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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  Excellent car! - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By abandoy - May 25 - 5:29 am

  I have owned my car for one week and have enjoyed every minute of it. The only thing that I am having trouble with is setting up the SMS messaging with my iPhone.

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  2001 Mazda MPV - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By JesseB. - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Great Car. Plenty of Power. Easiest MiniVan to parallel park. Milage around town could be better but not horrible.

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  Mazda B4000 SE 4x4 - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By Dicksgarden1 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Great little truck for the money.....good quality thru out.....quick...rides nice but not spongey at all...handles good...& I think it is sharp looking.....mine is Black mono......if you are in the market for small pickup dont over look this

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  Truck luvr goes 4 wagon...and luvs it!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By JKB25 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I have always driven pick-ups for the convenience of being able to always have room for my stuff, but I hate the poor gas mileage Ive been getting (with my 2000 Dodge Dakota). The P5 has PLENTY of room for your stuff, is very fun to drive, has a great sound system (mine has the 6CD chanher and a 100W subwoofer) and gets great gas mileage. I feel a little lower than Im used to but Ill get used to it! Buy this car, its a great value and you will love driving it.

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  Best kept secret!!!! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Richard Roy - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I owned a MPV 1991 before. For my next van, seat management was hign on my list. There are only 2 models with the third row folding in the car (wonder why they dont all have this feature). In my case, the Odyssey was too big. I park the van in my garage. There is one area of concern which is the motor. So far, Im please with the Ford Duratech performance. Maybe they can spend some time about reducing fuel consumption.

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  I Love My Tribute! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By wgBeethovenV - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Being a senior citizen with a diabetic physical handicap, I had my share of problems entering sedan (low seating) type vehicles. With the Tribute this problem no longer exists. Its height affords the driver an ease of entry together with a very comfortable/roomy driving position. The "over the hood" windshield viewing area is superior . The maneuverability and handling of the miniSUV feels like a sedan most likely due to its unique suspension and steering ratio. Great vehicle for the price!

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  THE MAZDA TRIBUTE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By jl - May 25 - 2:00 am

  It is just a great all around SUV. No matter what anybody says

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  Great Car! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Schnurpster - May 24 - 11:20 pm

  We did an extensive search and compared the Acura, MBZ, GM lines, Toyota and Honda and the CX-9 was the clear winner. We are throughly enjoying the ride and convenience it offers. After driving a traditional SUV for 10 years, the Mazda is a welcome change. Interior space is excellent, access to and use of the third seat is easy and the ride is solid and fun. It also was a better value when compared to the other makers. In short, Mazda did a great job with this car!

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  Run Away From This Car - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By gdcinthebigD - May 24 - 5:50 pm

  The RX-8 is a beautiful piece of sculpture but is useless for city living. I love the look of this car and the handling but didnt expect the gas mileage of a Hummer (11 miles per gallon). Mazda says the engine is running correctly. Plus the requirement to make sure the engine is warmed to mid-line before turning it off is ridiculous. In order to run to the store or the post office I have to drive 6 blocks out of my way or wonder if the car will start the next day. I researched this car to death and found little mention of either of these issues. Do yourself a favor - buy something with a piston engine.

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  Maxda CX 5 a Motion of Excitement - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By autotimer - May 23 - 9:54 pm

  I am a new owner of the CX 5. I test drove the other small SUVs like the CRV but when I drove the CX 5 it was miles above the others in handling. It feels like you are glued to the road. The build quality is excellent. The Bose sound system is time to party on ... no band needed. The safety features like the blind spot sensors are just another added detail to one fine car. I recommend if you are in the market for a small SUV /crossover try driving the CX 5. Have fun out there and keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.