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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  An actual fun SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By MrMiata - January 13 - 12:33 pm

  I have been a long time Mazda fanatic and when the time came to purchase a new SUV, I first looked at the CX-7. I got exactly what I expected, a fun to drive car thats still practical and not out of the average consumers price range. There are a lot of features on the S Touring but they should include a few more. The Grand Touring is only 5k more and has way more features. I am still satisfied with the purchase. Styling is great! I find that people like to stop me and talk about my CX-7 way more than my Miata, which I didnt think was possible. Ride quality is decent considering that it is a sport SUV. It has been worth every penny. Build quality is good for the price.

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  What you need to know - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Phillyguy - January 13 - 5:40 am

  This is a great, reliable car with snappy handling. I average about 28 mpg here in Philly driving 50/50 city/highway. Im at 35K with no maintenance issues so far. Still on the original Dunlop tires. Wont go for the Dunlops as a replacement. The tires are an odd size and only a few companies make an exact all-season match. Switching to a 205 profile seems a good compromise although mileage will drop a little bit.

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  2003 Mazda MPV (tow pkge) 66K - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By paul in PA - January 12 - 11:56 pm

  I rock out to Metallica-speakers are adequate! Do yourself a favor replace the spark plugs @35K, otherwise they burn out the coils. Put some good quality ones in. come on Mazda can you at least put some decent plugs in it and tires that last more than a year. Oh, and meet other makers warranty up to 100K!

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  Miata Wonders - 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bruce neumann - January 12 - 6:39 pm

  I bought the 2015 model with the retractable hardtop, and believe it will be a collectors item if Mazda continues to offer only the soft-top. Handling is great, more fun per miles (FPM) than most other cars! Looking forward to next summer.

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  Never Again! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By elyarne7 - January 12 - 9:41 am

  I bought this car with 29,000 miles on it. That was 3 years ago. It now has 90,000 miles on it. It has only had problem after problem - battery, multiple wheel bearings, tire links, brakes, alternator. The alignment is easily messed up. The car is not well made - its cheap, lightweight and already starting to rust. Its a money pit. Do not buy it! Oh, and my Mazda is the automatic, not 5-speed standard.

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  NOT A PORSCHE AT HALF THE PRICE - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bradford Wm. Yules, Esq. - January 11 - 2:48 pm

  Miata CLUB Edition is a drivers car . . . not a race car. Driving one is akin to flying a WWII RAF Spitfire . . . fits like a glove, spartan to say the least . . . simply thrilling in action. The CLUB Edition . . . with sport chassis and suspension handles like a dream . . . has outstanding street acceleration . . . and . . . sips premium fuel. Purchase price is not entirely inexpensive . . . but . . . is roughly half that of the far superior Porsche 718 Boxster (or 718 Cayman) . . . and . . . maintenance and repair costs are almost nothing compared to either Porsche 718. The desirability of hyper-expensive to replace Brembo front only brakes and/or BBS forged wheels . . . for street only use . . . is a matter of personal taste and pocketbook. I will opt for the CLUB Edition for its cornering, manual transmission for fun, red for visibility, all weather mats to protect and preserve the interior, keyless entry for convenience, metal pedals for durability ... pass on Brembo/BBS.

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  Great fun car, but scary to drive @times - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By hp - January 10 - 8:53 pm

  I bought this car in 12/2008; I sold it in less than 6 months. The car handles great, pickup is ok; but when theres even little snow on the street; if its raining or if there are potholes and youre going over 45mph; it seems like youre drifting. Imagine if you driving a semitruck and on every bump you noticed the trailer wavering. Its not as bad as that but close. I didnt feel safe driving it. Since I bought this car, I have heard the same compliant from other people Ive met with a Mazda 6 and today for the first time someone with a Mazda 3 mentioned the same thing. When I bought the car, people were raving.

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  Love it! - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Angel - January 10 - 9:53 am

  I love my CX-3! I bought it shortly after its debut when my Jetta TDI was totaled (not my fault). So, Ive owned it about 7+ months so far. It is just fun to drive, and the added sensors and features really help out a lazy driver like myself. The leather/suede seats are very comfortable for such a low-cost car, and although the CX-3 is more like a hatchback overall, the driver seating feels like an SUV. Ive gotten about 29.7 MPG average between highway and city overall, so about what was advertised. Ive been complimented many times about the look of the car by strangers and friends, but perhaps its just because the car does look rather unique, at least compared to most cars driven around in the US. Besides my concerns about how cheaply the car is actually made (see the next paragraph), my only major qualms are the ridiculously small interior and trunk and the lack of outlets/connectivity for the back seats. I wanted a small vehicle, but I expected the CX-3 to at least be able to carry as much as a sedan. My Jetta could hold significantly more luggage or whatever else (like 3 medium dogs comfortably). The size and make-up of the interior just prevents transporting a lot of items - definitely not friendly for family vacations. Im thinking about getting a hitch installed or rails on the roof just to provide more options to carry. And it seems silly for there not to be a fold-down armrest in the back seat with cup holders and a USB or AC/DC outlet. Otherwise, my kids (4 & 14) enjoy the "stadium" seating, even the teenager. Dont think you could fit three people back there though - pretty much impossible. But... about two months ago, I was stupid enough to back up into a pole in a parking lot (just wasnt paying attention), and the bumper and rear panels were damaged. Unfortunately, the blind spot sensor was also damaged. What I have learned from the repairs and the accident overall is that this car will not hold up in any sort of fender-bender. Furthermore, while the repair shop was able to fix all but the blind spot sensor, the Mazda dealership took 3 weeks to fix the sensor (and did so incorrectly 3 times). So, basically I was without my car for 3+ weeks because Mazda did not train its technicians on the new technology in their vehicles. If there are any issues with the blindspot sensors, the bumper and rear fender flares must be removed and will probably be damaged (the dealership went through 2 bumpers and 2 sets of flares fixing the sensor). I do worry about getting into an accident in the future and the car just buckling and crumbling, or that if any of the sensors are messed up that it will take a nightmare to fix them. Most likely I will buy a vehicle next time with higher crash-test ratings (and at least pre-established US safety ratings).

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  out of storage - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Graish - January 10 - 3:13 am

  I purchase my PR5 in 03. Drove it for two years and put it in storage for five because of my overseas employment. Its now back on the road with 40k on it and shinny as she was when I put her up. She still has the "new car" smell. Ive fell in love with her all over again, especially now that she has some age on her, you dont see too many of them running about and mine has very low mileage. Ill be doing to official key turnover ceremony to my college bound son this coming Summer. I hope it last him for his four years hell be needing it. A trip home to daddys workshop over few months will keep her running.

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  Fun to drive but with issues - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Davey - January 9 - 10:20 pm

  I bought this car new in 2004 and love the way it drives. Very quick and fun to drive. However, there have been reliability issues including a clutch that just doesnt seem to catch shifting first to second, the starter had to be replaced and finally, the cable that connected my shifter to the engine snapped and I could no longer shift my car into gear. Very puzzling and the dealership had no idea why that would have happened. I really do love my car but wish it was more reliable. Also, it is terrible in the snow with all-season tires.