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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  Great car for the money!!!!!! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alex - November 29 - 2:20 am

  I bought this car a the day after Christmas. I was looking at a VW GTI and a Honda Civic. The GTI was nice, but overpriced. The Civic was nice too, but lacked the "extras". So I looked into the 3. Wanted the HB for the extra storage capacity. This car has everything you could want in a car at a very reasonable price. Ive only put 100 miles on it so far, but it is so much fun to drive! My aunt had a Mazda in the 80s and 90s. She drove it to the ground and never had any issues. Mazda makes a solid car. Making Car and Drivers 2010 top 10 list isnt too shabby either. MUST BUY!!!

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  Love MY Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By luvmytrib - November 28 - 4:43 pm

  My wife and I just got ours this week. We love it. The way it handles, the ride, the power. We just love it. Test drove an Escape and it doesnt compare. Showed it to my inlaws and they are thinking of getting one. I will write another review in a few months updating how things are going with my new Trib.

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  Follow-up Review: 12K miles later UPDATE! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By surfnjm3 - November 28 - 2:09 pm

  So i posted a review about 6 months ago when i had about 2K miles on my Mazda3 SkyActiv and wanted to follow-up for any who is still looking into the car. After 12K miles I must say the car has been extremely reliable which was one thing I was worried about at first. I have had 0 problems and only maintenance has been the usual oilchange/tirerotation at 5K & 10K miles. Internally the car has held up GREAT! (i use the car for plenty of projects around the house and have been hauling all types of items) car fits anything in it. As for the engine, it seems to actually be running better after breaking it in, I recently got approx. 33mpg average on 950 miles of driivng about 25% highwy 75% city,

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  Way More Than I Expected! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kaedens - November 28 - 12:05 pm

  I was coming off owning a 98 Ford Explorer and owning a 2004 Honda S2000 as my fun car. Took the Explorer in for a funny noise, got a $3,800 estimate and realized it was time to put the Ford out of its misery. The Honda wasnt going to cut it for daily stuff and I still wanted either a station wagon or an SUV, but was really tired of the 15 mpg that the Ford got. Looked at the Outback and the Escape, but was blown away by the CX-5. Without repeating what everyone else has said, Ill leave you with this: The CX-5 AWD with the 2.5 liter Skyactiv engine is 90% of the utility of the Explorer and 95% of the fun of driving the Honda. I love this SUV/car/CUV vehicle!

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  So far, so good - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By fredstench - November 27 - 4:26 am

  I have had my Mazda 6 Grand Touring for 1 month. No issues so far. This is my third Mazda, and I purchased this after very positive experience with my Miata and CX-9. Before purchasing, I test drove a BMW 3 series w x-drive and turbo 4 cylinder, Hyundai Genesis, Hyundai Azera, and Mercedes CLA. Results: I was underwhelmed by the BMW experience for the $, and the fact that it required premium fuel. The Genesis was nice but felt heavy and gets mediocre fuel economy, plus it was rear drive. Mercedes CLA was OK but I did not care for the interior. With Mazda 6 equipment, it would be $40k.

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  Great First Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tyler - November 25 - 4:00 am

  I have the 2008.5 Mazda 3 GT sedan. I have one semester of engineering school left and I am so happy with my first vehicle (and first big purchase). This car is fully loaded and I couldnt ask for more. Car handles great, corners great, and has good acceleration (which you can improve with the automanual). The black leather seats are very firm yet very comfortable and the heated feature works very fast, ~30 seconds. This car has the best turning radius of any car Ive ever driven. I could say a lot more but just know it is a great car and you really cant go wrong purchasing it.

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  Lovin It!!!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Carmeshia - November 24 - 5:53 pm

  I absolutely love my new CX-7. I have had it for 6 months and have no regrets about purchasing it. I previously had a RAV-4 and it pales in comparison. The CX-7 is sporty and stylish and I get compliments on it on a daily basis. When you need to get up and go in traffic, it is ready. The navigation is great, the Bose surround sound is great, and the overall interior is great. I love the color of the interior orange and blue lights at night. I think this is the first vehicle I will keep for a while.

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  Could use more power - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Lawrence Whitmire - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Just got the car two days ago. Brand new 2003 off the lot. I was leaning towards a Saturn, but the salesman lied to me. Went to the Mazda dealer on a whim, and was surprised at what the P5 had to offer. It had more options then I cared for. Could care less about the moon roof & CD changer. The black color is sharp looking. Needs more power. Breaks good for not having ABS. Wondering how it is going to handle in the ice & snow, which we have here in Up-State NY for 7 to 8 months out of the year? Over all I am very impressed about this little car, which is the first Japan made vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By jfh777 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  After 8 months, we are very pleased with our 2003 Mazda MPV. First of all the price was right. Very good compared to other main contender, the Honda Odyssey. The MPV has all the features of the Odyssey. I am slightly disappointed with the vrmmm vrmmm. Needs a bit more power. The trans is very smooth, but is slow to upshift once youve floored it to pass someone. The 16" wheels and sporty exterior are pleasing compared to most mini-vans, and make it bit nicer when dad has to drive it for a day.

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  Peppy! - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By dpeerwani - November 24 - 2:47 am

  I got my CX-5 in July and currently have about 9,500km on it. Driving it has been nothing but fun. Great response, torque and stability in all conditions. I test drove the CR-V, RAV4, Santa Fe and Cherokee before settling on this one, the most balanced package of all. I am absolutely in LOVE with the steering, which adjusts firmness perfectly with speed. The interior build quality is great with soft-touch materials and while some may find it bland, I prefer this over the overly done interiors of RAV4 and Santa Fe and the pointless buttons of the CR-V. No problems so far - definitely room for improvements as noted below.