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:

• 

  LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By ProudMazdaDriver - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have never liked Ia car I have owned for more than 6 months. Its been 13 months now and I LOVE THIS CAR!!! Wanted a Lexus ES300 and it was a little over my price limit but this car has made me very happy! Perfect experience like Ive never had before with dealership on purchase and service. One thing...you might want to have more option with roadside service than the free one offered through Mazda. The roadside service people are rude, limited in providers and virtually worthless. It took them 4 hours to get my keys out of my car.

• 

  My Pal - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Pete/N.Y. - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Will always have a least 1 convertible in my driveway thanks to Mazda.Car is everything a roadster should be.Price makes it a clear choice over any sports car on the road today.

• 

  It is different - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Hamid Mahmood - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have used some other MiniVans. This is my first drive and buy of a Mazda vehicle. I really astonished to see such a good performing vehicle and with some many features (in ES model), which compititers are selling in more than $6000. Performance and reliability is much higher than my expections. I am really happy to own this minivan.

• 

  reborn - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By floyd - January 21 - 2:00 am

  THE ROTARY RULES AGAIN!

• 

  Excellent Car - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kannon8833 - January 20 - 5:12 am

  Have own our 2014 AWD GT for 3000 miles. Very happy with the car. Wanted to write a review cause it was the many reviews on Edmunds that eventually helped me select the CX-5 over the Forester. CX-5 (in my opinion) just handles better. Tracks real well, very stable. Soaks up more bumps and noise better than the Forester. Brakes well, handled very well in snow and rain. Forester - cant beat the wonderful and huge sunroof, visibility MUCH better - CX-5 needs more attention. Better heated seats on the Forester. Bottom line - Mazda offered better trade, finance, car better handling. Couldnt pass up - just more bang for the buck.

• 

  zoom zoom for real great suv - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By steven Cavalli - January 20 - 4:26 am

  Shop around and ask to see dealer invoice ..if possible. Also use Edmonds .com/ true car / costco/ and AARP for quotes before you go to dealerships to price the car.

• 

  An excellent choice! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Rssteph - January 19 - 10:00 am

  When compared to the Matrix and Civic EX, the Pro5 wins out. The Pro5 has a high quality, sporty interior, a unique exterior, and drives great. The Matrixs interior isnt as nice or sporty, lacks handling, but has similar accel. and more space. The Civic EX has equal quality, standard ABS and SR, but lacks in accel./handling. The Pro5s accel. is more than adequate when compared to others in its class and the handling is superb!

• 

  Needs Lumbar Support...otherwise, GREAT! - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Kay - January 19 - 10:00 am

  After more thatn 10 minutes of driving, my back becomes tired. other than that, I love the car. The sound system is great, and the car handles well. I was originally in the market for a Honda Accord, after I est drove the 626, I was sold!!!!

• 

  11K enjoyable miles - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By wooster - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Purchased our Tribute last October with the works. My wife and I really love how it handles and rides. We take turns driving it and often fight over whose turn is next. We did have the car in the shop once for warranty work on the passenger door lock. The power lock jammed and the dealer had to replace the lock mechanism and interior door panel after it cracked upon removal. I wont hold the problem against Mazda, so long as it remains an isolated incident. It was kind of a freak occurence. The dealer took care of the problem promptly.

• 

  09 Mazda 5 - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By MazdaFan09 - January 17 - 11:13 pm

  I purchased my Mazda5 Grand Touring about a month ago. I love this car. This is my 4th Mazda and by far my favorite. Build quality is great, transmission is smooth as well as the ride. I was looking for an alternative to an SUV with good MPG and easy to drive. I probably will never use the third row, but the cargo room is great. It has all the features of my Mazda3 with more space and better ride. This is not a minivan, more like a sport wagon with sliding doors. I agree if it were fully loaded it may be a little underpowered. For the two of us around town or roadtrip its perfect and now theres room for the dogs. Theres not an SUV as well as equipped as this for the price.