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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  accident waiting to happen!! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Red - August 21 - 3:47 am

  all important decisions re: which mode to go to (music, nav, phone, modes in general), are tucked into the console of the car...so you have to look DOWN to search and implement those decisions. personally: i want my eyes ON THE ROAD at all times, and that aspect was nothing short of idiotic and UNSAFE. went in there with this car as #1 choice; left dealership running towards Ford for the much safer Escape, and VW for their brilliant new 2018 Tiguan.

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  A big wagon (and thats a good thing) - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By nastacio - August 21 - 1:50 am

  This is a replacement to a totaled Toyota Sienna. *For the segment*, it is probably the best interior space for the exterior dimensions. We looked at a Saturn Outlook, Honda Pilot and Buick Enclave, but the GMs few extra inches in all dimensions made them a chore in parking lots. The Honda sacrificed too much in 3 row. The Mazda was just right. The lack of interior storage is frustrating, with all the room in the center stack wasted under a compartment that barely fits a couple of wallets. A Mazda5 has more interior storage than the CX-9. The handling is excellent, the driver seats far from the front axle and somehow it feels like a substantial sedan on the road.

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  Quality Control not Mazdas top priority - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By New Mazda owner - August 21 - 1:13 am

  I custom ordered my Mazda6 Grand Sport and waited 3 months for it to arrive at the dealership. When I first saw it it didnt have the right 17" wheels I requested (even the Mazda Brochure shows the car can be ordered with 17" wheels), the paint on the hood had very noticeable streaks and overspray, and one of the tail pipe tips was totally mounted out of whack with the correctly mounted one.

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  Perfect Vehicle - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By The Chief - August 20 - 8:00 pm

  I am stationed in Japan and we have a 2006 Madza 5 (Premacy in Japan). This is far one of the best vehicle for a family of 4. This is a very popular vehicle in Japan, not to big and not to small. Has all the right features with an affordable price tag. We love our Premacy so much that we decided to purchase a new 08 Mazda5 Touring from great dealer in Illinois. It will be ready for pick up upon our arrival. We cant wait to drive our new and improved Mazda5.

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  Worst product ever presented - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Gabriel - August 20 - 7:33 am

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle roughly two years ago. This vehicle has been in the shop 6 times since we purchased it. It has a broken catalytic converter, bad fuel injectors, bad wheel bearing, bad water pump, bad transmission, bad transmission mounts, bad engine mounts. This list goes on and on. Weve put over $8000 in this car that isnt even worth $3000. It has been the worst investment that weve ever made in our 24 years of existence. I hope that theyre able to remedy these problems because I cant believe that these cars are even on the road.

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  Good SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By CChan - August 18 - 9:16 pm

  So far this SUV has been an enjoyable experience, except for the incompetence I experienced at the dealership. I have always had full sized SUVs, but I test drove this one due to the rebate and liked the appearance of it and knew it was for me. All is running good so far.

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  2012 Sport manual - 2012 Mazda Mazda2
  By kengriffey - August 18 - 1:21 pm

  Bought this car new and have put on 2000 miles so far. Got the Sport because I couldnt find any Touring models with manuals in my area. Excellent handling, I really feel like I can toss this car around. The shifter is very smooth and quick. At first I was worried about the 100hp but while it wont knock you back in your seat during acceleration it is more than adequate(previous car was a 9-3 Saab). Personally I like the simpleness of the car, the dash is basic and for an economy car its what it should be. Ive been averaging 33 mpg with most of my driving at 70 mph on the highway. Basically it is what most of the reviews say, a fun to drive economy car.

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  Z28 Owner - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By popsz28 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Restored a 70 VW that got totalled (cell phone driver nailed me) so needed a replacement. Bought a new Saturn ION and when my son brought his new Protege 5 over and let me drive it I knew the ION was going back.What a neat little car. I was driving my Z28 Camaro for a while and while the Mazda is no Z28 it sure gives me the ride and feel of a sporty car. Now, if they could fit a small block Chevy in that thing they couldnt build em fast enough. I like everything about and the Laser Blue color turns everyones head. and all for 15,000. How do they do it.

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  more fun - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By peritel - August 18 - 10:00 am

  bought as a weekend toy every mile driven has been a blast. For the price nothing beats it. It has had nothing done but oil changes and will likely need nothing done for years. I am almost glad the warranty has expired so I can tinker with it.

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  lots of room for improvement - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Vishal Lakhotia - August 18 - 10:00 am

  In about 2 monhts, i found that it makes too much noise, when iam above 60 mph. I had to increate the sound level so high to drown out the wind noise. leather quality is not good. Anything on the leather slides left right, back and forth. The A/c controls are a lil weird. Since I cannot put the full a/c blow between face and legs.. it only works on the top ( face) and not anywhere else. Too much body roll on sharp turns, much more than a subaru.. ( tested both on same turns).