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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  Lovin It!!!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Carmeshia - November 24 - 5:53 pm

  I absolutely love my new CX-7. I have had it for 6 months and have no regrets about purchasing it. I previously had a RAV-4 and it pales in comparison. The CX-7 is sporty and stylish and I get compliments on it on a daily basis. When you need to get up and go in traffic, it is ready. The navigation is great, the Bose surround sound is great, and the overall interior is great. I love the color of the interior orange and blue lights at night. I think this is the first vehicle I will keep for a while.

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  Could use more power - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Lawrence Whitmire - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Just got the car two days ago. Brand new 2003 off the lot. I was leaning towards a Saturn, but the salesman lied to me. Went to the Mazda dealer on a whim, and was surprised at what the P5 had to offer. It had more options then I cared for. Could care less about the moon roof & CD changer. The black color is sharp looking. Needs more power. Breaks good for not having ABS. Wondering how it is going to handle in the ice & snow, which we have here in Up-State NY for 7 to 8 months out of the year? Over all I am very impressed about this little car, which is the first Japan made vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Hunk of Junk - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By JScott - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Our van is on its third computer, and second transmission, and only has 60,000 miles! We look forward to getting rid of it! Dont forget, its still a Ford!

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  Mazda comes with a few surprises - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By mediterrenean - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Good deal at its price. Acceleration is ok but the inside ergonomics is one of the best I have seen across compact cars. The exterior paint is so thin that it chips away surprisingly fast. If your bumber touches another surface, get ready to see black streaks on it. Both driver and passanger door rubber seals came off and ripped apart after a year. May be it is because of how weather in CA. However, that is totally unacceptable. The dealer agreed to fix it under warranty, luckily. Make sure you show them exactly what is needed, because they do not check the car on your behalf and offer service.

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  Satisfied Owner - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By jfh777 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  After 8 months, we are very pleased with our 2003 Mazda MPV. First of all the price was right. Very good compared to other main contender, the Honda Odyssey. The MPV has all the features of the Odyssey. I am slightly disappointed with the vrmmm vrmmm. Needs a bit more power. The trans is very smooth, but is slow to upshift once youve floored it to pass someone. The 16" wheels and sporty exterior are pleasing compared to most mini-vans, and make it bit nicer when dad has to drive it for a day.

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  Peppy! - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By dpeerwani - November 24 - 2:47 am

  I got my CX-5 in July and currently have about 9,500km on it. Driving it has been nothing but fun. Great response, torque and stability in all conditions. I test drove the CR-V, RAV4, Santa Fe and Cherokee before settling on this one, the most balanced package of all. I am absolutely in LOVE with the steering, which adjusts firmness perfectly with speed. The interior build quality is great with soft-touch materials and while some may find it bland, I prefer this over the overly done interiors of RAV4 and Santa Fe and the pointless buttons of the CR-V. No problems so far - definitely room for improvements as noted below.

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  My 2007 Mazda 3 i Touring - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kprice_79 - November 23 - 9:20 pm

  I love this vehicle. I bought mine July of 2007 and absolutely love it. When it is time to trade this one in, I will definitely be getting another Mazda. The only thing I dont like about it, after a certain amount of miles (low mileage) the tires seem to make a loud noise after accelerating to a certain speed and when slowing down. I would also put at trunk release on the keyless entry pad. Would be a great help.

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  Must See - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Mike - November 23 - 4:03 pm

  I shopped the Acura RDX, Murano, and 2007 CR-V (through internet). My Grand Touring AWD with Bose blew my mind. My family owns all Hondas, as did I (2004 V6 accord Aoupe). The CX-7 made me change car companies. The value of this truck is unreal and should be considered if you are looking for a mid range SUV. Handling, styling, features, and standard equipment make this a STANDOUT among its competitors. Once you test drive and see this in person, it will alter your shopping list that day.

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  Mazda6 is Great Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mary - November 22 - 8:16 pm

  I did extensive comparisons. I dont like driving a car that everybody else in the parking lot has. My Mazda in ash metallic can be found easily in the sea of cars. It would have been easy to spend another $8K or more on Audi A4 wagon, but I can use the difference for some nice trips. I havent had a chance to try it on any of the big hills here yet in San Francisco though.

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  Worried about the gas - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By uzeus2 - November 22 - 12:46 pm

  I love my new CX9 very much, however, I was silly to believe the 18/24 mpg. I have only filled up 2 times, but I am not getting anywhere near that, and that is one reason I leased a V6 from a V8. Other than that I am really happy with the car. Its very smooth. I read all the reviews and agree with the need for automatic door locks, and auto lights off. I drive with babies and a toddler and the fact that the doors do not auto lock is not good. Since its obviously made to be a family car, they should have thought of that. You dont think about that when buying, and its not a big enough reason NOT to get it!! It took me about 3 months of research!