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 economical suv - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By maumannion - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Best price, good gas mileage for suv, very roomy and comfortable. already took trip this summer from Florida to Wyoming with 5 yr old granddaughter. Excellent vehivle for traveling.

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  Grab the 6 5-door - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By internetmandude - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I had to write a review regarding this car. I have the automatic. I test drove competing cars like the Camry and Altima (the Accord and Galant were too ugly to be considered) and the 6 won hands down. The 6 looked better than all the competitors, had many of their optional features standard and blew them away with the space of the 5-door that still looks like a cool sedan! The warranty is better at 4yrs/50,000 miles with free rental cars and roadside assistance! The price I paid for mine was also less than I wouldve paid for the other boring cars that you see at every single street light!

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  The most fun car Ive ever driven - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - January 3 - 6:53 am

  Hands down this is the most fun car Ive ever driven. This car has actually made me look forward to my hour long commute every morning. The power is more than sufficient and the handling is excellent. The only drawbacks to this car are the two very minor recalls already issued (although my dealer was able to fix them both in under and hour) and the gas mileage.

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  So Far Not So Bad - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By sangria6 - January 3 - 6:30 am

  Purchased new in Oct 08 and received a great deal. Have 6200 miles on it and have not had any issues. Mileage is great, performance is great. Paint quality/durability seems to be lacking. Possibly needs a better clear coat? Ride comfort, features, quiet interior, and looks are really nice. No issues at all. Prefer the "old school" oil filter spin on canisters, but hopefully a conversion kit will be out soon.

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  Fantastic car... zoom zoom - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By fantasticcar - January 2 - 3:00 am

  Before buying our car, I read a lot of reviews here on Edmunds of people saying how wonderful their MX-5s were. These reviews helped me in deciding to get the true-red Miata MX-5 Grand Touring with splash guards and chrome fuel door over the competition. Weve had our car about 10 days now and I can truly say this is the most fun car I have ever owned. The engineers at Mazda definitely got it right. Its obvious theyve been doing this for 18 years. The cars lines are very sexy and pleasing to the eye and the performance will really get your heart beating. Now the only problem I face is arguing with my wife over who gets to drive the car today.

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  After 6 Months, I Love It - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bruce6 - January 2 - 1:00 am

  I deliberately waited to write this till Id owned it 6 months and the new- purchase glow wore off. But I love my 3 as much as the day I bought it. Its quick, roomy, sharp-looking, and an utter blast to drive. Lots of room front and rear for a smallish car, lots of cargo room, all the amenities one could reasonably want standard. And on the highway the thing feels rock-solid and amazingly smooth blasting along at 80 MPH. The only drawback is that the peppy performance from the 2.3 engine does come at a cost of only so-so fuel economy. I can get up to 28-29 on the highway, but in city or mixed driving it drops appreciably. No matter. I adore this car.

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  I Love This Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John F - January 1 - 3:43 pm

  I traded in a 07 Civic for this car. The civic was ok but it didnt have the pep, boring to drive and everyone has it. My insurance dropped a lot when I bought the Mazda. Bought it used with 80k. Had for a year now and its still fun to drive, tons of storage space, better gas mileage then my old civic and plenty of power for such a small car. Was looking at the speed3, but not all mazda dealerships can fix it and I live in Sacramento. Closest repair is in San Jose so I got this one. Save your money and buy this one and just add the speed hood.

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  Love my Mazda - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By summercx5 - January 1 - 11:56 am

  I had been searching on the internet for three months for a new car. I had decided between the Mazda CX5 and the Mitsubishi Outlander. The day I did my test drives I found the CX5 to be far superior to the Outlander. The Mazda has lots of pep as opposed to the Outlanders sluggish acceleration. Also, my husband is 66 and he found the CX5 to be more comfortable. The CX5 also has more space in the hatchback. The fuel economy is also excellent. Its great to have a car that is economical and a blast to drive!!!

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  Zoom-zoom with room - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By midnight2014 - January 1 - 6:59 am

  My wife previously owned a 2010 3 hatchback. We loved that car. I loved that car even though I am 510", and 220 pounds, I fit comfortably in that car. But my wife wanted something bigger, and when the CX-5 came out it was the perfect choice for her. I like the CX-5, but wonder where the memory seats went? Mazda please explain the silly logic of eliminating memory seats??? The 2013 3 had them. My wife being 54", and me being 510", you can understand my dilemma. My wifes GT has everything, rain-sensing wipers, rear camera, Smart-Assist Braking, Bose, navigation, but no memory seats!!!! Not an option on the CX-5. It is her car, but I picked the color: Solar Red. Gas mileage so-so

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  Precious Few Complaints - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Bob Ahnmeischaft - January 1 - 2:00 am

  We purchased our Protege ES in July 2000 and have since put 37K on it. It is solid and well-built, quick, and a good looking car. It also has the advantage of not being quite as common as, say, a Honda Civic. This is in fact the second Protege weve owned, our first being a 1991 LX model. If youre looking for a great small- medium sedan and dont want to pay that Civic or Corolla premium, but still want the upsides of those makes, go see your local Mazda dealer.