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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  True Cost to Own - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By True Cost to Own - July 2 - 11:56 pm

  By adding the price and the projected cost of ownership the Mazda5 came out #5 for the lowest cost of ownership behind Kia Spectra, Nissan Versa, Hyundai Accent and Pontiac G3. The Mazda5 is a much better vehicle and has many more standard features than any of the above similarly priced vehicles. Its also one of the cheapest cars to insure. According to Consumer Reports the Mazda5 is the most overlooked vehicle in the industry. Theres nothing else like it. Not even Kia Rondo can compare to it.

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  Seems Like it Was Rushed to Market - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By lyzardo - July 2 - 6:29 am

  Had this car for about 1.5 years, bought new and now have 15,000 miles on it. It is a fine car in concept, but has continually had annoying repairs needed. First, the wheel well cover over the front driver side tire was never sealed from the factory. The cruise and ABS sensors malfunctioned due to snow and slop getting into the wheel well where the sensors were located. Second, an oil pan leak needed to be repaired. Third, the ABS sensor failed for a second time. Fourth, the back suspension squeaked, and the rear passenger shock was replaced and bushings worked on. Fifth, a fuel pump recall necessitated another trip to the dealer. Next will be tire replacement (may get 20,000 miles on them).

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  A Wise Choice - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By dbal72 - July 2 - 5:16 am

  Purchased my 2008 GT AWD in August of this year w/ 9k miles on it. It replaced our 2006 Chrysler T&C Van. My wife absolutely loves the CX9. I drive a 05 Audi A4 Quattro w/ sport pkge and I am amazed at how well the Mazda handles and drives for a larger heavier vehicle. If you need 3 rows of seats and dont have to have sliding doors, then make sure you drive one of these before purchasing anything else. We test drove 10 different crossovers and SUVs and kept going back to the Mazda. I also drove the Touring model. The GT does not ride that much firmer for how much better it handles and looks. Love the sliding 2nd row for entry/exit and the legroom. Ours is loaded and we love it.

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  What Lines - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Tucker - July 1 - 11:26 pm

  Stunning exterior lines accent this perfect sized SUV. Solid footing allows you throw this platform into a switch-back with a peace of mind. The lows, much too noisy cabin, turbo lag, and eats tires every 20K.

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  What a blast - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By kmh030 - July 1 - 7:26 pm

  This thing is so much fun to drive. Get the 2.3 motor (not the 2.0). It is so much fun to drive everyday. I couldnt ask for more car at $18,600. Its well built, handles like a dream, quick off the line and you can fit a piano in the back. Big strong brakes and a great chassis offers a stiff yet surprisingly smooth ride. The automatic transmission could be a bit more smooth but its not bad. It boots around the city and whips easily into any parking spot. On the down side the seats are not comfortable. The seat hurts after 1.5 hours and it gets worse. Im going to buy an aftermarket seat. The cockpit ergonomics could be better too. But I dont care and you shouldnt either.

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  Love it already - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By i4dboilerz - July 1 - 1:16 pm

  Traded in a 2000 nissan Maxima and got a 10 mazda 3. $ dr sedan GT with the moonroof and technology package. Fun to drive and has all the features that you would not expect in an "economy car." Room in back for the kids and fun for dad to drive. Yes dear I will run back out to the grocery...what do you need?

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  Buying this car was a mistake - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By agalloway4 - June 30 - 10:00 am

  My car is not 1 year old yet. The doors open on their own. They will also lock you in, so that you have to crawl thru another door. It will accelerate itself while in cruise control. They doors are not sealed properly. The tires are going flat because the car was not balanced correctly and can not be fixed. I know of 2 other people with this problem, therefore I am not alone.

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  Educated on Minivans! ~ Mazda MPV ~ - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Greentrk - June 30 - 10:00 am

  We 24 hour test drove ALL of the 2004 minivans available in our area. Toyota, Honda and Mazda were top ranking for us. The toyotas and hondas were very hard to find, as they are popular this year. The Nissan was a good van, but the queer interior was too much to get past. We eventually chose the Mazda MPV based on reliability, price and our test drive. We were overall more satisfied with the Mazda. Visabilty is much better that all the others and the overall drive was pleasing. We relied heavily on the Consumer Reports ratings for reliability. If you are "on the fence" we would definately recommend the Mazda MPV. Good Luck!

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  Clutch problems - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Larchwood - June 30 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed driving the Rx8. My only problem is that the clutch has burned out twice in less than 7,000 miles. My son a teenager drives it mostly. I am trying to decide is the problem the driver or the clutch

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  Okay Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jane doe - June 30 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the car looks nice, but has some hidden quirks. It is sort of uncomfortable to drive, as there is a lag when you first get going. Also Ive had the car 3 weeks and the check engine light has come on 3 times, so Im leary about taking it on long trips. With all of this hassel Ive not had the time to enjoy the new car. Anyone have a similiar experience?