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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  Just Loving It - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By X FIRE N - August 27 - 8:50 pm

  After owning several vehicles over the year my standards are very high when it comes to new vehicles. The CX7 is great value. Its not the best crossover out there but it is the best for the money spent. Good performance, nice ride with just the right amount of options. First Mazda, lets see how it goes.

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  Best compact car available. - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ed1032 - August 27 - 6:16 am

  This is my second Mazda3. Ive looked at every compact car under $20K, and the 3 is the best for the money. It has the best performance numbers, features and driving ability. Not to mention the build quality-Its a hair below entry-level German cars, so about the same as a good Volkswagen. From the 06 model, the best improvements are traction control and the auxiliary input jack. Otherwise the car is pretty much the same, and thats a good thing. I have a few minor quibbles: The dash is plain without sat-nav and is prone to attracting dust very quickly and the pedal placement is a bit off (brake and gas too close together). But dont worry, the car can take corners like a true sports car.

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  A Good Ride - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By A Good Ride - August 27 - 3:33 am

  Bought my Tribute new and chose it over the competitors because of price and value. Ive owned it for 4 years and never had any problems with it. I would have kept for many more years but needed more room after finding out we were having our 3rd child,so we traded for a minivan. It gets pretty good gas mileage for an suv around 21mpg nice ride but a little noisy at higher speeds. Good family suv and good trunk space. Overall a great value compared to the other small suvs on the market.

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  MX5 - theres no substitute - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dklein - August 26 - 7:53 pm

  For the money this sports car is a 10. But if you want the top of the line best it cost over 50k easily. It is so fun to drive you look forward to doing it. When I bought it I was not fully aware of its past but I am happy I am in its present and future. It is a sports car so it is not the most comfortable ride but again complete fun. With the top down "forget about it"

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  AWESOME CAR INSIDE AND OUT - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By mp - August 25 - 11:20 pm

  Very smooth to drive with wonderful road handling and powerful acceleration. My kids love the spacious interior and sporty design.

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  Fresh 2006 model is FUN! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Buffalo Bob - August 25 - 8:33 pm

  Mazda did an excellent job with the freshening of the 2006 Mazda6s sports package. Last years model had a cheaper quality interior and a 6 speed auto transmission that didnt shift too well. Mazda has issued a TSB for 2005 models engine hesitation. We drove the 05 and 06 models back to back. The 06 is much more responsive with no more throttle lag. The fuel economy appears to be better too. We have been averaging 24mpg with the V6. The 6s is like Mazda improved on all of the minor complaints of earlier model owners. We compared it to all of the other cars in its class and it fit our style perfectly. My daughter was looking for a new coupe, but bought herself a new Mazda6s after driving ours!

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  You get what you pay for. - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jackson5 - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Although my Protege5 looks sporty the vehicle itself is more of a practical reliable car. Handling is excellent, but with a 130 hp engine performance is only decent. As a driver the car is a delight to be in, but as a passenger?... not so much! Passengers tend to get nauseous, because the car grabs the road too well. Im not an aggressive driver either. Good protection from wind noise, but road noise gets excessive above 60mph. Dont get me wrong, I love this car ... for the money.

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  Pure Frustration - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By sgardner - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Despite a lot of strong points, my Tribute has been nothing but trouble. Terrible build quality. So far the brake pedal assembly, seat heater switch, CD player, cruise control, all weather stripping, and cowlings have had to be replaced. Mazda Consumer Compliance has been very little help, and a local dealer (not where I purchased the vehicle) damages the car each time they work on it.

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  Blows you away! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Mike05 - August 25 - 10:00 am

  The unique design of the Mazda RX-8 is incredible. Mazda should pat themselves on their backs on their 4 door coupe. The Mazda RX-8 is top notch in performance and style. This car beat out the Nissan 350z and the Ford Mustang with ease.

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  Wonderful car for long commute. - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By joemerchant1 - August 25 - 5:55 am

  I have now owned this car for a year now and added over 25K miles to the odometer. I bought this car for commuting and second car as I also own a 2012 Ford F-150 and my wife has 2010 Camary. The only bad thing I can say about this car is the leather is not very good and cracked under the front corner which does not get any wear from sitting. Other than that, it gets 29 MPG hand calculated at every fillup no matter what gas or the season. The little 4 banger is peppy and gets to speed well. The gearing of this car is terrific as I find many cars are not geared well with mismatched engines. Mazda did a wonderful job matching the transmission to the engine.