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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  Saying Goodbye to Minivans - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By BigDaddy85 - July 8 - 11:20 pm

  We have been driving minivans for about 20 years raising the kids. The kids are grown, but we still need occasional room to haul cargo and up to six passengers comfortably. The cx-9 is a blast to drive. Great Bose stereo system. Solid handling. Many nice features. We bought the awd as we do like to go to the mountains and make long trips in the winters. 95% of the time the fwd would be fine. The difference in fuel economy was minimal, so we decided on the awd.

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  Great & Sporty - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By ms_pink - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I love my van, what can I say others havnt. Just got back from a trip cross country, great gas mileage, 391.7 was the farthest I ever took it. Very satisifed Customer, want to upgrade to sunroof and fog lights. I will be a repeat buyer.

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  Just dont like it - 2002 Mazda 626
  By HateMazda - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I have this car for a week now, highway ride is just awful if you exceed 75 mph. dificult to stear, and not comfortable, would recommend spending few more dollars and get the Toyota Camry.

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  Still like the Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By kpax - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Tribute in Sept. 2000.I had to have the transmission replaced less than a year later. It was under warranty but that didnt make me feel very good about the SUV. I havent had any other problems since. The moon roof is starting to stick a little but I do love the car, I now have 55,000 miles on it.

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  Nice van for the family - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Ronno - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive been across the USA in the van, with my wife and 3-children. There was plenty of room for our stuff. It was a comfortable drive and ride. There are some creature comforts that could be added, based upon what were used to with our other vehicle, a VW Jetta with the works. But all in all, its a nice van, equal to the Honda van in performance, handling and comfort, and, with a sticker price comparable to the Honda, about $3,500 less in price (rebate applied.) I highly recommend it.

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  Wow! Im Impressed - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Scottnsc - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our Mazda now for about a month and it has been on two road trips. I love the design, size and flexibility of the interior. The ride seems a little harsh, but I previously drove a big American sedan which was pretty plush. My 2-year-old daughter loves that she can see out of the huge rear windows. The rear air easily handles the South Carolina summer heat. This is a really, really good van!

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  Mazda 3s Leak oil - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Vic Gallant - July 8 - 6:36 am

  Mines a lemon. It has an oil leak that the dealer cant fix. Theyve tried to repair it three times already. Ive owned the car for less than three months. Its been in the shop 20% of the time. Stay away from this car and if you have one check it for oil leaks.

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  Great vehicle, love to drive it. - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By dereksmith - July 7 - 7:48 pm

  I have bought and driven a Mazda CX5 Sport with AWD and the 2.5L engine. I really love to drive this vehicle. I have put on about 6000 miles and driven through all kinds of conditions, on a long trip and daily use. I am in awe of how great this vehicle is. I have the Sport model with AWD and the 2.5L engine. Honestly, it is all the power I want. Whether it is on the freeway or off a stop light, it can move and accelerate at any time. The CX5 handles like a dream, looks great, rides comfortable. Whenever I have popped the back seat down and loaded it with stuff on a number of occasions and it worked great and was impressed on how much could be loaded in.

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  Good all purpose vehicle - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Guy Guytone - July 7 - 1:26 am

  Just bought this car at the end of June to replace a Honda Civic 4dr because we needed more room. We are a 3 person family and didnt need a larger car. This is a nice alternative because it doesnt look like a mini van, it looks more like a cross-over, but you get sliding rear doors. It has a lot of room inside, but appears kind of small on the outside. It has 44 cu ft of cargo space with the 3rd row folded, which is how we use it 95% of the time. But its nice to have the 3rd row option if needed, but the 3rd row is best suited for kids. The layout inside is good, very functional, with a lot of nooks to store things. Some reviews complain about the cars power, but I find just fine.

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  Theres a reason for all this love. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jbevel - July 6 - 7:40 pm

  I compared this ride to the Honda Civic, Toyota Matrix, and Scion xB. Test drove all of them... saving the Mazda for last. What did the Mazda do that the other cars did not? It put a big fat smile on my face. I had to leave the dealer, knowing that I could not negotiate for this car... at the moment (I wanted it too much!) Its an excellent value for under $20K. Great attention to detail, excellent interior, fantastic to drive. The Dynamic Stability Control is awesome, turn it off to squeal tires...and to really feel the difference it makes! Love the ways it says "zoom-zoom" when I get in... then... "hello" when I turn it on.... then "goodbye" when I leave. LoL.