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:

• 

  Oiled Out! - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By Disgusted In FL - December 28 - 10:00 am

  My experience owning this vehicle has its ups and downs. On the down side, the car burns too much oil. After an oil change, the oil light comes on 1000 miles into the oil change. I was told this was normal by the dealership on two occasions when I took it in for service. They told me to "add oil" to it and it would be fine until the next oil change. I have had more oil changes on this car in the one year that Ive owned it. This car is too overpriced for what you get.

• 

  Well satisfied - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Anna Wells - December 28 - 10:00 am

  We moved into a mini-van when my 3rd child was born. 2 yrs old and 24,000 miles. 5 yrs later still driving it, has been on many vacations, have done only routine maintenance, and have replaced the tires once. The transmission may be going, but up until now, it has been very reliable and a great vehicle for my family.

• 

  A Really Nice Van - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Ron - December 28 - 10:00 am

  We love this van. However we did have to replace the catalytic converter at about 74,000 miles (covered under mfg. warranty). Also, had a water problem. After a rain we opened both side doors and water came gushing out. None on the carpet. Just on the running boards. Took it back to dealership. They said some flaps under the van were not fastened properly. No problems since. Dont like the shifter where it is.

• 

  Great Vehicle, Snow Far - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By MattC - December 27 - 4:00 am

  We leased for 2 years and would probably buy it, but for the issue of snow driving. It is a problem for my wife, and I notice a big difference from our other car, which is a wagon. If you live nearer to the equator, its really a great car.

• 

  Not my type of Car - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By pj_flygare - December 25 - 7:02 am

  Bought a brand new 2014 Sport3I with 35 demo miles ODO Dec 19 2014. After some 100+ miles testing in various environment I found the seats uncomfortable, long miles is not for this car, even after the few miles I driven. Mpgs not to what estamimatied, but lower. It is very underpowered, overtaking another car in left lane demands a lot of considerations. Interior noise very loud. My wife Rav4 (2005) is quieter (more responsive). The Cx5 was quieter at test drive, the streets are very raw. Missing back up camera, (not required by law, but will be) from my 2006 Lexus. Stereo system not upgradable except in-mount speakers. Rattling noise around windows at idle. ??

• 

  Take it or leave it - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By amanda2471 - December 25 - 5:40 am

  I like my mazda because its has a nice design, an amazing amount of space, and its a nice ride. I was also impressed at how nice the car was a really reasonable price. However it has not always been a very reliable car. At only 3000KM the fuel pump died and I didnt have a car for 2 months because the part was on back order in Japan. Then at 15000KM I had break problems and the break clips had to be replaced. Then last week at 58000KM the transmission died. My lease is up in appox 9 months and because of all the reliabilty problems I probably wont buy a mazda again.

• 

  AWESOME Car - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Mazdude17 - December 24 - 10:36 pm

  Waited for the 2010 to arrive before I pulled the trigger. Was considering the MDX and others. Test drove many. I went the CX-9 because it is the best value. My wife and I both felt the MDX had no luxury value over the MDX. The new CX-9 is really nice! It handles it beyond expectations and has awesome features. I am 63" and this car was is very comfortable. Adding both the IPOD Module and Overhead DVD.

• 

  MPV Van - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By ksmemoore - December 24 - 6:23 pm

  The drivers seat is uncomfortable to me. I am a tall woman and the armrest is way too low for comfort. Seat will not lower down enough. The gas mileage is awful. Lots worse than we thought. At $3.50 a gallon we would prob. not have bought this van if we had known how bad it was going to be. It does seem to be reliable however and had some good features as far as lots of good seating to haul my kids and their friends around.

• 

  Excellent car; underappreciated name - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By glent33 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving this car almost every day for 4 years, and it has not failed me a bit. It has been reliable, durable and economical. The car certainly is underappreciated, which works for me because I did not have to spend a fortune to buy it. Overall an excellent vehicle. As testament to the Mazda value, I decided to buy a Mazda Tribute as 2nd care for treacherous winter driving.

• 

  my new mazada - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By ms.bell - December 24 - 2:00 am

  bought due to add in sundays paper sale price