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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  Youre gonna love this car!! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By drainman1 - May 27 - 4:01 pm

  Got our CX-5 a week and a half ago. We had a Honda Civic prior to the Mazda, and wanted a car that didnt require Vaseline-ing myself to get in and out of. This car meets that requirement and much more. I agree with all of the 5 star reviews for comfort, power, gas mileage, safety, fit and finish, good price, and fun to drive as a bonus. Just like many others, I did my homework, checked out the competition. The CX-5 was the favorite pick. Drove the Rogue SV and was disappointed in the cheap look of the interior, plus the ride was mushy. Considered the CR-V, but Hondas dont live up to the mileage ratings, besides being kind of bland.

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  The car I wanted when I was younger - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Juanito - May 26 - 2:03 pm

  This is a treat I gave to myself, since I did not have the money or I was not in the country few years ago. I have had more fun than I expected, and have to be very careful not to over speed. Very surprised to see mostly women driving these little spaceships. I even compare this 2.3 model with the 2.0 European version when I was in Scotland and I found more power and control in the curves in the American car. No problems with brakes and electronics I had with other cars in the past. I really feel younger driving it. Love the iPod connection, I did not buy the 6-CD option since I noticed this capability. Great sound system for a small sedan.

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  The Car that Died - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Brodnick - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Do Not Buy this Car I recently purchased the Mazda MVP 2000, what a mistake. My children were getting bigger and needed more space from our Volvo V70, so we decied we should go for a minivan. One thing we learned, just because you get all the extras, leather seats, wood interior, 6 cd, etc. doesnt mean its a good. In FOUR years we have 4 transmissions! It is redictualous, and to top it off the people at the dealer are such morons! I could not even get a key made! So in the end we are going back to reliable Volvos, and purchasing V70.

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  great - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zapo - May 26 - 2:00 am

  great Tell automotive consumers about your experience with this vehicle. (Your review should be less 700 characters. Plain text only. No html or links to other websites. Reviews less than 15 words will not be accepted.) Helpful Hints for writing an informative review. df

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  My second Miata - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tim - May 25 - 9:50 pm

  This is my second Miata. I got it with only 57,000 miles. Previously I had a bare bones 96 (no A/C, P/W) I loved it. Then I bought a new 05 Mustang GT that had the comfort and the performance (LOVED that one too!). But I had to sell the Mustang unfortunately. So while I was "right sizing" I went back to a Miata. And in San Diego there isnt a more perfect car. If it wasnt for the 300 HP in the Mustang I would have rated the Miata higher in performance. The Miatas handling is perfect. Its buzzy at freeway speeds. I love the way it shifts. Looks better than the new Miatas!

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  I think we bought a bad one. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bacardifrog - May 25 - 8:10 pm

  i have a 2003 mazda 6. I have had nothing but problems with this car since i bought it. the dealership had to replace the radiator, the transmission, and all my wiring harnesses and now i have a strange burning smell coming from my engine. the car is fun to drive and i love it minus all the mechanical problems.i just recently had to replace some ignition coils. if it wasnt paid off, i would trade it in right now. i just wonder if the problems come from it being the first models??

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  Performance and Good MPG - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JLS - May 25 - 7:46 pm

  You dont have to sacrifice performance for good gas mileage. I have gotten 30-33 MPG on my first three tanks of gas. The engine isnt even broken in yet. I commute 120 miles per day and so far that car has been great.

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  Awesome little car! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By sixkyej - May 24 - 9:12 pm

  I purchased this car 9 months ago and I couldnt be more happy with it! After trading in a 2000 Volvo S80 that was falling apart after almost 120K miles, I decided to get this car because I didnt want to pay any more repair costs. I havent had one problem with this car yet! I got the i Sport 2.0L auto version, didnt come with all the bells and whistles, but since its only me driving it and I was looking for economy rather than luxury, I decided to go with this model. But even for the standard edition it has plenty of features and feels like a luxury car. I plan on keeping this car for a long time!

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  Followup - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Alex - May 24 - 3:40 pm

  This is an update from "Be careful what you wish for" below. Mainly I write this Followup to praise the Continental Extreme Contact tires and the positive change they have wrought. I went from the OE Michelin run-flats to a slight wider (215 vs. 205) tire but kept the 45 series aspect ratio. In effect I made the tires a few millimeters taller and a bit wider. But the switch from run- flats has been amazing. The car has a much more comfy ride, with little in absolute performance loss. Light snow traction is great now, important here in CT. I did about 19k last year (33k total) and no mechanical problems. So thumbs up there. Everyone loves the car still, especially my wife.

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  Pretty Cool - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Aerdna of Brandon - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I am 18 and I have only had the car for three months. I previously had a 2000 Honda Civic which was fine until I got rear-ended twice. The Protege 5 I have now is a manual transmission and wicked fun to drive. It comes with a strut bar so to me, it sort of feels like a racecar. I feel sporty in it and with some investments into the engine, I think I can actually be sporty. I would recommend this car to just about anyone that loves driving. It goes a long way on just a little gas too.