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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  zoom...zoom...zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike - February 15 - 10:46 am

  I really enjoy our new Tribute. Lots of bells and whistles for the price. The rebates make it awesome. You dont see a tremendous amount of Tributes on the road, I dont like to be "part of the crowd". The gas tank could be larger and the gas mileage could be better. When you accelerate you can feel the vehicle tugging at different rates. The dealership I purchased at had two different personalities, before purchase and after purchase, that is the only "real" negative experience. I can live with the rest! Zoom....Zoom....Zoom.....

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  Continually amazed by great performance - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By DARIN - February 14 - 3:36 am

  This car can be summed up in one word - tight. It is one well built car, and I knew this the minute I shut the door after the first test-drive. It drives circles around the Civic. The interior is roomy, and all the gauges are fun to look at. This car is the Swiss Army knife of cars, it can do so many things. Coming from a VW, this car is light years ahead of VW in performance, and reliability. Just in case, Mazda includes a 5 year, 50,000 warranty. The engine just purrs. I have a manual, and is it so fun and easy to shift. If you are looking for reliability, great looks, and some power to haul the family around with, the M3 is it.

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  Mazda - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By belajac - February 12 - 7:53 pm

  Nothing but problems. Two weeks after purchase looked under the car to see what the exhaust looked like the car all I saw was rust from the front to the back I was very disappointed when I buy a new car I expected a new car. Took it in for inspection a few months later and rotors needed cut and brake pads had to have rust sanded ( come on just replace them) then at 6000 miles all my electronics shut down everything went off TCS radio blue tooth navigation gas gauge would float from empty to full I have no idea probably rusted somewhere in the components sound like electrical???? Will they ever figure it out?? I got ride of the car happiest day ever took my loss and bought a Nissan again.

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  My Zoom-Zoom Sports Car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Tina - February 12 - 5:30 pm

  I wanted another sports car, but knees are bad and the cars are too low. I hate SUVs and trucks. I dont want to grow up. Then I saw the CX-7 on TV. Hummmm, maybe. I had a Miata that I loved. Drove the CX-7. OMG. It was love at first zoom. I truly love this car (and so do people who see it). Got my sports car, easy to get in, fun to drive like my Miada was, roomy, reclining seats, quick and sexy. Thank you Mazda.

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  Beep at 9k - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By L8R - February 12 - 10:50 am

  Ive had my 2004 GT MT, putting 18k miles the 1st year, and about 3k a year since. I love it. Its nimble, quick in the power band, very responsive, hugs corners like a bear, shifts like butter, plenty of space for 4 regular size adults. Acceleration from 40 to 140 is quick in the power band and the shifter is faultless. Have not had 1 mechanical failure and I used to drive it hard. Windows down and sunroof up driving provides little wind disruption inside (although also prevents a good breeze in S Florida Temps). The stereo is excellent with good features and good sound production. The weight distribution and tossability of the car excels compared to any other vehicle costing less than 50k.

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  This car is more than a family mini van! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By ARP - February 11 - 10:56 am

  I might be one of the only reviewers I have read (and Ive read TONS) that does not have a family yet! I am almost thirty and was looking for a bigger car to accommodate more people in the future but also wanted something portable, fun to drive, with great gas mileage. I stumbled onto this car at the Mazda dealership and loved it. I had been interested in a Honda Fit, CRV, or a RAV4. This car was the perfect compromise. My test drive proved this car to be much superior than those I had test driven. My only fear was that I would buy a "mini van." I think this hip car needs its own category. Perhaps call it a giant hatch back. Either way, I love it, and it suits my needs.

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  Mazda MPV - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By CS - February 9 - 3:23 pm

  Other than wind noise when driving, this is a very nice family van.

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  Bottom engine protector - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By TC in MT - February 9 - 2:46 am

  We have torn two under guards off because of the low clearance on this vehicle. As a consequence we have gone with out this under guard and now see some pulleys & belts with wear & tear. My wife and 16 yr old really like it, me? Im on the fence.

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  glad I did it - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - February 8 - 5:43 pm

  Having owned four Chevrolet Cavaliers in the past I expected this car to a much better machine based on all the research I had done. Although the Mazda3 is considered a compact it is a completely different vehicle than any other compact I have driven. I understand the Cavalier has been around forever and the technology is old but I must say the cars I bought served me well. My sister has a 2005 Honda Civic and her husband has a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. They are both nice cars but after having been in all of them I dont think there is a car on the market today that can compare to the Mazda3. I bought the s Grand Touring Sedan with just about every option you can get. Buy it -- you will like it.

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  Shifting issues & gas mileage - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By Sandra Paris - February 8 - 3:23 pm

  Would like to comment on the shifting smoothness from 20 mph up to 40-50 mph. Car seems to hard shift on accelerating, like a drag, and on down shift, strong feeling of jerking into gears. The gas mileage seems to be hurting from this situation. No help from the dealer service manager and Mazda area rep, all say normal. No check engine light has come on. Waiting for some answers from another dealer. Have driven a 2010=6 cyl Ford escape and did not feel this odd shifting. Also, the interior has black shiny dashboard, attracts a lot of dust. Sure wish they would go back to dull finish.