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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  A Fun Car - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Daddyvet - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Car was 4 years old when I bought it. It had 5248 miles showing on the odomenter...I believe to be correct. Being 68 years old it is my boyhood dream come true. I have put 4500 miles on it in 1 year. Have had absolutely no problems with it. with my bad knees, I have a little trouble getting in and out of it. But if I didnt have that trouble it wouldnt be a sports car, would it? Hope you can have one also!

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  mazda es mpv 2001 - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Heidi - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I am not very happy with my mazda mpv es. The "leather" is mostly vinal. The seats are SO uncomfortable. I wish Id have taken a longer test drive. After only 2 mths of owning it, I am ready to sell. I think its a good quality, but not all the "bells and whistles" compared to the competition. The 2002 has much improved features.But I am very disapointed with the "trade in value" if I sell it, I will have lost 3k in 2 mths! And I paid 5k UNDER sticker and 3k UNDER cost!! That tells me that it is NOT holding its value well at ALL! My mazda only has 1k miles!!

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  Weird Quirks - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By tasia41 - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I like my 2000 MAZDA Protege ES, but weird quirks with it. Driving 65 mph - there is a whistle that screams through the dash vents. Played with the controls-nothing helps. Funny smell from air conditioning (no dead creatures found). Smell is sickly sweet. Heat also creates strange smell. Rear passengers stay hot all the time. Problems with auto entry. (Electrical?) Moon/sun roof also creates a screaming sound. Can correct by holding down the unit with hand. Shouldnt have to do that. No Umph. Try to merge into highway traffic is slow (manual shift). Hamster drive.

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  Very Satisfied - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By noname - August 16 - 10:00 am

  Surprisingly satisfied. I test drove the Grand Cherokee, Trailblazer, Bravado and Montero Sport. The Tributes comfort was better than any (except Bravado). Its performance was better that most. Its perfect for me. Mileage 1st tank 18.5, second 19.5. Go the ES model.

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  Good value but not a favorite - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in Mar 2009 when sales were really slow. Car was built in Sept 08, so it sat on the lot for a while. With carpet mats and the rear bumper cover, just over $16k out the door. Very good value. Interior doesnt match up to what we had in two previous Honda Accords and our 2004 Camry. I purchased snow tires already after reading how junky the OEM tires are; is there a new car that doesnt have junky OEM tires in this price range? Despite 5spd auto, car is sluggish. 22-24 mpg in mixed driving. Manual shift mode is useless. Only had power steering failure happen to us (knock on wood); covered under warranty. Bought this car mostly for value and chaffeuring kids.

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  A great SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By DKNY - August 15 - 10:16 pm

  Bought the CX-9 to replace an Acura MDX. Its a great value, thousands less than an MDX or even a Chevy Traverse with leather. It drives beautifully and the interior looks great with French-stitched leather and contrasting accents. Its every bit as roomy, luxurious and comfortable as the MDX, and looks a lot better than the current MDX, or just about any other SUV.

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  Should be recalled - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By albanian - August 15 - 7:20 pm

  Average interior. The plastics inside feel cheap. Seats are not comfortable. Lacks power going uphill. Rough ride, you feel every tine ridge on the road. The sheet metal body has light tin feeling. Definitely not worth almost 40 k sticker. The passenger seat heated up while the car was parked due to electrical malfunction and created a fire hazard. The heated seats had to be disconnected to stop the battery from draining. Dealer does not have a fix. I think this being reported by many owners. No word of any recall from Mazda. They are probably waiting till there are reports of spontaneous combustion of few front seat occupants to occur before doing something about it.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Convert - August 15 - 5:20 pm

  Just bought this little beauty for my wife and we absolutely love it! Drive this, then go drive a BMW 328 and Im pretty sure youll find it difficult to justify spending another 15K for little more than luxury brand image. Mazda built one heck of a car. Only complaint is lack of standard IPOD integration -- bluetooth is great though so we just stream music through our iphones (the bose stereo is worth the extra $). For a compact the mileage may not be what most expect, but if you want 4 or 5 more mpg buy a Civic (great car too), but youll miss out on the great character and the hell this car can raise on the road!

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  no longer boring - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By brian06 - August 15 - 6:03 am

  I have recently purchased my first sedan and coming from a truck person (Ford) I must admit it has been an easy transition. From the test drive to parking it at my home I have finally realized that driving can be more than an obligation. The Mazda6 handles like a dream and the attention to detail for this build is above the standards that I have always looked for. Only faults of this car would be the stereo for it is not much in the astonishing sounds department so replacing the stock speakers will be a task for the near future. Overall, I am completely satisfied with my purchase and would recommend this car to anyone in the market for a new vehicle. An excellent buy for the dollar!

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  Thanks to the recall I got one at cost - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dan - August 14 - 11:00 pm

  I went and test drove it, loved it and bought it the same evening. Because of Edmunds I was aware of the recall and played hardball ... got an all option Touring with Nav/5M/Red for $20,450. I overall love it.