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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  "Enthusiast minivan" - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mike St. - July 3 - 9:46 am

  We bought ours in September, sold a 2002 Town and Country LXi, traded a 08 Honda Odyssey in on that. We were looking for something affordable, kind of needed a 3rd row seat at times, better gas mileage. Our Odyssey averaged 16mpg, the T&C 17mpg. This car averages 23, weve seen 27+ highway. The 5 speed manual is as easy as it gets to drive. The suspension tuning is 2nd to none, sucks up all bumps with aplomb. Brakes are fantastic, steering response is spot on. As you would expect, acceleration isnt a strong point, its about power to weight. Cant have MPG and HP it seems. We didnt like the 3s ride.

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  Best new car value - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By norcalsurfer - July 3 - 9:26 am

  Bought the car last week and have put 600 miles on it. The 17" wheels and independent front and rear suspension provide unsurpassed handling for a car in this price range. The 156 hp engine provides adequate power and acceleration. The 5 spd manual gear box is smooth and predictable, seats are firm and supportive while still being very comfortable. Smooth and straight on the highway at 80 mph. The car gets a little sketchy when manuevering through the twistys on uneven pavement. The stock goodyear tires are hard and noisy, but provide adequate grip on dry roads. Braking is superb and this is one super fun car to drive for under $17k.

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  Good overall - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Dave Malone - July 3 - 7:56 am

  I had a 2001 Tribute with a V6 that was a gem. The new 2009 has all the goodies and is a fun ride. It performed very well on a 200 mile trip getting 25 mpg.The only fault I have,so far,is the use on black plastic trim used ont the center console and the placement of the center storage compartment. Compartment is very difficult to reach into because it is too far back from the driver. I only have 1,950 miles on the vehicle.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Zak - July 2 - 11:36 am

  Our 2004 MPV has been by far the best vehicle I have ever owned, and Ive had a LOT of vehicles. Weve owned this for over 4 years and it now has 105,000 miles. Great fuel mileage, 29 on the highway, very reliable and I still like the styling for a minivan. Interior is a bit small for a van but makes up for it in styling and fuel mileage. I have 3 children, ages 6 and under and we use this vehicle everyday, from short trips taking the oldest to school to LONG road trips to places like Maine and Disney World (We live in PA so it is a long drive to either). We had a few odd issues while under warranty but since then only issues have been parts that were due to be replaced, like coils etc.

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  Athletic-poetic-confidence inspiring - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Stuntmanbob - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I was so pleased with my Mazda3 and my decision to change based at the time solely on the 0% ARP for 5 years versus my 2008 which had 5.9% for 5 years at the best month that year . I shave huge sums of profit taking interest and go myself a Better car-- far far better Than I anticipated-- more like a BMW eater and Lexus cheater- So what I do give a - about labels If it preforms and delivers I am on it - who cares what the emblem says unless you are insecure. Which leads me to this observation- I have been new car viewing the last 5 years with extra close attention to front end styling- You know what I found - Cars are starting to look more aggressive, mean ,and intimidating- why- insecurity

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  Extremely Pleased - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By PJ - July 1 - 8:06 am

  Bought this minivan for my business and was so impressed with the ride, gas mileage and features, that we took it on vacation for 10 days. It doesnt ride like a minivan. It rides like a car. The standard stereo and CD with steering wheel controls is excellent. I test drove a 2005 Kia Sedona and found the Mazda MPV to be more quiet, smooth and stable. Dont overlook this one!

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  Like it, but disappointed - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By BobK - June 30 - 6:23 pm

  Ive had way too many minor and medium level problems, although no major problems yet. Both front door actuators have failed, as has the drivers window motor. All have failed where theres a metal to plastic gear meshing. The CD changer jams and has to be removed and unjammed every 3-4 months. The latch for the visor mirror broke so the mirror hangs open if the visor is down. Plastic covers for inside door lights have fallen off because the plastic tabs broke.

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  2.0L i touring hatch - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By war03 - June 30 - 7:11 am

  picked up and drove it home (1000 miles). 44 and 45 mpg on two stretches (not all flat), 35mpg through high mountains/hills at 65 mph. best handling car ive had, feels like rwd. if you can get the 2.5L model, esp w/ a 6 speed it would be a blast. i couldnt swing the extra money at the time.

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  First SUV - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By nanski50 - June 30 - 4:30 am

  I purchased my 2004 Mazada Tribute used with 85.000 miles in early Oct. 2012. I decided to down size from my last vehicle which was a Crysler Town and Country mini van. I did alot of research and the Tribute kept coming out on top. This is a great little SUV. It is fun to drive, peepy, and gets mileage as advertised. It has no rattles and controls are easy to reach. It doesnt have all the bells and whistles that my mini van did but I am enjoying it completely. I love my Tribute and plan to drive it for many years.

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  2014 CX9 - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By Robert - June 29 - 9:23 pm

  Fuel mileage is 22 highway