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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  First week experience - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By runabout78 - March 2 - 4:30 pm

  A head-turning design which fulfills its promise in my opinion. Outstanding performance feel but not yet broke in. However, you can tell its there. Interior is comfortable and high-tech feeling. Steering is taut with good feel. Ride is firm but not hard. Just right in my opinion. First fuel refill, took 10 gallons for 182 miles, about what is predicted. When broken in, it will be a barrel of fun to drive as all turbo cars with a 6 speed transmission should be. Shifts are smooth and powerful. Anyone liking modern design and high tech cars should love this automobile. Heads turn constantly which says volumes for its looks. A winner!

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  Mazda MPV DX - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By consumerlori - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Handles well, smooth ride, Some options are "worthless", like the visor mirrors and the tray under the passenger seat. The rear folding seat is a nice convenience as are the center removable seats, this gives many options for packing & day to day use. Leg room for the center and rear seats is tight. For the most part its a fun car, ZOOM ZOOM!

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  Awesome family car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By yellow_zoom_zoom - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This has been an awesome experience from day one. The dealership was honest and helpful to say the least, even going to the extent to volutarily give me the vehicle for under invoice so that I could take advantage of a lower interest rate. If you are in the D/FW (Texas) area Hillard Mazda in FW is a very good dealer. We downsized from a Chrysler T&C (awful vehicle : ( ). We were concerned about space, but so far this car has been a blast to drive and the kids love it. We brought it home before buying to test out the trunk space and found that everything fit just great.

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  Perfect size for new parents - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By GOOD USED VALUE - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Love the ride, comfort and ease of parking. Reliability good, despite several recalls/service bulletins. Good rebates on new vehicles, but lower than average resale means there are some real bargains out there on used.

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  ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By shawn green miata - March 2 - 10:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE GREAT CAR FOR THE MONEY

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  Beats the Accord - 2002 Mazda 626
  By montez - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Looked at the Hondas and the Toyotas. The 626 came in with a lower price, more room and better warranty. Buying the car for a short two year run and overall its a winner.

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  Paying Tribute to the best small SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Zoomster - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 2 months ago after I decided to replace my 5+ year old Explorer (which served me well!). Seriously considered the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Subaru Forester and Ford Escape (twin) but chose the Tribute and am happy I did. The Tribute is the best small SUV on the market! Great handling, peppy performance (V6), cute design, nice stereo (190W / 7 speaker / cassette upgrade + moonroof luxury pkg) at a good price. Heated seats are nice & toasty during the NE Winter! After driving the Explorer for 5 years, I missed the sport car feel/handling (previous cars: 90 Mazda MX6 GT & 94 626 ES, 85 Celica GTS) ... until now! Zoom Zoom!!!

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  I love this little van - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By robinnola - March 2 - 3:24 am

  I am very sad I dont see more Mazda 5s on the road, because this is a terrific car. Mazda doesnt seem to advertise them on the TV or radio, and I didnt even know they existed until I was car shopping and saw it in a newspaper ad. I will not own another car because this model is perfect for me. Im single and own a home and I can pretty much load anything into this car that a truck could carry. Ladders, Christmas trees, cabinets, 30 bags of mulch...friends. It is zippy and I dont find the acceleration slow--maybe Im not that kind of driver. It turns on a dime and at 75k miles, Ive not had a single issue with the car. Loads of room for me and my cats when we travel to PA from LA.

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  My Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Donna - March 1 - 2:40 pm

  This car drives nice and smooth, you cant even tell when the engine is running. It has a lot of storage room. Its perfect. The only thing I dont like is the fact that it doesnt have power locks or windows. Anyone thinking about this car should definitely opt for one that has that. Its just a hassle to use the key to open the door. Then you have to reach over and open the door for other people.

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  Not so zoom, zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rab8 - March 1 - 3:50 am

  Having owned a RX2 & RX7, I was first in line to buy the RX8 - it has been a mixed bag, though, from day one. Like so many, it has had to return to the dealer over and over and it has been tweaked and had more parts replaced than a plastic surgery freak. It has been more trouble than any car I have owned (15) and yet I want to love it anyway because at heart Im an unabashed rotaryhead. Mazda has broken my heart on this one - I cant recommend it to anyone except those who love dysfunctional, undependable, expensive cars. Sigh.