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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  Very disappointed in my Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tom L - May 23 - 4:13 pm

  It seems like a solid car, and it handles nice, but there are too many things about it that fall short of expectations. Bought the 5-Door S model with 6 speed auto. I have owned it about 2 months. Compared to my 98 Maxima with a 5 speed manual, this car is SLOW. Maybe the automatic is the problem. It couldnt get up a hill if your life depended on it. The ride with the sport suspension is horrible on bumpy roads. The gas mileage is pathetic. I average 19 mpg combined. Climate control never blows hot air. Honestly, I would gladly take $2,000 less than what I paid for it and buy something else.

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  Sporty Looks and a Quality Drive - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By tippsy12 - May 23 - 1:53 am

  Bought this car a couple weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I bought the 3i Touring Value Edition in Galaxy Grey Color and paid 16489 before taxes and tags. The engine is very upbeat and peppy. Pretty good acceleration for only the 2.0L engine but I think its helped by a manual transmission. It handles very well with a tight wheel that is very quick to respond. Ive been getting about 35 mpg on the highway. Gearbox is very smooth. Although on very steep hills there could be a little more torque in 2nd gear. The TVE upgrade comes with 17" alloy rims which are great looking. Ride is a little on the louder side, but feels like a sports car. Bottom line is great buy for the price.

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  Love this minivan - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By cubbygirl - May 22 - 7:06 pm

  I test drove other regular-sized minivans, and none compared to this. I felt like I was driving a box while driving the other ones. Not fun at all. Once I got into the Mazda5, it was truly ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM! The third rear seat is crampy though, so we only use it for emergencies when we need to haul around 6 people! Otherwise, our doggie fits perfectly with the seats flattend! I would recommend this car to any parent who wants to have enough room to fit everyone and everything, yet still feel young!

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  Happy After 3 years, 33K Miles - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Lynda Marie - May 22 - 8:30 am

  Very happy w/ van. Not a single mechanical issue. I dont find the tranny shifter an issue, I use it as a guide for the radio (over) and the a/c (under). Plenty of power in CO mountains, yet decent mileage. Excellent (!) on snow & ice w/ new tires (who needs 4WD unless you need clearance?). Good on long trips. Size is big enough for lots of kids and stuff, but small enough to park almost anywhere. Handling better than expected from a minivan. Leather seating is easy to clean. Kids like their own heating/ac controls. Would buy another one if I "crunched" this one.

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  Great scores but..... - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By PatrickInAlabama - May 21 - 8:20 pm

  The issue is once we approached 5 years/80K miles, the engine light came on. Its been downhill ever since. After 8 visits to 5 different shops including the dealer, we paid $3K to fix the catalytic converter. The final straw is 1 day after forking over $3,000, the light comes on again and the transmission shifts all over the place. The dealer has no clue. If you ever are told you have to replace the catalytic converter ....dont. Time to go shopping. We were told we need to spend another $300 for some assembly and the guy wasnt sure this would fix the problem.

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  Excellent vehicle: fun, lots of features, economical - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By cx5andmx5 - May 21 - 6:20 pm

  I purchased it 3-days ago and have 300-miles on it so far. I am very impressed with the CX-5 at this point. Mixed driving gave me 29-mpg (as calculated by me, not the computer) on the first fill. The mid-range torque of the engine is really impressive. It holds most grades in 6th gear. Acceleration is perfectly adequate at sea-level (Texas). Those at 5000-feet or with lots of steep hills might not be as satisfied. The steering feel, rigid chassis, great handling, feature content, interior materials and space, and interesting technology are the selling points. The great fuel economy is merely a bonus.

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  The CX-5 is simply best in class - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By akchris - May 21 - 1:51 am

  I have a long commute, need a nice ride and good MPG - drove everything in the class - CRV (loud), new RAV4 (ugly int), Sportage (poor ride), Escape (ugly in/out), Equinox (outdated), Compass and Rogue (CVT), they all had little warts that became glaring weaknesses after driving the Mazda. I have a sound meter, its tied for quietest at 75 mph, fuel economy is unmatched looking at real world results, no CVT (noise, ugh), best handling, great seats, great dash, its roomy - Im 62" and never feel cramped in the CX5. Others have a little more cargo space, or a touch more rear seat room, but none have the complete package like the Mazda. Averaging 28.6 mpg in mixed driving after 3,000 miles.

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  I really like this van - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By verne5 - May 20 - 8:30 pm

  I really love driving this van. It drives like a car and I get comments on it all the time. The power thing has never been a problem, if fact I think it has plenty of power. The tranny problem was fixed right away and has yet to be an issue since (programming error in control module). Im glad I got it loaded, and we paid quite a bit less than invoice with add ons. Im disappointed they are going to stop making this van. I would definitely buy another.

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  Piece of Crap - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Chris in Austin - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Since buying this marvel of technology weve had the transmission die at 60,000, the front axel brake, the drive chain fall off, the fuel sensor die causing us to loose all acceleration power while driving on the highway, and a recent intermittent ABS failure. If it werent for an extended warranty, we would have cut our loses long ago. I would like to add that the many other cars weve owned in our lives (no other mazdas) have not had these problems.

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  Awesome - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Saverio - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Exhilerating performance, outstanding, smart, awesome, fast, efficient, hot, affordable, nice. a car like no other