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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  Newbie Owner - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Docnshine - February 15 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. Protege has been a pleasure to drive and is beautifully appointed within. Engine is relatively peppy (hey, its a four cylinder). Handling is crisp and responsive.

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  Multiple problems with coils in engine - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Lorf - February 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought the vehicle used in 2008 with about 40,000 miles. Loved it at first, rode smoothly, feels like a car, looks great for a minivan and love that the sliding door windows roll down. Fast forward to about 75,000 miles. The first engine coil goes. 90,000 two more blow. Now at 101,000 miles, the 4th coil is being replaced tomorrow. There is a design defect in the coil placement in this MPV that allows water to enter the coils, and shorten the live considerably. Some other little things here and there, but the engine is the big issue. Trading it in for a more reliable vehicle right after the repair is done.

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  2 years 5 months still very satisfied - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By MatthewM33 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Tribute in October of 2000. At that time there were barely any other Tributes on the road. Im glad to say that even with more on the road its styling still stands out from all the other SUVs. The value for your dollar is incredible with Tribute. The only negatives I could say about the SUV are in the interior. The shift nob on my ES model blocks the radio volume, the cruise control on the steering wheel does not iluminate at night and the door has no padding to rest your arm.

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  Very delighted owner - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Salmod89 - February 15 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car after testing several others like the Highlander and Traverse. The former lacks cargo space behind the third row and this third row is intended for children or small adults only. The later has its seats on the second and third rows too close to the floor that it makes it uncomfortable for long trips. We cannot be more pleased with our choice, its riding and performance are awesome, feels solid and its interior and exterior satisfy our taste. Weve got so far 23 mpg, mainly on highways.

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  best looking sedan on the road - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By ddm1 - February 14 - 9:46 am

  Just reached the 5000 mile mark and not one defect noticed. Car is very quiet even with 17 inch wheels and 50 series tires, Gas mileage last week on 500 mile trip with 4 adults, four sets of golf clubs and luggage that all fit in the trunk was 29 mpg U.S. gallon or 35 mpg. CDN Imperial gallon. Cruise was set at 70 mph, air on and strong headwind both ways on trip. The manual shift mode on the auto transmission is perfect for highway passing and great fun around town. My car has no rattles or squeaks and makes Camrys and Accords look boring. Handling is excellent.

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  Audi A3/4 cant touch it. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jace L. - February 12 - 8:56 pm

  Reviewed all cars in segment including some premiums cars like BMW and Audi. Nothing compared for the money. Gas mileage is lacking, it only averages 23-24 mpg in city and maybe 28 if I only did highway driving. Built quality is amazing. Strong brakes and precise steering feel beats anything Ive driven. Bose stereo sounds great but can make doors buzz if turned up too loud, although it barely happens so its not much of a problem. Overall I couldnt be happier.

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  Well done - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By sketchy00 - February 12 - 3:30 pm

  The good parts: Smooth shifting, and clutch action that is really nice. I was worried about the light clutch action before I drove it, but it really engages nice. Solid feeling car. Tight handling, and still an ample amount of boost on the power steering. Sometimes smaller cars have been reducing the amount of power steering boost so much it’s hard to tell they even have it. Nice to see all 07 Mazdas have an audio in jack for your iPod. Sure, it just sends a non-intelligent audio signal, but hey, it’s better than nothing. Great styling. Vanity stinks, but I have to say that in this case, I’m sure glad I went with the best looking car in its class.

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  Love its features and size! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By VanDad - February 12 - 2:00 am

  We love it! Many of the professional reviews harp on the MPV for not being as big or spacious as its competitors. But for us, that is a real advantage--it is easy to park and manage. It is zippy and fun to drive, and has plenty of space for our family. Best of all, it was THOUSANDS of dollars cheaper than all of the other options.

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  Nice Car But...... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By GameOver - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Went to a Local Dealership Over the Weekend and there are a Few Things that Must be Made Clear!1st DO NOT Buy the Automatic!You DO NOT Get 238HP You get about 176HP,You Do Not Get the 9,000 RedLine You get about 7,500,You Do Not Get the Stiffer Suspension Pkg.,This car was NOT Created to Be an Automatic!I Agree w/Mazda for Doing This,what I Disagree with is this Should be Made Known Instead of Looking in the Fine Print!!The Milage is Absolutley Horrible for This Car!To make a Long Story Short I Love the Car and if I was Going to Buy I would Get the 6Speed Version,but for Now I Think Ill Keep My Vette as it is Much Faster and I Get Better Milage to Boot!!!

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  lives up to zoom zoom slogan - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By claude cabral - February 11 - 11:50 pm

  Went on a 2000 mile holiday through mountains, foothills and plains and the Mazda 3s performance blew me away. I could downshift at high speeds and get a instant surge of power and acceleration because of its smooth high revving motor. Wind noise is low and car handled tight curves with control and confidence. Steering feel is accurate and tight. The dash appointments, layout and interior comfort is topnotch.The hatch with the 60-40 fold down seat is versatile and spacious. The styling of the car is eye catching and impressive. One of the most impressive options is the 5 speed automatic transmission with the manual override feature that I used all the time. I didnt miss the clutch at all.