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:

• 

  Not Bad - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By cdv - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Good Van. It has provided a lot of comfort over long hauls (weve done roughly 15K miles per year). The MPG has worked out to be in the low 20s and requires nothing outside of regular maint. All-in-all, it has proved to be a good van.

• 

  The perfect ute? - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By willob - February 20 - 8:40 am

  We love our Tribute so far. Good height, excellent milage, roomy, nice ride. Seems to answer all needs.

• 

  Miata quality - 06 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Michael Dobbin - February 20 - 4:33 am

  I am very impressed with the car. It seems to have made some significant improvements since the last change in 1999. The only improvement needed is gas mileage.

• 

  I now understand zoom-zoom - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Dave in N.Texas - February 20 - 2:40 am

  Its hard to believe this is an SUV. It handles superbly and feels solid as a rock. Im comfortable knowing my wife and kids use this full time. Much better than the competition for handling/ride at this price level. Surprisingly smooth and comfortable but could still use some improvements comfort wise. A superb value though all things considered. Hopefully reliability will be better than predicted and compare better with Toyota and others.

• 

  Great car for the price - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MJ - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Mazda6 used in March of 2006. It is an 03 i model with 32000 miles. It came with leather, Bose audio, moonroof and lots of other options. So far I have had no reliability issues and I really enjoy driving the car. The dealership where I purchased my car was also very helpful any time Ive needed to ask questions or it has been time for service.

• 

  Value for your money - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By JC - February 18 - 11:33 am

  If you are looking for an average car without spending a lot of money on a luxury model, then this car is for you. Its sporty looking but yet lacks some features.

• 

  Fun Microvan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By deenk1 - February 16 - 9:10 pm

  Have had the M5 Sport (stick) for 2 months: no big complaints. Very versatile interior configuration. Great car for small family and a small car (we have both).

• 

  Disappointed now.... - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By wesp1 - February 15 - 12:44 pm

  I love this car until the transmission went out at 2800 miles. Now back in the shop for a seal leak at 8000 miles. Maybe I just got a bad one but Im not happy with it so far. Never had a problem with my GMC Terrain or any of my 4 Honda Civics. I bought this Mazda because of the excellent reviews.

• 

  Are you kidding me with this lock system? - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By lkasko - February 15 - 10:08 am

  Had my CX-5 for 5 days. Love the drive, love the styling, love the gas mileage. Hate, hate, hate the locking system. Are you kidding me with this maybe the lift gate will lock and maybe it wont. How would you know. You have to walk away and when you come back with your key it is always open. What the heck is the purpose of the black button anyway. Are we supposed to depend that this locking sensor is going to work indefinitely. How do we know when it stops working. Not light, no beep not indicator, no nothing. Worse design I have ever seen. I am 66. I have owned a lot of cars. I would not have purchased this one had I known. Will try to get a lock installed

• 

  Peppy Little Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By DBryant - February 14 - 5:50 am

  Although I am used to V8 power, this car has enough power for most conditions. You have to give up something for twice the gas mileage. Handling and ride are impressive for a compact car. I drove a Mazda6 for a few days, and I would rather have the 3.