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 Ive Owned in a Very Long Time - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kewright - August 19 - 5:29 pm

  I purchased a 2014 GT/AWD 2.5 CX-5 in October 2013. I test drove Audi, Lexus, BMW and Infinity models of compact SUVs (with the intent to buy a luxury SUV), but this vehicle was the best bang for the buck overall. This vehicle felt comparable in handling and "fun to drive" with the Audi Q5. The size is great for (downtown) city driving (as about 90% of my driving is). I am getting great gas mileage, around 23-24 mpg city. It handles well in the snow, and feel like I have good traction when the road condition is less than perfect. I feel that it has good power to make it up the CO mountain roads. The trim level is good with just a few things needing improvement for the GT trim level.

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  Love This Minivan - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By stellabludream - August 19 - 10:30 am

  Used to have SUVs and sedans; with 2 kids needed something bigger - OMG! a van! NO WAY I thought. Loved this one for style, features, price, not a gargantuan van. Drove Honda and Toyota too big and too pricey. This one is just right size for city and Handles like a dream! Everyone is happy now in this van. LOVE the dual sliding doors and section controled air. Never thought Id say it but I just love this thing! Wish they would bring it back. The Mazda 5 is just too small for us with pets and relatives aboard.

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  So Thankful it WAS a Mazda! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robin - August 19 - 12:26 am

  WAS a beautiful car. Until.... the accident which I believe saved my daughters life! Rolled a couple of times and did not crush the roof to the seats!!! Was totally amazed! THANK YOU! I will buy another one!!

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  very reliable - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By delesher - August 18 - 2:15 am

  The car has been very reliable although mileage is not very good for a small car. Plenty of room inside and can carry a lot of stuff. I have had it since new and have approximately 50K miles. Nothing but routine maintenance.

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  Tirrirrrr sound from engine - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jangk - August 17 - 11:09 pm

  I bought 3 HB skyactiv 2.0 I touring a month ago. I drive city & hwy (60% & 40%), and get Average 36MPG, which is good. But, When I drive, I hear a very odd sound, that is heard like "Tirrrrr ttirrrirrrrrrr". It is not normal engine sound, it is extra abnormal sound. Especially in low speed, and at stop sign, that sound is very annoying. I told that problem to dearlership, but they couldnt find out the problem, and didnt fix it. I like eternal design and six speed auto transmission, but I dont want to recommend this vehicle to my friend.

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  Amazing Vehicle for the Money ! - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Sammy - August 16 - 10:26 pm

  Bought a new 2010 Mazda 5 SPORT Automatic this weekend and I love the car! My wife and I have a 3 1/2 year old daughter and another due in September and we only need 1 car, so I added the "Popular Equipment Package" and "Fog Lights" to give it a "sporty" look and feel and I think the "car" looks and drives that way! The car handles very well in the city and has ample pickup for me. The seating/storage configurations are amazing and I marvel at the interior space that has been designed, its just "smart". I am not worried about having 2 kids and lots a cargo for long trips in this beauty. If you are considering this car, not concerned about having AWD, its an amazing vehicle for the price !

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  Love it !!! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By snowman80 - August 16 - 9:26 pm

  I purchased this car last week while looking at a mazda3i basic.The dealer didnt have what i wanted so i ended up test driving this model instead. needless to say i fell in love with it.Good power for a 2.5, responsive steering great clutch and shift feel.i highly reccomend this car to any dailey commuter looking for something classier looking then a Prius with more spunk. im averaging 30mpg right now which is better then advertised.

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  Utility, sport, and value - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Russell - August 16 - 5:50 pm

  I considered a CPO Acura RSX and new Scion tC, but the 3 was the best compromise between the utility, fun factor, and value that I was looking for. The tC was nice, but the interior cannot compare in terms of space, ease of access, or aesthetics. Cargo volume with the seats down was surprisingly similar. The RSX was ultimately just too small; the rear seat is a shelf for packages, not people. I do, however, wish I had the RSX 5-speed auto and the gas mileage and performance that came with it. Be careful if youre considering the 3 largely on price, especially with the hatch model as it starts at 17k and moves past 20k with a sunroof and ABS. Good value, but hardly inexpensive.

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  awesome mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By cuda67 - August 16 - 1:48 pm

  I"ve had this car since 2008 it had 178,000 miles on it now it has 250,000 mileson it. The still drives like it was new. The hatch back is so awesome and gives the car a sporty profile. I still get 29mpg with a 4speed AT. The car has more then pad for its self in value.

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  Great, except... - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By frank - August 16 - 12:51 pm

  Driving everyday for 4 months now, there is a lot to love about the car, provided that you understand what you are buying--a sports car. Grading its comfortable ride, storage area, etc, makes no sense--buy an Escalade if thats what you want. I love this car, just like I did my first Miata 15 years ago before I moved to a Mustang GT. This time around, I was torn about getting a new Mustang or going back to the MIata--really different cars, so no way to compare exactly. My only gripe (which I have found from others on Miata forums) is that the left drivers seat headrest speaker buzzes, apparently due to vibration of foam in the headrest rather than the speaker itself. My dealer brushed off the complaint, stating that speakers just do that with a lot of bass (we were talking about the spoken voice on talk radio!), so I have just adjusted the fade toward the front speakers. So, I love the car, except.....