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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  Fantastic Car - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By seacogirl - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I cannot say enough about this car. I love it!!! It is the BEST buy for the money! I only regret that they dont make a "high class" model. No woodgrain, fancy bells and whistles, but who needs them! It has 6 CD changer IN THE DASH AND AM/FM, Cassette all in the dash -- other fancy high class cars dont offer that. The back seat folds down completely flat -- fantastic feature. This car is not too heavy to stop - when you hit the brakes, expect it to stop, unlike larger SUVs. It is also not a gas guzzler. I just cant say enough about this car. LOVE IT!!!

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  Oh this is nice...and fun! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By A Hondaguy - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I had always driven Hondas until the year end incentives led me to look at a Mazda. I have owned Preludes, and driven Civics, and my wife and I tested a Focus. The Protoge had better interior quality than the Ford, and more pep than a Civic. After test driving the car and comparing cost and features my wife and I both agreed on the Mazda. I love the the standard features of the LX. Throw on a spoiler, add the moonroof and 6cd package and it was a great deal for just over 13k out the door.

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  A blast to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rjenk - December 24 - 2:00 am

  The RX-8 is an absolute blast to drive. Steering and handling are exceptional. There are so many little features and design aspects that are included that youll find things months after purchasing...many that will make you say "now why didnt someone think of that before?" This is truly a family sports car. The unique doors makes it easy for rear riders to get in/out.

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  Get the touring model if you buy used - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Ken - December 23 - 9:50 pm

  The Mazda 5s (2009 new models at the time) became very popular in cash for clunkers.If buying used (Hertz, Enterprise, etc have them) get the Touring model with CD changer, moonroof, leather wheel/shifter, LED taillights, fog lights, spoiler and side skirts for about $1,000 over a Sport (nearly $2,000 premium when new). We got ours at 32K in 8/09. Only negative is that nice looking low profile 17" tires do wear out faster than conventional wheels.Steering and versatility are outstanding. We love the Alpine 10.2" overhead DVD that we installed behind the moonroof. Note the recent 2007-2009 recall (also Mazda 3) for power steering. Stability control and traction control were not added until 09

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  Will buy again - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Arie - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Love exterior, good suspension, excelent build quality, more powerfull engine will help, automatic airconditioner not good enough.

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  My car Seems great - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Mman - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for Quite some time. I love it, It has been a great car No problems so far. The ride quality is great everything works perfect. I love my V6 engine although it is not as powerful as Toyota or Honda. It still has alot of Go to it. Overall I think it is a great car.

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  ZOOM ZOOM is it lol YEAH BABY - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By MY2cents - December 23 - 10:00 am

  well in one week i have added 1000 KM to my MAZDA MPV DX and i love the power, 200HP. LOVE the service i got from the dealer! quick and help full.

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  Great MiniVan! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By pgp - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I needed a full size SUV. My wife wanted a Minivan. Finally both of our wish got fulfilled how?. You guessed it right! We bought 2002 MPV ES. Its great minivan which looks and feels like a SUV. It has all most all the features of Odyssey yet it is lot cheaper than Odyssey and readily available to drive it home same day unlike Odyssey where you have to wait at least 3 months. We love the drive and comfort.

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  Should have bought a camry - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Neva - December 23 - 4:06 am

  I was torn between buying a mazda 6 or a camry and went with the mazda. I enjoyed driving the car but at 7,320 mi. the car broke down (bad clutch). Yesterday at 33,000 mi. the car broke down again (bad clutch). I am a good driver and never had this problem with my previous cars. I am waiting for the wrecker to pick up the car and will be trading it asap.

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  Nice handling, little else - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By djd123 - December 22 - 3:27 am

  I was looking for something with a little more cargo capacity than my old rsx last year, and was really taken by how well the cx-5 handled during the test drive. I did not think the low-powered engine would be much of a problem. I was wrong. Going up hills with a single passenger and two dogs in the back, the car made a lot of noise with very little movement. It also felt cheaply put together. After about a month of ownership, the drivers seat squeaked like an old mattress. The stock radio and speakers are utter trash. Lots of little rattles and vibrations that I didnt notice during the test drive.