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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  Worst Car Ive yet to own! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By mtbrider1 - March 4 - 6:59 am

  Hmmm.... lets see.... how many people have had happen the EXACT same thing as I have--Bad VVT causing timing chain stretch? Started to happen at 62k miles and thus Mazda is not standing behind the car. Luckily I caught it before it caused a snapped chain and ruined engine. Timing chains are supposed to last MUCH longer, and yet Mazda acts like it is a rare occurrence. I also struggled with the turbo lag. At first I fooled myself into thinking that it was normal for a turbo-until I owned a TDI Jetta--not even close. The unsettling lag and then surge in power at times was almost comical. The longer we owned it, the less an less we liked this car--sold it off for a new Subaru!

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  20000 mile update - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Stenn - March 3 - 3:23 pm

  When I bought it, I wrote here that it was an exercise in engineering theory and perfection, but not practical due to low fuel efficiency vs. high fuel costs. Well, 20K miles later, Im still infatuated with it, wouldnt think of driving anything else, and have gotten used to its MPG after an 05 Mustang driver told me he gets the same 15 mpg I do. Id MUCH rather have this than a Mustang!! I admit that 15 mph is around town and short highway runs, usually doing 100 mph+ to and from work, so of course its going to suck the gas. But the handling of this thing !! :) And the sound system cant be beat. And its still the most gorgeous thing on the road if you ask me.

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  I Really Wanted to Like the CX-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By redskins5926 - March 3 - 3:22 pm

  The CX-5 is certainly the best-handling crossover on the market, with dynamics similar to the BMW X1/X3. The ride was stiff, which was good on smooth roads but uncomfortable on rough roads. Space was plenty for passenger comfort as well as cargo. But the big disappointment with the 2013 CX-5 was the engine and transmission. The engine is definitely underpowered for the car, I literally had to floor the gas pedal every time I merged onto the highway. The transmission was even more terrible as it lagged significantly whenever I floored the pedal to get more power. Fuel economy was good, though not significantly worth it with the underpowered engine.

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  Please read if your considering a great affordable car - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By tobbeybear - March 3 - 2:46 am

  Have 2011 Mazda 2 touring with 51k. Just retired my mazda protege with 300k on it. The protege has the 1.5 liter which only has with 90hp. The mazda 2 also has the 1.5liter. Every go see the christmas lights and you can not turn your head lamps off?The 2 doesnt have the day running lamps. Has a self adjusting timing chain and not a timing belt so thats saving you 500 to 600 every 100k that you have to change on most imports.I work at a big dealership and get to drive every make and model and can say with certianty that this mazda is the funnest car out. The 5 speed tranny is smooth. The engine isnt loud. So what it only has 100hp. Thats a upgrade for me from the 90hp I had for many years

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  WOW! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Saabster27 - March 2 - 6:23 pm

  I just moved to a 2006 Mazda3 GT from a 2002 Saab 9-3 SE with 205 HP, sport suspension and 17-inch wheels. And let me say that beside straight line acceleration, Mazda3 beats the Saab in EVERY category, while priced less than half of the Saab. I also test drove the Audi A4 and and owned a Honda Accord Coupe V6 but those two dont perform better and dont come close to the value offered by a Mazda3 at this price level. The choice was pretty simple for me. And this car far exceeded my expectations after owning it for a month. I can say that I did not have the same feelings about the Saab after owning it for a month!

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lisaces - March 1 - 2:00 am

  ive had my 2002 tribute with no problems. The interior shift bar gets in they way of the volume dial on the radio, but ive gotten used to it. I love how this car drives, and it has done GREAT in the snow we have been having.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By EDP - March 1 - 2:00 am

  The combination of performance and bells and whistles make this one of the finest cars Ive ever owned. Every thing about the car is first rate except the fuel economy (and the fact that it uses premium fuel). At this point, still under 1,000 miles and winter weather where the temps are rarely above freezing, the car is averaging about 15mpg. I have not taken it out for anything except short runs so it should do much better as time goes on.

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  Mazda has just about did it - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Macadonious - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Engine is a 2.3L with 160 crank HP. With this displacement, you could produce at least 200 crank HP by reworking the head and remapping the ECU. Exterior is unique and modern. The tire selection is the only drawback as they do not perform well on any vehicle. Interior is clean and easy to view. Material seems to be of high quality. Driver cockpit is a little tight. Performance is a little lacking. Though cornering is nice, the rear slips at high speeds. This is due to the tires and maybe the small rear sway bar. Power to the wheels is a bit hesitant while already moving at normal speeds, but on the other hand, speed does increase without even noticing.

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  Great!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By chino - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!!

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  Nice but too many issues - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mitc1109 - February 28 - 9:36 pm

  Bought it new off the lot in 2005. Got a great deal so I cant complain all that much. However, I have never been able to keep rotors on it. Have had them replaced three times!! When stopping, the vibrations are ridiculous! Props to the dealership though who has replaced the rotors every time under warranty. Just a hassle. Gas mileage is not great but its pretty good in the New England snow for a FWD vehicle. I still like it a lot better than the Ford Escape (someone else in my family has one of those). Fun to drive and the 6 cylinder has some good pickup.