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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  Great alternative to the minivan... - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By RCKS - July 17 - 11:10 am

  We have an 11 month old baby and another one on the way so decided to trade in the Saab 9-3 sportwagon and look for something larger. Minivans were out of the question so we looked at the crossover segment and settled on the CX-9 GT AWD. We chose it primarily for its space, handling and exterior style. So far we have not been disappointed. Its comfortable, easily stores the family and our gear and is actually fun to drive. Its also a stylish looking vehicle and way more interesting than a minivan.

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  WOW!! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By wk3 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car less than a week and Im already in love with it. The handling is great, the fuel economy is better than advertised and the comfort is better than the VW I used to drive. I also have no reservations about strapping in my daughters carseat and putting her in the back seat. Id recommend this car to anyone looking for a fun, fuel efficient and safe vehicle.

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  Used and Abused but still rolling along - 1999 Mazda 626
  By BudMech - July 16 - 4:16 pm

  My dad bought me this car in February of 2010 for my sophomore year in high school. We knew it had problems but we got it for only $1,180 and 129,000 miles on the odometer. After having it inspected the next day I discovered that it was a hunk of junk basically. It still needs its drivers side steering control arm replaced,a new catalytic converter, a new muffler and eventually the transmission. The car is working its way down the shifter and is unstable in Park and Reverse gears. The minor stuff is the power antenna and drivers power door locking mechanism and discs and drums. He uses it to drive to work and it hasnt killed him yet so maybe it will give out before I "officially get it."

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  Not bad at all - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By abechap - July 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought after test driving a couple of other SUVs. I Went to Mazda by accident, they let me take one home for the weekend. That was it. My wife loved it when she saw it. Great car for that price. Its FUN to drive.

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  81,ooo miles - no complaints... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By JB of Lawrenceville - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought the ES w/ 4wd almost by accident - I was checking out 4-door cars at the VW dealer next door, when a salesman talked me into driving the Trib. The drive sold me, coupled with what I felt was a huge bang-for-the buck value - V-6, 4wd, all options, leather, great adjustable seat - all for under 22k (after negotiations). Ive taken it in for a few minor recall checks, never spent more than an hour each time. Car still runs like new! I recommend it highly!

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  CX-5 Grand Touring-(27,500 miles) Fun car but underpowered - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By mnvpierson - July 9 - 6:31 pm

  I think I was the 2nd person to buy in MN because I was waiting for the cx-5 or the escape whichever came first. Bought the car in Feb of 2012 and have really enjoyed the car and now have 27,500 miles on the car. It is fun to drive. The tires are 19 in and were replaced at 23k and are expensive because they are not a popular size. The only problem is it is underpowered with the 2.0 especially pulling out into traffic or having the car loaded with 5 people, almost unsafe. Would not buy this again but would consider the 2014 which has the bigger engine. I get 32 mpg on the highway and 20 or 21 mpg in the city which is a stop light ever mile or so. For a suv we were happy with the mpg.

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  Really Diggin it! My 3 Rocks! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3Driver - July 9 - 1:30 am

  Ok, 1st, bad stuff ... power steering is noisy, tires appear to wear quickly, doesnt get the gas mileage claimed, (28.5 hwy on recent trip), the a/c doesnt get super cold (tint the glass, fixed!), the seat material gives off tangles as it wears. But as far as everything else, I love it! I had a Pathfinder that got 14mpg, even at 28mpg is saving me tons of cash. Its peppy, handles great, looks good, quiet enough interior and with a new stereo, its got good tunes too. The first owner had upgraded a few things, like 16" wheels and spoiler. The seat belt noise will drive you crazy though. Overall, I love it. May put a sunroof in, maybe aftermarket speed parts. All in all, its great!

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  Good but not great - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By John G - July 7 - 12:40 pm

  I really liked this car at first. It has the larger engine and is fun to drive. It has developed a small air leak noise on the right side. Sometimes it feels like the tires are pulling right or left at 25 mph. After only 10000 miles the front tires are worn badly and almost need to be replaced. Its not easy to find tires for the 17" wheels, and when you do theyre very expensive! The console makes the drivers leg room cramped. Be very careful when you park facin a crub because the front is very low and is easily damaged. I would not buy another one until I know these and other problems have been corrected

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  25,000 MILE UPDATE - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By hoveringfalcon - July 7 - 6:44 am

  Ive had my 3 for just over a year, and have put 25,000 miles on it. I still think its a fantastic car. Its not perfect, and I will soon explain why, but it provides a superb combination of sportiness and fuel efficiency that is unmatched in its class. If you love driving but need something that sips gas, look no further. However if you prioritize comfort and luxury options above all else, you might want to cross shop before you buy.

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  Great Drivability but horrible interior finish - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By graym6 - July 6 - 1:32 pm

  Pros: I bought this car mainly because it has great exterior design and 6 automatic transmission. After I test drove Honda accord, I know I am not ready for CVT yet. I knew I made a right choice of buying Mazda 6. It drives amazingly well and has great handling. I give a special credit to front suspension which does the cornering without creating discomfort. Cons: Interior rattles a lot. This problem is already known for many Mazda 6 owners. If you just type the words "2014 Mazda 6 rattles" in google engine search, you will wonder if this is a new car. I just cant believe they dont catch all these rattling noises when they made prototypes. Granted, I bought Mazda not Toyota.