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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  BEST CAR!! zOOM zoOOM zOOM!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Puja Lakhlani - November 24 - 2:00 am

  aFTER A SERIES OF DRIVING SEVERAL CARS..I THINK THIS ONE IS A MASTERPIECE..SO CONVENIENT OR EVERTTHING!

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  One not so good one - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By bubba gump - November 24 - 2:00 am

  This was my 5th Mazda. First four I really loved. Though fun to drive, was in the shop alot. Over a little less than three years had to replace:Battery, coil and igniter, two sets of plugs and wires, a catalitic converter, gas tank fuel filter and sock. Also had to replace tires at 18,000 mi. Phew. However, based on past experience and "0" financing, Ill be picking up a brand new LX Pro. in three days. Guess that might be loyalty and trust, hope its well placed.

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  Overall good choice - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By badlands17 - November 23 - 5:33 pm

  Traded in a 11 Ford Escape Limited AWD for the 14 Mazda CX-5 GT in Sep, 2013 so this is after 4 mo of use. Overall, a good vehicle. Pickup is good, comparable to the V6in the Escape. Mileage is better, though not as good as some on here indicate. In town averaging 23-24 mpg. However, in winter cold, mileage has dropped to 20-21 mpg. Use of remote start in bitter cold for 10 minutes, mileage drops to 18-19. Sound system is good, but not as good as the system in the 11 Escape. Some on here have complained about the Bluetooth connection. I have been using Pandora and the system works fine. Unlike satellite radio (ie Sirius), Pandora is coming through your cellphone first, then to the onboard

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  A Godsend - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By mde83 - November 23 - 3:13 pm

  Bought my Copper Red Mazda5 Touring in February. Traded a 2 door sports car. In early March I had a motorcycle accident and really messed up my foot. Have been on a walker ever since (not for much longer hopefully). Anyway, the 5 has been a Godsend. The sliding doors let me get in and out easily with my walker and all. And easily carried my wheelchair around and still had room to haul the groceries. Great utility+good looks! Ive had no problems to date. My fuel economy is not great (21ish) but I still cannot think of another vehicle I would rather have. After I got mine, my cousin fell in love with it and bought one. And my father is going to pick one up this weekend

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  Good for the Money - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sarah - November 23 - 3:50 am

  My 2007 Mazda 3 (manual transmission) is a fun and peppy little car. I have had several problems with this car, though. First, this car is horrible in the snow, and in the rain, too. I have feared for my life many times in this car. Second, although the Bose stereo system sounds great, the CD player has never worked properly. When I brought it to the attention of the dealership while the car was still under warranty, they said they couldnt see any problems with it. Now, the CD player does not work at all and they wont fix it. Also, the stereo buttons randomly fell off. Finally, Ive had sporadic problems with the car not starting on the first try if it has been sitting in the rain.

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  New Owner - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By saftgek - November 22 - 4:30 pm

  My wife & I took a 05 Ford Focus to dealership for taillight replacement. Ended up trading for an 06 Mazda 5. Very impressed w/design, detail, delightful appearance (inside & out). Many creature comforts, lots of glass (for great visibility). Audio system very pleasing for our preferences of music. Easily seats 6 adults comfortably. With seats folded down, excellent cargo capacity. Nice hidden storage under seats. Sliding side doors (both sides) are great. Easy access to 2nd & 3rd row seats, without banging shins as in some vehicles. Pretty car.

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  2.5 Touring w/Bose and Tech package - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jrod9707 - November 22 - 4:01 pm

  I wanted to get the wife in a larger and higher vehicle due to crazy traffic in Dallas,TX(drives a civic). I was very impressed with how much it drives like a car in that there is virtually no body lean. We wanted a SUV that you could get good amenities without having leather and this was it. The acceleration is very good when you want to speed up to get around someone. My wife initially liked the CRV more as you can see better out of it but you need to drive the car for the day and get used to the blindspot mirrors and once she was used to them it was hands down a much better driving experience than the CRV. I felt that in a year or so the CRV would be ho-hum compared to the CX5.

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  Awesome style/comfort,/4Cyl Acceleration - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By cec32372 - November 22 - 8:26 am

  What a car! Style-wise, Mazda hit a grand-slam: roomy 4-door practicality with unique sporty 2-door styling & so many features per $! Really nice 17" alloys. Stock audio system pretty good. Keyless start system rocks! Awesome dash layout & display at night. Super- smooth & quiet ride. Comfy seats. Perfect steering feel. Glides over curvy roads & corners with grace. SO fun-to-drive! Doors yield loud THUNK when shut! Greatest surprise: Even with 5spd auto trans, the 170hp 2.5 4cyl engine routinely leaves other cars in my rearview mirror from full stops with little effort. Even outperforms the 170hp v6 in my 98 626LX despite being much larger car. Generates refined, throaty growl. Superb!!!

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  I LOVE MY CAR - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Devan - November 22 - 3:13 am

  I just bought my Mazda5 and I am totally in love, it is so much fun to drive and I have gotten so many compliments so far. I love the fact that it drives just like a sports car but can fit so many people. We are going on a vacation soon and I cant wait to drive it that long. Its very comfortable inside and I love the 6 CD. changer. Its a lot of car for a small amount. Im so glad I decided on this car instead of the RAV4 or Honda CR-V. Its much more unique. So far I was told I am the only one in my area with the Stellar Silver color and I have to say I like that.

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  Disappointing build quality - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By doccarman - November 22 - 1:12 am

  Bought the 5 for its versatility and fun to drive factor. However, the build quality stinks and has soured me on the car. Ill dismiss the fact that the factory tires were shot after 20K as being just the typical cheap OEM tires. What I cant forgive is: -Power steering pump failing -Constant companionship of suspension squeaks and rattles -Cracking and squeaking sounds from windshield on cold days -Blown left rear strut at 28K -Blow right rear strut at 35K -Broken gas cap (stuck on car with nearly empty tank) at 15K -Bluetooth that fails to connect 90% of the time, despite several attempts at reset -Seat heaters with two settings - either on or off Longer I keep it, the less I like it.