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:

• 

  Get the supercharger - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ithinkthereforeiam - February 25 - 5:46 am

  I highly recommend installing a supercharger on the miata. I purchased a used miata with a supercharger already installed. It feels like Im driving a rocket powered go-cart. Im probably pushing close to 200hp in a 2300lbs car. And to top it off, I get 28mpg with my foot in it all the time.

• 

  Great car for me - 1999 Mazda 626
  By jazzy - February 25 - 12:33 am

  I purchased this car in 2004. It had over 100 thousand miles on it. I have not had any Major car problems until this year 2008 at 166,147 miles. I have put in a transmission and a timing belt in it. It rides very well. No other maintenance problems, regular maintenance upkeep. Very good value for the money for me.

• 

  Love it Love it Love it - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jasmine Kim - February 24 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this car 2 weeks ago. I was looking for a BMW or acura once I have test drive the Mazda 3 and I saw the interiors and features I got my BMW or acura but for 10,000$ less. Im at 900 km now and the trip computer says my avaredge fuel usage is 10.5 liter/100 km that Im not happy about. Mazda make it use less fuel please

• 

  DARK BLUE COLOR ROCKS!!!!! - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Machismo29 - February 24 - 7:46 am

  I picked up my CX7 2010 on November 13th, S Touring AWD. I did a lot of research before i bought it, and was very impressed with the reviews, You receive a lot for your money, and comparing it with the BMW, Audi and Lexus which cost a lot more, it was worth getting the CX7. Why pay more for just a name.

• 

  Driving those Hills in San Francisco - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ericbythebay - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car on Halloween Night! 2nd Miata (traded in 1993)and was very pleased on the upgrades over the years...Very comfortable, but having had MGs and an old Miata felt a lot of the rough/bumpy of the old Sports car was missing...I enjoyed that kind a feeling...The Mazda rumble is missing. More like a whine! Car is more like a cushy compact with the top down. Handles beautifully. Wont win any speed races with the power.

• 

  I wish I hadnt bought the Protege! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By japan76 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Since day one, I have had nothing but problems with my Protege. A wheel bearing was the first problem as I drove the car off the lot the day I picked it up. I went a mile before I turned around back to the dealership. In the shop for two days waiting for a part. A month later, my interior lights stayed on even when the engine was turned off. Spent one week at the selling dealership to rewire car. Last month it was the oil leak of oil leaks. Seal had to be replaced. Thats it, now I am going to force the dealership to buy the lemon back. Have contacted an attorney that handles problems of this nature.

• 

  Great transition vehicle - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By mpv buyer - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Moving from an Audi A4 to a minivan becomes a necessity when baby #3 comes. With money tight and space even tighter we decided to start looking for something bigger. 2 vehicles fell into our sights: Suzuki XL7 and Mazda MPV. The MPV wins because of its superior useage of interior space and surprisingly decent handling ability. Got an end of year LX almost fully equipped below invoice price. Looking forward to the BMW minivan in 2005/2006 (u heard it hear first!)

• 

  tribute to me!!! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By weiszer - February 24 - 2:00 am

  the 1st time i ever saw the tribute i knew i had to have it. it was the cutes thing i had ever seen! my in-laws had just bought my sister-in-law a brand new jeep g.c. all they could talk about was how great it was. i would try to tell them about the tribute, they never heard about it! i went on the internet and e-mailed pics. to my mother-in-law. she also thought it was the cutest. i found silver star mazda on the internet, russ found what i was looking for, and now all my relatives can say is your little suv is soooo cute! a tribute to me!

• 

  beware of jim ellis mazda dealers - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By exasperated - February 24 - 2:00 am

  While the tribute is overall a good car, I have had numerous negative experiences with Mazda in the week since I purchased my car. First, the dealer has been inept - offering me a percentage rate, signing the contract, and then calling me after Ive already taken possession of the car and trying to re-negotiate my contract. Second, the day after I brought my car home it began malfunctioning, and the dealer has yet to correct the problems. Third, there is no automatic door unlock on the passenger door - pain for passengers and drivers alike. Overall, pretty good car but sketchy dealers - beware. If it seems like a good deal, read the fine print.

• 

  750 miles and love it so far - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By cx5er - February 23 - 9:27 am

  I really love my CX-5. I tried the Toyota Rav4 (my #2), Ford Escape (my #3), and Honda CR-V (#4--hated it) before choosing this car. It was a clear winner. I appreciated how the middle trim level I purchased had features that higher quality vehicles and higher trim levels only offered with other makers (i.e. blind spot monitoring). As a college student without my own family, having the single control for the AC/heating works well for me. If you have children, you’d probably be inclined to consider the Grand Touring model since it allows passengers to control their own temperature control. The car is fun to drive and easy to maneuver. Best deal for the money.