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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  Almost perfect--except transmission - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By HBIII - April 17 - 2:10 pm

  Purchased my P5 brand new in July 2003. Put about 18k miles/yr in highway commuting. No harsh driving, always take it slow and steady. All maintenance performed as required. Everything was great up til 110k miles. The overdrive gear in the automatic transmission failed and I had to replace the AT ($3000). Ive had other Mazdas/Toyotas and nothing like this has ever happened (and shouldnt happen with only 110k mi). Im not sure this is an isolated issue or systemic. Anyway, I really like this car, but reliability is in question. Probably my last Mazda.

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  value purchase, zoomer appeal - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mr. tom - April 17 - 12:43 pm

  10/05: V-6 22,000 miles. Maintenance rating: very good. Automatic. Sport sedan is quite smooth but tiptronic-style shift is somewhat jerky; but useful and desired. Some noise on wide-profile sport tires; good brakes, excellent steering. Mileage 23 city/27 hwy. Best ergonomics, handling of this class car and many of higher cost ones I have tried. Leather interior hard, resilient. No BMW but a delightful purchase. Buy again? Likely.

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  It meet the high expectations - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By C Daugherty - April 16 - 9:23 pm

  I love to drive. I actually enjoy car shopping. Ive driven all of the new Mazdas and settled on the Trib. I enjoy driving this car a lot. The handling, feedback and pick up are satisfying. The car stays very flat around corners and the car has torque when needed. (My wife and I got ride of a Honda CR-V for the lack of torque) The seats are comfy and the materials are good. Plenty of head room a 6 footer front or back. I got the Dark Red/Gray S 4wd V6 with the moon roof/audio package. For any car and the money you pay, the expectations should be high, the Trib does not disappoint.

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  Road Warrior - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Wildcat - April 15 - 1:03 pm

  Researched extensively prior to buying my GT three months ago. CX-7 beat out Acura RDX and Saturn Vue Redline. The Mazda is extremely attractive inside and out, and almost every area of its performance is at or near the top when comparing crossovers. Almost every GT stocked by Mazda dealerships comes with a Tech Pkg, which includes the nav system, sunroof, Bose/6CD changer, and rear camera.

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  Duel N Fun - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KPD - April 13 - 4:40 pm

  We have our MX5 8 months and it has been a blast. The little lady fell in love with it. While its NO Corvette(we have a ZO6, also) in the power dept., its just fun to zip around in. Just extremely well engineered and designed. However, I dont know why the 6th gear runs at such a high RPM, kills the mpg. And yes another inch or two of leg room would be great (Im 62") but this is livable. We just love the pwht. When up, it fits the design and when down theres still a trunk. And the shift pattern (6M) is a delight and more fun than our Vette. Well maybe theyre equal. We would strongly recommend the MX5 with the power hard top. Its dueling in the fun, top up or down.

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  Sport-car like - - - minivan wagon? - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Alex - April 12 - 10:40 pm

  Wow, what a car!!!!!!! Originally, looked around and found wagons with only 2 rows of seats. Looked at minivans, they are too big and hard to park on the street. Gee, saw an ad and went to the Mazda dealership. It looks very very sporty in person. A test-drive made me fall in love with the easy-to-use navigator, little body roll for its side around corners, good acceleration & I like the sport-shift feature of the AT. Man, enough room for really 6 adults & lots of storages & cup holders. Even got leather seat as an aftermarket add-on. Really nice. BTW, nice mpg for my first 2 tanks. Gee, cant wait to get some nice 18" wheelers and spoiler lip!!!!! Mazda rocks!!

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  Good So Far - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ernie - April 12 - 12:16 am

  The Mazda is solid and handles the corners very well. We have had it 1.5 years (42,000 miles) and its reliability is excellent so far. The manual transmission works very well. The mileage is not as good as the competition, but it is a joy to drive and feels like a sports car. We are very satisfied and the kids all like to drive it more than the other fancier, larger car.

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  LOVEIT - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By MyNewCar - April 11 - 2:23 pm

  I enjoy driving my Mazda6s, it is fun to drive. I just switched from the Tribute to the 6s and I am happy.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By atjcutie - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased an 03 6i, fully loaded. I am 20 and I think the Bose could be a little more loud. I love my car, it is beautiful. A lady told me it was "the bomb". It is a great value, I paid 19k for it.

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  I love my mp5!!!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jennphishin - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I love it! I have driven several types and brands of cars over the years, but this beats them all! It handles great! Gets awesome gas mileage! Looks like an import without doing any mods on your own!