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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  ES Protege Is A Great Choice - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By TAURSHO1995 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I had the car for a few months now and am very pleased with the choice. Very sporty and stylish with a solid on-road feel and excellent reliability record.Everything is tighly put together....no rattles or squeaks anywhere to be found.Handles like its on rails

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  New, but I love it - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By fast24monte - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Although I never thought I would buy anything other than a Chevy, Im in love with my Tribute. The ride is comparable to a car. Good pickup and a smooth ride. My only real complaint is the AWFUL gas mileage. With the right option packages, this small SUV is the perfect alternative to a car. Unfortunately, I think there is significant power loss with the air conditioner running. Other than that, I love my Tribute.

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  There are better options - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By jpemm - July 6 - 7:53 am

  Two test drives, many reviews, bought a 2015 Grand Touring for price, have buyer’s remorse. Positive features not unique in the SUV field. Navigation system delivered in December 2014 not current. Free update took 8 hours to download/install including at least 8 trips back and forth between the car and my computer. The HomeLink system yet to function. Larger buyers be aware that the seats may be too narrow/uncomfortable. Mileage so far on mostly level highway speeds of 65 mph or less, is is 26, not the 30+ claimed. Steering so responsive that you may drift out of lane if you glance at the displays. The 19” wheels provide a bumpy ride. Recommend you consider Honda, Nissan, or Subaru.

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  This Car Doesnt Get the Credit Deserved - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Third Mazda - July 4 - 1:33 pm

  I am picky about my cars, and this one seemed like a no-brainer. It handles like a non-minivan, make me look younger than my late thirties, holds everyone in my family and then some, hauls all our camping gear, and gets great mileage. This is one of the hidden secrets of autodom.

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  Best in this Class - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By BV - July 4 - 7:30 am

  I was looking to replace a 2004 MDX. The newer MDX while very impressive is mid 50s with all options....Ouch! The dash of the new MDX has way too much going on. The CX9 was a surprise for sure. For what you get this is by far the best in the larger 3rd row SUVs. Many people actually see this rig and think it is a Lexus. You dont see as many of the cx9s on the road and I cannot figure out why. We have three small children and did not want to go mini-van.

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  TALL PEOPLE BEWARE!!! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By wkiernan - July 3 - 9:40 pm

  Look, Ive had three Miatas. My first, a 93 that I bought used, got rear-ended by a whisky-drinker in a pickup truck. I rushed out and bought a nearly-identical second one. When it passed 200,000 miles (going strong I might add) I started shopping for a third, which I bought today - now I own _two_ of these things. My last twelve years of car buying expresses how very, very much I like this car better than any rodomontade I might compose. But. Im 511" tall, and this car fits me like a comfortable shoe. What that means if youre 61" or taller, or a likely regular passenger is, Im sorry but you really need to consider cars with a couple of inches more headroom.

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  Rattle trap! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Carolyn - July 3 - 1:23 pm

  I love my Mazda6 but when driving over 50 mph there is a rattling noise coming from the front pasenger side. I was told I was "imagining it" after they couldnt duplicate the noise on the third visit for the same problem. Now at 69k something under the hood is making a rattling noise when the car is put into gear or when the heat/ac is turned on. Along with all the other problems & recalls you get with a new car. regular maintance isnt easy either-oil changes are horrible. I will never buy a Mazda again.

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  My Mazda Protege-5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By JRenee - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The car drives great. The tires are a bit soft and therefore wear out more quickly. Tires are not good in the snow. Ive had isses with keeping the tires balanced. Car easily skids to the side if making a sharp turn. The drivers seat isnt as comfortable as Id like for my low back support. The steering wheel can be uncomfortable. The wind whistles through the roofrack and can be annoying. Other than that its a great car! :)

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  I Love this van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Fan4Life - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I love the versatility of the sliding middle seat and the fold-flat back seat. The ride is smooth and quiet. The kids love the ability to open the side-door windows which really airs-out the van on a nice day. Weve had the van in for service once for a jerky transmission and everyone was very helpfull. If you want a quality van that doesnt cost an kings ransom, this is the one for you!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By desertdog - July 3 - 10:00 am

  There are a lot of choices out there. After researching and driving, the Tribute takes the prize. This vehicle is fun to drive. It has great acceleration, brakes, handling, etc.... I do agree that the front seat should be more comfortable. It does have a lumbar adjustment which helps. The sound system is great. This thing is so much fun to drive I almost wish I bought a stick!