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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  The most fun for your dollar!! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By no3minus - May 21 - 10:00 am

  For my money, there is no more fun per dollar available on earth than the Mazda Miata. I think the best part about this car is its total IMpracticality! With too few horses to get into real trouble, you acutally get to work the gears on this car, and it handles superbly.

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  Problem with seat heaters - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Rich Wood - May 19 - 8:53 pm

  I bought my CX9 to replace a 2008 Saturn Outlook. So far the car has impressed me except for the electric seat heaters,While driving my wifes seat became very hot and wouldnt shut off,I had to pull the fuse,I brought the car to the dealer which rpt the underneath of the seat was scorched and they took pictures to send to Mazda and Mazda rpts they have no fix for the problem.So now I have a new car without the electric seats I ordered until Mazda fixs the problem.It could have been worse,I guess the seats could have caught on fire and someone could have been hurt. So maybe you might want to wait on buying one until Mazda addresss the problem.

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  My experience - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By vhdlwhiz - May 18 - 5:40 pm

  I bought this car because of my previous experience with the protege. I owned one 1997 DX model from 1997. It proved to be a very reliable car and fun to drive. It lacked a bit of power but the mileage was about 36 miles to the gallon on average, not just highway. The 2003 was loaded compared to the stripped 2007 model. The larger more powerfull engine would make the car even better. Turns out that going to the automatic transmission cost me some of that power. The driving on the new model was better because of the cornering. The larger low profile wheels made the drive much better. The mileage stunk. It dropped to 27 miles to the gallon. I have liked the vehicle.

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  Fun, but no 30 mpg! - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By jaegee - May 18 - 6:27 am

  I traded my Altima 3.5L for this car, hoping to get better gas mileage. I havent done better than 25.4 mpg yet, 2.5 years later. And, it does not have the zoom of a 6 cylinder (obviously). That being said, it is fun to drive, roomy, and a good-looking car. I did have to have new brakes & rotors at 30K- seemed a little soon for that! 10,000 miles later, brakes were sticking so that the rear wheel would overheat. Other minor issues- A/C is weak and stock stereo sucks. But for the most part, a good value for the price.

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  Fun to drive - around town - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By ArtB - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This IS a fun car to drive and looks great but someone my age(74)should be driving something more comfortable. I much prefer our 96 Voyager on trips. Mileage is disappointing, usually about 17 mpg. Car is OK, Im just 30+ years too late. Car had to have steering box replaced about a month after we bought it. No other problems.

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  We truly love this car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mazda m5 - May 17 - 12:00 am

  The car is full of pep, easy to maneuver, has plenty of room inside for us and our 3 kids and our cargo. It is my favorite car to drive and Ive been driving since 1971 and have owned many cars.

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  My New Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By polly - May 13 - 12:56 am

  I purchased my Mazda Tribute in April of 05. My model is a 4 cylinder base model. For being a base model it is pretty loaded up. It has power windows and locks, window tint (back windows), AM/FM stereo with CD player, and it has 16 inch alloy wheels. The truck is very sporty looking for 2005. My only wish is that it came with a larger 4 cylinder engine as it doesnt have the power of some of its competitors. However, I am very glad that I purchased my 05 Tribute and am very happy with it to date.

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  A Very Fun ride at a great price - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By hatcher3 - May 11 - 12:49 pm

  I leased my 2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback 2.5s with Moons and Tunes package in Oct 2010. It has been three awesome years of fun ride. Good: Excellent handling in curves (here in Portland) and really grips well to the road. Very good torque and performance. Overall very good styling in the exterior and the interior. One amazing ride for the price Not so good: Bluetooth could handle adding contacts better. Gas Mileage for a car of this size is not great. I averaged 23/24 over 3 years. High Road Noise which bugged be a bit. The Bose sound helped tune it out, but still it was louder than some other cars I have owners. Not engine noise, but mostly road noise, esp from Tires. Overall- Thumbs Up

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  A lot of car for the money - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By MazdaNewbie - May 10 - 9:23 pm

  After buying Honda/Acura all my life, I couldnt resist the deal I got on my 6s 5-door with 6-speed automatic, leather, Bose, the works. I was close to buying an Acura TSX, but of course Acura wouldnt budge on price; I got the Mazda for $5K below invoice (including the rebate). The driving dynamics are fantastic. The car feels very solid, and the steering feel is like no other car in this price range. The ride is just right for me, firm without being too stiff. Sure Id like more torque, but I find the six-speed tranny in manual mode lets me keep the revs up when I need them, and easily gets me up to speed. I find myself driving the car just for the fun of it.

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  Overall Great Car - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mark - May 10 - 6:36 pm

  Owner for 2 years. Overall very satisfied with this vehicle. Great acceleration and smooth ride. After driving it 1000 miles in 1.5 days, I was surprised that my back didnt hurt. I am very pleased with this cars performance, but cant say the same for the dealerships service. Love the Bluetooth and Nav system. Average hwy mileage at 75mph is 25. In town mileage could be better. Loads of cargo room. Down fall is that no daytime running lights and if you turn headlights on during the day, I cant see the speedometer very well even with my prescription sunglasses.