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:

• 

  Very Satisfied - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By LMcGee - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I test drove many kinds of suvs on the market. The Mazda Tribute was the most comfortable suv to ride in. It is spacious and "oh" does it draw attention. I have been asked by many what is it called. I chose the Tribute because I received more options for my money compared to others that are similar.

• 

  Love My 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By TheVA6Fan - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I just went from a Volvo 850 Turbo to my 6 five-door hatch back - I love the car thus fare! Great handling, sporty comfortable ride, cant beat what you get for the money. I am currently at 3700 miles. I test-drove an Accord, WRX, TSX, Vue, Equinox, Altima, and Murano. The 6 provide the sport and the hatch back provided the utility.

• 

  Great Car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By bfong - November 3 - 6:30 am

  Adequate power for 2.3 liter, regular gas a plus. I get 25 mpg 60/40 city - on long trips I get 31 mpg hwy. Front seats are very good once all the adjustments are made. Stock Goodyears are worn out at 33k miles. Ill replace them with Yokohamas s-drive. Excellent steering feel. Mazda3 handles on rails. Get abs brakes, great feel but not the ultimate stopping power. Audio and cruise control on steering wheel. I added a louder horn for better sound. Slight vibration with 4A tranny at idle-still shifts good. Air conditioner kicks out sometimes-a quick flip of the fan speed switch turns it back on. Remote alarm ONLY beeps on lockup. Its quiet when you unlock it. nice.

• 

  Fantastic and fun car - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Joe goeke - November 2 - 4:50 pm

  Top is super easy to put up and down on a whim. Handling is un matched especially for this price. Super practical around town, im getting 34 mpg average.

• 

  Hot Ride - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By MartyH. - November 2 - 2:03 pm

  I got this car as used one w/ 33k on his back. But it was worth it. First impression wasnt that good about accelerations, but as I learned about rotary engine, that was pretty standard for auto/manual transmission. Which I choose for comfort and pedal shifters kinda looking like in most expensive sports cars. Fact is that fuel economy is that what you expect from sports car... you have to take the power somewhere if you have 1300cc in ultra light sexy looking racer with handling of formule1. I am looking forward for new RX9 in future, for now I may just get newer version w/ six speed transmission.

• 

  Wish I had gotten it sooner! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By baumer3 - November 1 - 2:16 am

  I am absolutely thrilled with this car! Ive only had it a few days but I wish I had gotten it 2 years ago when my baby was an infant. By far, the best thing about this vehicle is the sliding doors and second row bucket seats. Access to the carseat is perfect and it is so easy to get the baby in and out. Having bucket seats (with armrests) gives plenty of elbow room. The center console in the second row is also great for feeding the baby in the car. Love the storage compartment under the seats too. I drove it on a 4 hour trip and loved the armrest and steering wheel controls. The hatchback allows easy access (already changed the baby back there!). Love this car!

• 

  Outstanding - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Richranger - October 31 - 7:56 am

  I traded in my 2000 Ford Ranger using the cash for clunkers program. AKA car rebate allowance. Just incredible. I researched new vehicles for a few months and found the winner. I dont miss my truck one bit. I have a few more miles to go, but am very impressed so far. The xenon headlamps, moonroof, bose system, adaptive headlamps, too many features to list. You get your $ worth and then some. Other vehicles with all the things I have on this would cost me thousands more. 1st time Mazda buyer. THANK YOU MAZDA! ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM! Really!

• 

  O.K., But...... - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mikehs2 - October 30 - 8:08 pm

  Remember this car was designed by the Japanese to imitate the experience of the MG. The MG was designed for the very winding roads of back woods England, 35-45 M.P.H. They totally hit the mark,if you drive a lot on very windy country roads, or just drive around town to Safeway and Starbucks. However, if you are on the freeway at all, this is not an "Autobahn" car. At 60 M.P.H. the R.P.M.s are 3,500+. It has 5 speeds. So, on any normal vehicle the R.P.M. should be about 1,800. Realistically, with the right gear ratio, this car could get 45-50 M.P.G at 60. Watch out for the plastic radiator. It will fail between 120K-130K.

• 

  Mazda CX-7 specs - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By CaptainKitchen - October 30 - 12:53 pm

  Its a cool car, but there are a few features missing that I wish would be in the car. Tiny thing, but the tiny things make all the difference. First off, theres no ash tray, no light for the mirror in the visor, no MP3 hookup, no light in the glove compartment, the doors dont automatically lock after starting the car and driving. Again, small things, but things that add up. It drives really well and you can adjust the driver seat to sit high feeling like an SUV or low feeling more like a sports car. The rear camera is awesome as is the keyless entry and keyless ignition.

• 

  Best car Ive owned so far. - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By nando - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the most amazing car Ive ever owned. It is fun to drive, looks great, and is just the right size. Ill be the first to admit that they could have made the car slightly longer and given us a little more leg room and a slightly bigger trunk. However, aside from minor things, this car is just about perfect. I think the car is powerful enough to deliver great performance. It is a little engine, debatably under-powered, but it does pack a great punch. Unfortunately you have to rev the engine pretty high to get that power.