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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  UNCOMFORTABLE - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By donchevy97 - September 5 - 8:31 pm

  takes corners and speed bumps terribly. rides extremely stiff

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  Great Suv! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By sysop - September 5 - 5:30 pm

  I picked up a new top of the line 2008 Mazda CX9 Grand Touring for my wife in January of 2009.This car is amazing comparing to other SUV’s like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano and the Lincoln MKX the CX-9 was the best choice for the money.The CX-9 is Sporty, stylish and roomy loads of cargo space, easy access to spacious third row, even for an average-sized adult, The two- passenger third-row seat is one of the roomiest youll find. And the second row seats are very comfortable for adults. The CX-9 an attractive dash design and an adequate number of technoland an adequate number of technology and entertainment features too many to mentioned. got an excellent deal! Couldnt be happier

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  Best Value in a Sporty Sedan - 2012 Mazda Mazda6
  By madmaz - September 5 - 11:48 am

  We all know that Mazda got a deal on Black, Gray and Silver paint but thats OK. For the price of Mazda 3 where else can you find a car thats fun to drive, handles better than the competition, has great seats, is relatively quiet inside (windows up) and has a huge trunk. Very important (to me) ... this is not a "Skyactiv" engine but the 2.5 4-cyl averages 30 mpg in mixed driving; with a clutch, you can coast up to traffic lights. Alas, it is not a drag-racer but will keep up with normal traffic. Engine will come on strong over 3K RPM but fuel mileage will suffer. At 10K miles on the clock, no mechanical or electrical issues. A well-built machine. Highly recommended.

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  My Protoge - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By sendel74usa - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems with that car, have had it more than a year now, the only thing i have had to do is change the oil and rotate tires. Overall an excellent car!

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  Good looks and great handling - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Lhoward - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I have been researching SUVs for months. The Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV 4 were also on my list of hopefuls and I test-drove each one. What sold me on the Tribute is the handling, power of the V6 and the std. options available on the ES trimline. Because of a fleet program my Company participates in and a rebate offered by Mazda, I got my Tribute for $1,600 below dealer invoice. The Highlander is also nice but too costly once you add all of the same options offered in the Tribute.

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  Many pros - one con - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dairyland Purchaser - September 4 - 9:40 am

  Overall I am having a great experience driving the Mazda3s GT. It truly does want to zoom-zoom. I love the car. The only negative is that it is hard to read the instrument dials in bright sunshine. I cannot rate the reliability as I bought the car new, but I am counting on it lasting many years.

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  6 Years Later - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Carl - September 4 - 7:56 am

  Mazda Navajo Owner for 10 years - best vehicle ever; purchased Tribute and was satisfied with vehicle until the warranty ran out. Immediately thereafter, vehicle falling apart. Computer failed and stranded me 300 miles from home; cruise control not working, instrument panel not working,airbag sensor faulty, many electrical problems; power door locks failed and replaced; power window switches failed/replaced; fluid leaks that mechanics cannot locate, brake dust is horrible on wheels. Every week a new problem develops on this vehicle. Very disappointed -- the Mazda Tribute fails in comparison to my previous Navajo which went 150,000 miles no problems. The Tribute fell apart at 70,000 miles.

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  Love My Miata - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By RPE - September 3 - 12:26 pm

  I have only owned my little red Miata for 3 weeks...but I love to drive the car with the top down. It is a blast. I also have a 79 MGB..but this car hugs the road, the curves unlike the MGB. It has 128,000 miles on it..but motor sounds great. The get-up-and go is much faster that my 10 Corolla automatic. We have had several hot days in April and have been able to drive it, top down. Cant wait until Summertime. Will have to sell the MGB..that was the deal with my wife..but, oh well...I have owned it for 20 years..and I guess it is time to pass it on! A buddy of mine at work just bought an 03.....drive one...youll buy one!!!

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  Dont Buy - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By dontlikeit - September 1 - 1:29 pm

  Leased a 2015 CX-5 from Pugi and wished I didnt. Had to jump-start it 4-times over the last month. Car would go dead sitting. Dealership said the battery & electrical systems were fine. Then the car self accelerated on its own & breaking didnt disengage it. Had to put it in neutral as the engine was screaming in high rpms trying to disengage by stomping on the accelerator pedal. So now they want to put a black-box recorder in to see if it happens again. Could be to late and end up fatal. Would you want to be the lab rate waiting for your death? Talked to Mazda DM and said "the buck stops here" and thats what we are offering. We have no confidence in the Mazda product or the dealership..

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  Nice fun car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bob Renner - September 1 - 10:00 am

  great car and fun to drive