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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  P5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By P5 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This car turn heads and it is fun to drive. But the engine need a little more horses...

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  My 2002 Tribute Review - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By bluehills55 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  After 9 months and 12,500 miles, all I can say about my Tribute is that it has been a real pleasure ride and theres not a day that goes by that someone compliments the exterior design and looks of this SUV (I have black). I just came back from Florida and put the 4WD to the test on the most sandiest and secluded beaches without any problems. You never know your driving a SUV.It drives, feels and handles like a higher end mid size car. The only problem I have had was a broken back seat latch which the dealer replaced and the horn stopped working (not sure why yet and have an appt with the dealer). No other problems.

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  Owned almost 3 weeks - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mary Lou - October 17 - 9:40 am

  So far I like the car, very sporty. Rides and handles nice, good pick up for a 4 cylinder. Good visibility, no obstructions, can see very well even with spoiler.

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  Wow - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By thefa11en - October 16 - 6:03 pm

  This car is amazing. Its very fun to drive and I was very impressed with the performance of the car. Not to mention the gas mileage is amazing, I drove from San Bernardino to Yucaipa 3 times, around the streets, and I still had half a tank. It was full when I started. Sadly though, a drunk driver hit me head on going 40 miles and hour and the car saved my life. I walked out of the car with no injury, no whiplash, but a few sore spots from the air bag and seat belt. I got enough to buy the same car, and truthfully, I will buy it again for those reasons.

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  Gas Mileage - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Al Bradley - October 16 - 12:16 pm

  My first tank I got 40 mpg. I could not believe this so I checked the second tank, 37.3 mpg, much better than what the EPA says (32). This was all highway driving in the mountains. Great car!!

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  2006 Mazda3 Hatchback - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By carl999 - October 16 - 12:02 pm

  A great small car. Fun to drive, always reliable.

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  Engine Tick @ 12,000 miles - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By salesguy - October 16 - 2:46 am

  The CX-9 is good looking and fairly responsive for a heavy vehicle. But, the engine developed a ticking noise at 12k miles. NOT what I would expect from a $40k car. Been in twice to fix, but has returned twice. Dealer service is OK, not on par with Acura, BMW, Lexus.

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  Good Looks and Great Mileage - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Don - October 15 - 8:23 pm

  I have had this car for several months now. It gets better than advertised fuel mileage if not drivin too hard. I drive 50 miles to work everyday, over a mountain and average 36 to 38 MPG. I have had it on the open road and it gets slightly less, comming in at an average of about 34MPG. I think this is because at 75 MPH it is turning 3500 RPMs.You cant argue with getting around 400 miles on a tank befor the light comes on. I think the manuals could use a 6th gear.

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  Fun For The Money - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mark Hartley - October 15 - 12:13 pm

  Fun to drive for a four cylinder and gets good mixed gas mileage, 28mpg, for my weekly commute. Great buy for a healthy combination of sporty, frugal and roomy, im 6 4".

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  Beware of Road Noise - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By cozyjohn - October 15 - 4:46 am

  The noise appears to be coming out of the rear wheel well area. I spend quite a bit of time on the Interstates for my job and the noise is constant. Friends say "just turn up the radio", but that’s not a solution. Both Consumer Reports and Popular Mechanics magazines have made it a point in their reviews to mention the "noise issue", wish I had read them first. The decision to purchase was based on my need to improve fuel economy, the looks and how the vehicle physically drove. (all of these are great) But I have regretted my purchase since the 1st road trip. Either a financial loss is taken by trading / selling it or I do something about it.