6:00 pm

  We did a lot of research to determine what would replace our Limited AWD minivan. After looking at many vehicles we narrowed choices to the Toyota Highlander and the Mazda5, and determined the Highlander was too truck-clunky uncomfortable compared to the Mazda5. The style of the Mazda5 is more contemporary compared to the older looking Highlander. Also, the mpg was so much better with the Mazda5. We are saving $100 per month in gas compared to the minivan. PROS: smooth ride, styling, 6 seats so kids can bring friends, price, gas mileage, heated leather, dark gray color, hip ride, bluetooth phone and tunes, xenon headlights, storage compartments, traction/stability control, safety.

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  Watch Your Top - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By leogrrl2 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We love our new car. It has been a lot of fun. There are two things that I dont like though. 1. It is very hard to see with the top up. Everywhere is a blind spot. 2. After having the car for only two weeks, I noticed where the glass is in the top the glue used to seal the fabric was cracking. Everytime the top was put down it would pull apart more. I took it to the local Dealership and they took the window out and resealed it. Hopefully this works.