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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  Still Love it - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By likeitquiet - December 14 - 10:06 am

  Ive had it for a year and love it as much now as on day one. Its made several long road trips around the country at this point, so mileage is quickly increasing but condition, reliability and handling are still superb. This little gem is highly recommended as a keeper - so grateful to Edmunds for aiding in the extensive research process before purchase - not a single regret.

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  Great car for a great price - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Phil S - December 13 - 6:26 am

  I put 211,000 miles on my 1993 Protege without a fault. Bought a 2008 Honda Fit Sport 14 months ago and it was totaled. Drove the 2009 Fit Sport, Saturn Astra, and Mazda3 5dr and the game was over. The Mazda is much more car than the Honda and much nicer. The Astra is nice but awkward and the lack of an aux input for the MP3 player just shows a lack of consumer focus. The Honda feels "empty" and lacking when compared to the Mazda. The prices are all very close so its a good comparison in my book. Id like the sunroof to be an option by itself.

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  Excellent family car - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By jzwerl02 - December 12 - 7:10 am

  Recently turned in our Lexus RX 350, looking to spend a little less this time around. The car is great (its my second Madza; I also have a Mazda3). The only two things I can think of to complain about are the navigation screen is a bit small, and the interior material just feel a little cheap. But I guess they have to cut corners somewhere if Im going to save this much $$$!! Otherwise the car is great!

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  Zoom zoom, with a good price - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Charlie5 - December 10 - 10:13 pm

  I bought my black 2006 Sport i 4 door for quite a good price with some hard bargaining. It is a fun drive to say the least. Took it on some mountain roads, and its low stiff suspension was a blast to drive. The Triptronic transmission that comes with the 5-speed auto is fun to drive. The car shifts through the first 2 gears real fast, and in its 5th gear overdrive, its smooth and quiet. Its quiet overall, and feels much more solid around turns compared to the Accord I tried. It hugs the road and is well balanced. Even at 160hp it is still accelerates fast and takes over other cars on the highway with ease, and fun.

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  Title? - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By vanninit - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Very solid vehicle. I leased it originally because I was unsure of the engine/transmission combination.. while its not particularly powerful, I cant say its been a huge negative, and in fact I purchased the vechicle when it came off lease.

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  Excellent sporty, versatile subcompact - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Toivo - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Mazda wasnt even on my list of cars I considered when I was shopping for one. However, the Mazda dealership was next to the Mitsubishi one, so I stopped there... I test drove the Civic, Focus, Eclipse, Tiburon et al., but there was no contest. The handling of the vehicle is in a class of its own. The ride is firm, precise, sporty. The interior is very attractive, all the materials look and feel very high-class, no cheap plastic. Nice versatility with the form factor. Has needed nothing except for regular oil changes. Standard maintenance very cheap. Seats four adults comfortably.

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  First SUV - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Zoner - December 7 - 5:43 am

  Test drove 5 other brands and liked the Tribute right away.The contrasting interior color was a plus and the "classy" touch is nice.It handles great and feels positive.I drove a 04 Duramax for 5 yrs. so this feels much better but similar.If you want a softer ride then buy something else.SUV says it all. The performance is outstanding with the new v6 and the fuel mileage is great.I tow a pop-up camper and a small 14 aluminum boat with it and with the 3500 lb rating its perfect and tows great. I read the early year reviews but this engine and tranny should upgrade them considerably.Overall Im very happy with it.

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  You have to love the Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Aaron - December 5 - 6:53 pm

  Amazing car. Responsive, agile, and fun to drive - stock. I have gotten numerous comments on the car, at the bank, grocery store, etc. Its distinctive styling and acceleration make this a car to be proud of wherever you go. You really have to watch your speed in this car. I have found myself creep up to 90+ on the freeway without noticing it. After owning my Mazda6 only 18 days, I was struck from behind while sitting at a stoplight. The other driver hit us at 50 mph. Our Mazda held up amazingly well with relatively minor damage considering the impact - and no frame damage!

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  ZOOMIN - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Larry Smyth - December 5 - 1:33 am

  A tight, down to earth car with great road handling capabilities. The transmission is smooth, plenty of power under the hood and I love the 18 inch wheels and low profile Pirellis. What a great bang for the buck!

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  Good Alternative for Compact - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chip - December 4 - 5:56 pm

  I felt that this car was overall better than the Civic & Corolla. It came w/ more standard features and the quality of material was supurb. As for the Proteges success, I had no doubt in purchasing it.