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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  Love My 2015 Grand Touring - 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Joules - May 12 - 3:58 am

  My son is off to college so I gave him my 2014 Ford Escape and bought this little hard top for me. Great excuse right?!? Considering other roadsters out there cost so much more, I cant complain about anything. No wonder this is the best selling roadster of all time! I purchased my 2015 from Enterprise Car Sales - it was a rental and had 19,500 miles on it. I just love it! Every negative point I read on this car, cracks me! Its too small - Its too loud, you can feel the road to much, blah blah blah. Its a roadster so of course its all those things but it is so much more! It handles like a dream and is so much fun to drive. I joined the local Miata club and did a back road drive to Moss Landing - zoom zoom is right!! The only change Im thinking of making is putting in a roll bar. But I love this car and people must love them too because it is hard to find a 2015 hard top and that is exactly what I wanted. Can you tell I LOVE IT ;)

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  21005 miles so far - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By monicacath - May 10 - 7:38 am

  Ive owned this vehicle since April. It now has 21005 miles on it. The following is my experience with this CX5 Grand Touring FWD. Mazda, the Tom Tom navigation system is a HUGE disappointment. Ive updated the maps (twice) using Tom Tom home (which one must be able to do on their own home computer- you out of luck if you’re not tech savvy), and it factory reset 4 time ( based on the recommendation of the Tom Tom support staff) This hasn’t helped. The GPS has lead me down dead end roads, constantly lost the GPS signal in the middle of a route, routed traffic the absolutely longest route possible, instructed me to turn with no road, jumped off the route into neighborhoods along the interstate and navigated thru neighborhoods I’d rather have not visited. The navigation system has limited ability to zoom out so one could see a “short cut” or the way to the nears main road. Once zoomed out, it loses the small roads. It has been in the Mazda shop twice. Today, they are putting a new antenna on the vehicle. I no longer trust the navigation system, (which is one reason I bought this vehicle) . I keep my Droid phone available and a paper map. This was never an issue when I owned a Honda Touring Van- with maps on it from 2007. Next, when programing the GSP ( BECAUSE OF SAFETY LOCK IT CAN ONLY BE PROGRAMED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN MOTION) this is a HUGE safety issue for me. At times, I just want to get out of a neighborhood, as a home health nurse. I’ve learned don’t keep driving somewhere I don’t know, however, stopping is not such a good plan either. While programing the GPS, the air conditioner vent freezes my hand. There is no back air, so people sitting in the back seat are forced to sweat while the air is turned off, or the one programming the GSP must take breaks to warm their hands to keep them from freezing. The driver’s seat has clips which are supposed to hold the leather material clipped to the underneath side of the seat. These clips continually come unattached causing the seat material to slide around. This will have to be replaced. There is no arm rest for the driver’s seat right side. The left arm can use the door. I’ve had to use a pillow to support my arm on long trips. Obviously I have driven quite a bit since late April with 21005 miles. A back light at the hatchback would be MOST helpful while loading and unloading at night. The little lights in the front and middle do not offer enough light for the rear of the car. My tire sensor has gone off, indicating a low tire. Which one?? Who knows! There is no indication of which tire, so each and every tire must be checked. The mechanic who checked it in a small town in northern Arkansas said each tire had exactly the specified air. Mazda hooked it up to the computer and I was told that my tire was low, however it was fine now. I added no air, and did not have the tires rotated (which may cause a problem I’ was told). But now, miraculously, the air has been restored. I wonder if there is a faulty sensor? Gas mileage has been between 26 and 30 in the city (I have lots of hills here) and 30 – 33 on the highway. It takes a little umph to get this car moving to pass. These are all little things – except the navigation system-. I love my heated seats, automatic garage door opener, the sporty style, the amazing rocking sound system and the overall drive. Would I buy it again…. Maybe Update: Mazda dealership bent over backwards, lending me a Garmin to attach to the dashboard and after several attempts, including replacing the GPS system and antenna, the GPS is working. It occasionally loses signal and goes into the searching for GPS signal mode, however this is rare. The Tom Tom system isn’t as user friendly as the Honda system, Google maps or a Garmin, however using Tom Tom and Google maps, I have an accurate map.

• 

  Not bad at all..... - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Anthony - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Very nice van....Its well designed with a nice 200hp. engine. I got the ES model fully equipped.

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  Zoom- Zoom - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MSB 4 fun - May 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is the greatest little car for trips to the beach the store or to work it brings back the fun in driving. Have had NO problems what so ever just turn the key and go. The handling right of the show room floor was great when I added four sticky tires the handling was like it was on rails. Needs a better sound system with top down needs an amp or more output. But the care is just plane fun.

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  Its Fun - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dickie - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I thought after many years of driving sedans, it was about time to have some fun so on my 65th birthday I bought a red Miata and it changed my driving experiences. This car makes you want to drive, especially with its "Zoom- Zoom" power and fast gear shifting. Hard to sane and legal.

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  One of the Best Balanced Sedans - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By SouthlandHB - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1999 Corolla. It was a great car, but it was more vanilla than The Breyers Ice Cream Factory. No excitement, no fun! If your looking for all the pluses of the Toyota Corollas build quality & reliability, but want something MUCH more fun to drive. MUCH more stylish, the Protege is IT. I put every single option on this car, from the Auto-dimming Rear View mirror to the cargo net in the trunk. If it was an option, I put it on this car. Friends with MUCH more expensive cars, actually like driving my car and draw comparisons to their much more expensive the Audi A4 and the like. Whats that tell ya?

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  Better than a rabbit - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By michael roman - May 10 - 1:16 am

  Drove the 07 Mazda and the 08 170hp VW, and still chose the Mazda. Overall, a more substantial car with better handling, more features: leather, xenon, infinitely adjustable drivers seat, etc. Im 64" and fit comfortably with the seat back erect. Truly a poor mans BMW.

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  Love this CX-9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By georgebake - May 8 - 4:03 pm

  We love the smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride. AC, seats, quality, blind spot monitoring, stereo, all great. Test drove Highlander, Venza, Pilot, Veracruz, Santa Faye, Cross Tour (Honda) (our second choice), Kia Sorento, & Murano and this was the BEST by far. Just got back from a 1500 mile trip. Got about 21 MPG. Love the ride, quietness, memory seats, key less entry and start and all the other features.

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  Mazdas best kept secret - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By mark - May 8 - 10:46 am

  Four months and 6000 miles into my ownership experience and no issues. I still look forward to every drive. Max. mpg was 19.8 with a minimum of 15.8 on first tank fill, average is about 18 in mixed driving. Low rpm shifts and slower highway speeds should yield about 20 mpg. Torque is low compared to larger displacement 6 and 8 cylinder engines, but comparable to other small naturally aspirated engines such as hondas s2000 and civic si, both of which also have larger displacements. Power builds steadily all the way to its 9000 rpm readline. Handling is very secure, composed and predictable even at its limit. Distinctive styling, inspiring performance, comfortable ride and seating for 4 adults.

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  Loved it... and now hate it - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Mark - May 8 - 9:03 am

  I started off loving the CX-7 and after having it for over a year I now hate it sadly. The engine makes excellent power, could easily make more, but is held back by the automatic trans. When in auto mode its ok but manual mode is an absolute joke. It takes so long to shift that without perfect timing it would never give optimal acceleration. A manual version, which they do have overseas, would really wake it up. Weve had some issues, biggest being the a/c failing. Ive seen others have the same a/c issues and dealerships seem to not be covering them under warranty. It eats tires. I could go on much more but dont have enough room to type all thats wrong. Wont buy a new Mazda again.