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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  Great value - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By duane - July 14 - 5:00 pm

  Had to return to the dealer twice for the same problem with the front end. Dealer was great.

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  RX-8 with Automatic - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Darryl - July 12 - 2:13 am

  Unique car with polarizing styling. Either you love it or you dont. Gets lots of positive comments, especially on the suicide doors. Good interior quality. Rear seats OK for kids or adults for short rides. Front seats small for large people -- can become uncomfortable on long trips. Trunk is small, but holds more than expected. Engine is smooth as an electric motor, no vibrations. Gas mileage good at 16-18 in town and 22-24 on highway. Automatic transmission really saps power. Super handling. Problems with A/C; after many complaints it was completely replaced, now works just OK. Several recalls. In cold weather must warm engine before turning off or it will flood. Poor in snow.

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  Nice car, terrible dealers and service - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By denverrx8 - July 11 - 8:03 pm

  Ive owned my RX-8 for just over a year. I love almost everything about the car, except for the fact that its a Mazda. The car has spend over a month in the shop, mainly due to dealers that dont know anything about the car. The car now has a power problem where it loses power after driving, and 2 different dealers have failed at repairing it, and now theyre charging me for diagnosis and rentals, even though theyve duplicated the problem. Mazda is no help, the car is a lemon, and they wont stand behind it. Ive even filmed the problem for them, and they still say it doesnt happen! Bottom line. Great car, terrible car company, this will absolutely be my last Mazda. Dont buy Mazda!

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  Not a bad van - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By RDW - July 11 - 7:00 am

  No major problems in nearly three years. Dealer service is good. The MPV is not a street racer but it gets around OK in the flatlands of the southeast. Gas mileage is not that good.

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  Love my Tribute! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By geeman99 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Acceleration is excellent. Ride and handling are wonderful. Roomy, plush (for the price) interior. Biggest shortcoming - seats could definitely be softer and give more thigh support. Nitpicks - shift lever is too long, ignition key location is a real hassle. Overall a very enjoyable vehicle! Would definitly recommend the Tribute! Not sure why everyone complains about the mileage on the V6 - the great acceleration doesnt come out of thin air, you have to burn more gas to create more horsepower!

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  My good Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By justmeee - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Good car, handles great, drives even better in manual mode. Very good car overall.

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  An Econo-Car Like No Other! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt - July 10 - 4:00 am

  Overall, I have to say that I made the smartest purchase, having cross-shopped the Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg edition, the Toyota Carolla S, and Honda Civic. More features for the price point and class of vehicle combined with vehicle performance were the top factors in my ultimate decision. Zoom Zoom!

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  So far, beyond expectations! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By photoguy22 - July 5 - 5:57 pm

  Bought this very recently and thus far, were very happy. Well update this review after a few months with new findings and experience... Contrary to a few reports, there is little road noise, the Bose system works great, Nav is just fine and the seats are very comfortable. This is NOT a European luxury vehicle - at the CX5 price point, just add another $25K if youre determined to have true luxury. Otherwise, after seeing virtually every other C-SUV, this Mazda competes quite well with all of its competitors and in general, it does it for less! Well worth looking at !!!

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  Best Van for the Buck!!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Joe Ambrosio - July 4 - 9:56 pm

  We bought this Van for $21,000 from the dealer brand new. We looked at the Odyssey, and Sienna first but couldnt justify the cost of those other vans. The MPV is stylish and the power sliding doors always gets comments and looks from bystanders!It also handles like a car much better than a camry or an accord!!!I love my MPV!!!Its also not as cumbersome as the other vans this is good since the wife drives it most of the time and it fits in compact spaces.We used to have an SUV before this and that felt like a truck.I highly recommend this van if you have a small family.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoom Zoom - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This may be one of the best deals on the market, if not the best. The 6s handles like a dream. Its a sports car is a sedans body. The ergonomics of the interior are very pleasant. There is plenty of room in the back seats for adults. when you give this car some gas it definetly goes zoom zoom. Third gear in the 6 is orgasmic--this is when you truly feel the acceleration and power of this car. The 6s has a wonderfully smooth ride and so smooth that you fail to realize how fast youre going unless you look at the speedomoter. Highly recommend this car over the camry and accord. Its the best bang for your buck hands down!!!