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:

• 

  General Disappointment - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Amy Hamilton - March 19 - 7:12 pm

  Limited Driver View (lots of blind spots). Read head rests cover seat when down jutting out and making ride uncomfortable in back seat. When up, they block driver rear view sight and leave about a 18 in view space between head rests. Controls in panel between seats and the toggle to select is annoying and while voice control works fine, radio stations take too many "clicks" to get to. As well, touch screen is disabled when driving. Annoying.

• 

  Not as girlie girl as Id like..... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoomhappy - March 19 - 4:33 pm

  Dont get me wrong, I LOVE my Mazda3. The only thing(s) I dont like is the visors are really "cheap." They have no light either for night time touch-ups. We chose the leather interior because it is SO much more comfortable than their cloth option. I have to say that the only problem Ive had is recently I couldnt open my drivers side door. My husband was able to fix it easily without having to bring it in, but other than that its the best buy/best car Ive ever owned. The only reason I need to upgrade is we are going to have another kid. Back seat is not big enough for 2 car seats. We are so happy with Mazda that we might go with the new CX-7. I always get Qs, and highly recommend!

• 

  Fine Wine - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By DDN - March 19 - 3:36 pm

  Like fine wine, the mazda 3 gets better with age and design. Wow, what a great car. I originally purchased a 2007 model and loved it. I recently traded up for the 2010 model. This is the only make and model I have owned on two separate occasions. It rides like a champ! Mazda is superior to Toyota, Nissan and Honda. The sales team at Cory Fairbanks Mazda made the purchase stress free without the "high pressure" tactics I have experienced in the past. Awesome vehicle!!!

• 

  Transmission Issue - 1998 Mazda 626
  By denn_2003 - March 19 - 1:53 pm

  I have rated this car with extreme leniency. I bought it at 70,000 miles. Transmission went out at around 86,000 miles. I spent $2500 on it and couldnt believe that it happened to me. Mazda is a Japanese car and everything in the engine is supposed to be top notch. That assumption went down the hole when the mechanic told me, "Yeah its got a Ford Transmission in it and its out of stock." These type of Ford transmissions were being used so much at that time that they were out of stock. I dont need to say anything else about the Ford company and its transmission. I can see how someone a little short can have problem looking back. The way the cars back side is, its hard to get a complete back view.

• 

  Let me tell you!! - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By lykeisha - March 19 - 7:26 am

  I got this car with 18k miles on it and I initially loved it despite the premium gas and the gas mileage it was great. We took it on family trips from Ohio to Florida on 3 occasions. 60k noticed an oil leak-engine ouil cooler was defective-not covered under warranty but Mazda was aware that this was a known issue and was doing nothing about it. Cost-$600+. White smoke out the exhaust-Vent kit needed-known issue not covered. Cost-$700+. At now 98k all of a sudden rattling took it in low on oil by 4 quarts?? No oil light came on or service light came on?? A week later guess what same thing..and the engine is blown! Talk about Angry... I still owe on it and I am just going to junk it.

• 

  A great car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By johnjj - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is so fun. It seems so perfectly designed between form and function and economy. It is the funnest car you can find to drive. Unreal response and pepness. The seats are really comfortable and the interior is laid out perfectly. The 4 cylinder motor has plenty of power and the car has excellent pickup throughout the power band. The 2003 drops the luggage rack and adds a 100watt subwoofer that mounts on the spare tire! The stereo is awsome for a stock system! I say again that this car is one of the coolest cars made today!

• 

  I feel like a kid again! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JimminOH - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I love driving the Miata in the early evening of summer days, with the sun going down and the air starting to cool. Everywhere I park the car, people say "Thats my car" I say "Dream on"

• 

  Wifes Mazda - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By timc46 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Got home with it and had to take it back for a rear seal leaking. Then had to have the gas tank replaced. Then had to have the door locks replaced, they wouldnt lock, even trying manual. New brakes and rotor at 44K, which cost $400+. Rear washer motor had to be replaced. Too much for only 44K.

• 

  Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By pspretired1003 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  great in all kinds of weather and road conditions

• 

  I love my Zoom-Zoom - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Sazzynurse - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I boutht one of the first one of these in 2001 and I have put 55,000 miles on it with NO MAJOR problems...I LOVE IT...it is GREAT in the snow and pulls my SeaDoo with NO EFFORT...it even pulled my Ski Centurian before I sold it. It drives like a sports car and has a luxury feel. I had SO MANY people come up to me and ask me what it was ...and so many people have asked me if I want to sell it....the 4 wheel drive is so easy when you go skiing. I think this car is definately WORTH much more than the price...people think its a LEXUS...(I have a BLACK one) ENJOY...