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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  Zoom Zoom Baby! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jonathan - August 23 - 3:13 pm

  This is the first time I have ever had a brand new car. I bought the Mazda3 SGT in Mica Black, and I skimped on the navigation, but got everything else. The car is amazing! My only complaint is it is hard to keep clean, and those low-profile tires make me feel EVERYTHING on the road. Even after the 7500 miles Ive put on it.

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  Slick Car, Great Comfort and Best Buy - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By vmrchitect - August 23 - 1:23 pm

  Car is designed and handles like a slick-looking sports car. Ride is quiet and handling is tight. Interior layout is wonderful with ergonomics that rival high end luxury cars. Instrumentation is accented with nice red backlighting and slick looking silver trim. The 5 speed shifting is smooth and acceleration is quick and nimble. Storage space is plentiful especially with the rear seats folded down. This car is well built and is the car for people wanting a sports car for a family. A best buy!

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  luvmytrib - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Trib05 - August 22 - 5:00 pm

  This is my second Tribute, my first was a 2001. They sure have improved the gas mileage and I always get 20 mpg which I think is great for an SUV. This is such a reasonably priced vehicle with such great standard equipment such as the 6 CD changer, sunroof, abs, all power and more. I so highly recommend this SUV.

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  Mazda5 - Great Versatile Family Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By ddemania - August 21 - 10:36 pm

  My wife and I with two small kids (4 and 1) have owned our Mazda5 for about 6 months. We love it! Its versatility is unmatched. The sliding doors, make entry for kids easy, but the cars size, low profile, and sporty design make it "non-minivan" like.

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  Our 2013 CX-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By 185911 - August 21 - 10:27 am

  We have had our pearl white CX-5 now for 7 weeks and could not be happier with the purchase. Mazda build quality is everywhere along with great handling. No..its not a power house but not under powered and @ $4.00 a gal for fuel thats ok with us. It is just fine the way it is and do not understand some of the talk of lack of power..it zips right along! The rear back-up camera is great to have..Bose sound system rocks and so far fuel economy with very little highway is 29.5 Mpg...grab one..not the Chevy or the Ford!

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  Love it - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By 3Sport - August 20 - 10:33 pm

  Bought the car less than 2 weeks ago and am really enjoying my first Mazda. It handles well and I love having a manual transmission again. I like the bold styling and the silver color I got. I like the functionality and features, and the seats are very comfortable. The stereo is great as well, especially with CDs. As noted below, I would prefer to have a taller top end gear akin to what the automatic enjoys - the engine really does not need so tight a gear spacing at the top end, in my opinion. But overall, I would easily recommend this vehicle.

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  Zoom x 2 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By carolinapirate - August 20 - 11:52 am

  Just purchased a CX-5 touring a week ago and love it! I have been thinking about trading my 03 Ford Explorer for over a year, but could not decide which vehicle would be functional and get good gas mileage. I really wanted to wait for the 2013 Ford Escape and buy American again. After test-driving the Escape, I liked the way it handled and it had a little more power than the Mazda, but it had 2 recalls within 2 weeks shortly after launching, so I decided to buy the Mazda. I have been very happy, so far. Averaging 28 mpg with combined city/hwy driving (and playing around with the manual shift mode). There is some tire noise, but not too bad. Heard it before, but Mazdas are fun to drive!

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  Fun ride! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cindy C. - August 19 - 10:50 pm

  I needed something more fuel efficient than what I was in---- looked at this car and knew it was what I was looking for. Actually left the dealer two times to keep looking, but knew Id be back. Buying a brand new car was not in my plans, but I am so glad I didnt talk myself out of it. I was looking for something sporty, yet fuel efficient, and fun to drive. I think I got all this and more with this car. I thoroughly enjoy driving it. It really is a great little car. Plenty of room for groceries in the hatchback area, and the sound system is pretty decent. Im very happy with my purchase....

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  Great car; great price! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Buddha4010 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great looking car, inside and out. The seats are comfortable and there is plenty of room. The V-6 engine and excellent suspension provide for a car that is a blast to drive. Its a great deal for under $25,000.

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  Bought a 2010 Mazda CX-9 Sport - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By mcareat - August 18 - 11:50 pm

  We have had our new Mazda CX-9 a week and love it (especially the kids)! We got the Sport model with the power driver seat / dual seat heaters. the Bluetooth feature is great and sound good. Looked at all the 3 row crossovers and liked this one the best.