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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  Love my 3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By leeharvey418 - August 9 - 10:33 pm

  Fantastic suspension, flexible engine, more features than are available on many cars costing a lot more, and decent room and fuel economy add up to a tremendous amount of fun and value. The cars only real shortcoming that Ive found in six months and 9000 miles is that the stock Toyos arent the best tires in the rain, but thats easily corrected.

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  Love that MPV except.... - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Mary - August 9 - 7:03 pm

  After owning and loving a 2000 MPV we purchased a 2005 Mazda MPV leftover with the $425 towing package. One would assume the vehicle would be ready to accept the hitch receiver and wiring harness but no. Required: new muffler, exhaust tip, and gasket in order to install the hitch. Just shy of an additional $1,000 installed at the dealership. Oh, and lets not forget that the vehicle is rated and advertised to tow 3000 pounds yet the hitch receiver is rated 2000. Include the proper muffler with the tow package or at least include this info in MPV literature. Besides that it is one fantastic versatile vehicle.

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  Big Zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By gbraxton - August 9 - 12:13 pm

  Due to circumstances beyond my control I had to find a replacement for my MDX. After 5 months of denial, it came down to the new MDX (only in AWD and funny looking grille), the sluggish but gorgeous Enclave and Big Zoom. The CX-9 handled better and was a better value. After 3 weeks, there are things I miss about the MDX, but I am a very happy owner. Having an Acura and Lexus, my wife and I were apprehensive of Mazda but the MT SUV of the Year award and the many Mazdas we see now helped. Big Zoom is black on black GT FWD with GT assist package.

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  Great looking, but needs work - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By carzcville - August 9 - 7:21 am

  I own a 2014 Touring. The new engine is a big improvement over the 2013 - smooth with good power. Fit and finish are excellent with comfortable cloth seats. Problems noted take a lot away from this car: the door ledge is at a right angle rather than rounded like most vehicles and is not well-padded making it extremely uncomfortable to rest left arm while driving. Similarly, the center console/armrest is too low and not well-padded, making resting your right arm/elbow difficult. The base stereo speakers are awful - much worse than stock speakers on other cars Ive owned. The projector headlights bounce far more than other cars and are distracting. CX-5 is great looking but needs work.

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  Best you can get for your dollar - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By wrn108 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I think this car might be the best value for your dollar on the market. It provides a great deal of cargo room/versatility and is a blast to drive. A lot is made of the lack of horsepower...if you are looking for a Mustang, then you are in the wrong market. This car is not underpowered by any means. Would it be more fun with 20-30 more horsepower? Of course. But again, I was not looking for a dragster and I have been extremely happy with the gas mileage Ive been getting. (low of 28 high of 32 in mixed driving) On the fun to drive scale, this car is off the charts. It begs to be flogged and thrown mercilessly into corners.

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  Large SUV to a Mazda5? Yes it works - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By John Q - August 8 - 1:13 am

  Traded in my 2002 Dodge Durango for a Copper Red Mica GT. Loved the Durango, but not the 13 MPG. Only 460 miles on "Matt D Mazda" and my expectations have been met. Third row is too tight for adults, but fine for kids up to middle school. MPG running in low to mid 20s with mixed city and highway (22 and 24). I have not had the opportunity for a long drive (300 + miles), but feel advertised 27 MPG for automatic is not only achievable, but beatable. Vehicle feels quick. Some reviews critical of pick up, but I find more than adequate. Excellent ride and comfortable. Perfect vehicle to run errands with the family.

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  IN balance, best ever - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Oldfrat - August 8 - 12:40 am

  Ive owned and driven a lot of vehicles in the past 40 years including a 63 Corvair, 2 67 Corvettes, big Plymouths, Mercurys and Cadillacs, and a Dodge Ram truck. My 2003 Tribute is clearly the best ever on an overall basis. The other ones did some things a lot better than the Tribute, but none did everything to the same good level. It has the most driver leg room of any car Ive owned. I have used the temporary 4WD to go through some really hairy places. Put the rear seats down and it can carry a surprising amount of stuff. And it is surprisingly kind of fun to drive in most situations.

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  I want to love it - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By klaus - August 7 - 5:40 pm

  We have had a manual GT model for a year. I still love driving this vehicle; its a sporty looking and feeling ride. I love the lines, the wheels, the colour (platinum silver), most everything about its look. We bought the vehicle for its practical yet small design. However, fuel economy could be improved on. We are averaging 9.6 L/100km in country/city driving. We have had squeaking suspension issues in cold weather. The dealer fixed it once, but it was back within 2 months. We have been told that Mazda is working on a fix. The only other problem is a buzzing in the dashboard when you let off the gas at around 28-2900 RPM. The 5 would benefit from a 6th gear as it revs high at 100km/h.

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  Does the job - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Hugo Chalifour - August 6 - 9:56 pm

  I have this SUV for more than a year now and i am very happy with it. Very reliable in any conditions. Roomy enough to go around and do some winter and summer activities out in the woods. Original tires are Michelin and they are great.I choose this one over fords only due to looks. Did not want the fake Bling bling shiny look. Front end is sportier looking.

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  Worlds best minvan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By ckop - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have been looking for quite a while to replace my 94 Ford Thunderbird with a vehicle with higher seating, I am a senior and getting in and out of my Ford was becomming more difficult. I have researched many vehicles on the web and in dealer showrooms. I looked at Windstars,Dodge Caravans, CR- Vs,Escapes, Xterras, etc. Mazda reviews rated the MPV an excellent minivan. I test drove a MPV at Community Motors in Oak Forest ,Il. and was "hooked".Iwas impressed with the comfort, the visibility, the power and the high quality of the product. I brought my wife back and we bought the car, enough said.