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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  New Rotors at 30,000 miles...WTF!!! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike Valentine - September 21 - 11:16 am

  I have been told by Kona Mazda/Suburu that the 2003 Mazda Tribute ES (may apply to other years and models) requires new rotors at approximately 30,0000 mile service...WTF. They state that they cant be shaved because they wear down just like the brake pads and do not groove the rotors thus allowing a mechanic to shave them. Further, Mazda dealer states a federal sticker is located somewhere on the rotor that warns or states not to shave them. Had they told me this when I bought it new...I would have never bought this piece of crap. That was my fourth and last Mazda. Hello Honda!

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By dlobrien1980 - September 21 - 5:38 am

  I bought my 2014 Mazda CX-5 Touring back in May of 2013. I used to be a Dodge guy all the way, but my best friend, who runs a Mazda dealership, introduced me to this ride. I am a heavy commuter, 100 miles a day, and have already put 20,000 miles on it. I have not had one single problem and have had great gas mileage. It is a fun to drive car and a safe ride for me, my wife, and our 14 month old son. Decent cargo room, and the 2014 has that 2.5 liter engine, giving it a boost over the 2.0 from 2013. Im looking forward to Mazdas reliability to get me through years of commuting, because I do A LOT of driving. I highly reccommend!

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  2001 mx-5 - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By robsmx-5 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  i really love this car. the new body looks great and it runs great in the city or on hwy trips. yes, its my car of chose for long road trips. the only trouble iv had is a recall on the clutch that was replaced under warrantt because it was chaffing. i only wish that the re-sale value was better. i wanted to buy a new 2002 special edition mx-5 and the dealer would only give me 15K for my car that was 22K less than a year ago!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Great car with issues, bad company. - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Babcock - September 19 - 4:03 am

  The car is very fun to drive, its handling dynamics are excellent. Interior is well done with everything nicely laid out. Good storage for a small car. Back seat room is good, adults seat comfortably. Truck space is good for a sports car but small opening. Over all this is a very livable sports car. Now the bad, gas mileage is the worst I have ever experienced in any car. I get 11mpg city while driving normally. I have had the car to Mazda who tells me that it is normal mileage and they will do nothing about it. MazdaÂ’s service is very poor and the company does not likes to support this car. Mazda has given others a hard time on warranty work or refused to acknowledge problems.

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  Great Little Ride - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By alaskanseminole - September 18 - 2:06 am

  I traded in my 2003 Chevy Tahoe which was the best vehicle I ever owned. Sadly gas prices forced me into a smaller SUV. Fortunately the Tribute took the sting out of losing my Tahoe. GREAT LITTLE SUV! I love the fact the 2005 model allowed the upgraded interior for the 4 cylinder. The power leather seats are great. The only options this little guy doesnt have is the v6 and sun roof. I average between 19 and 22 MPG around town. Im still anxious to see what it will get on a road trip. With the aluminum wheels, color keyed exterior and side-step bars this SUV looks sharp. My only complaint is the 4 cylinder doesnt have enough power to get out of its own way much less fast moving traffic--IT IS SO SLOW!

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  I love it - 1999 Mazda 626
  By stanley stoykov - September 16 - 2:36 pm

  Very reliable. Still running strong after 147000 miles. Around 27 mpg city, hwy 32 mpg. Broken AC at 130000. With good maintenance, gonna last til 200000.

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  Mazda beats out Volvo S60 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By ian_engineer - September 16 - 10:00 am

  I test drove a mazda 3, Volvo S60 and the Mazda 6 (6-cyl)version. Volvo was surely a car with tons of creature comforts, but the Mazda kept up in performance, stability, and accessories as well as safety features. Poor turn radius--my mustang fares better, however, the engine power is actually more responsive than the S60 and the price truly speaks volumes for those not needing the Volvo label on the front and those ever so useless headlight wipers!

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  Boring - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By wassock - September 16 - 8:03 am

  With financial challenges looming I needed something less expensive to run than my Lexus IS250(which I loved).The styling and alleged reliability of the Mazda3 checked the right boxes.Unlike those who chose to write a review after a few weeks, I have waited 9 months so as to be more subjective. In a nutshell, the car is boring, gas mileage has worsened slightly, the engine is noisy, the center display is inaccurate..avg speed has not altered since day 1,outside temp gauge is erratic and virtually useless (the dealer says it is operating normally!) No big deal I know but it should work. That aside, I love the styling, the pearlescent white works well, and the car starts every day.

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  Still enjoying my Protege ES - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By KimO - September 13 - 2:00 am

  My first new car was the Protege precedent 323 in 1988. When I needed a new car last year for commuting to work 26 miles each way, I turned to the Protege. I have not been disappointed after driving it for the past 1 year and 4 months, and putting 23K on it. It is really a fun car to drive and you get a lot for your money.

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  Great Surprise - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By karqueen - September 12 - 10:21 am

  I purchased my CX-5, 9,000 miles ago. Its the base model 6 speed manual. I love it, much more responsive than the automatic I test drove. The 6 speed and clutch are better than my old Honda Accord. I have a lead foot and avg. 30.5 MPG overall, and my brothers just hate me for that. I love the cloth material they used, the stock radio sounds very good. Great handling for for an SUV, a bit slow, but not that bad if you get the 6 speed manual. I get 415 miles between fill ups in the Los Angeles traffic.