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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  So Far, So Good - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By gk - September 28 - 6:13 pm

  This car runs well, looks great, and is fun to drive. I like the blue tooth feature as well as the ability to use my Ipod. The Bose system is also very powerful. I put the third seat down to create LOTS of room for cargo. This vehicle turns tight in narrow lanes as well. It looks good, and is fun to drive plus you are sitting up so you feel safer.

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  cool van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By AZ driver - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Needed more room and versatility. Tried the Sienna but was unimpressed for the price. MPV met our needs and with cash back incentive, we got a lot for our money. Dealership was very easy to deal with during purchase. Have only had for 2 weeks, so cant really comment on reliability. Could use more storage bins (lose one in back due to additl speakers in ES). Could also use a place to put jumper cables etc...without having to remove when reconfiguring back seat (Honda has a little recessed area to put these items w/net).

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Doug Stimpy - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I waited almost 6 months to get this. I have one of the first ones. Zoom Zoom is accurate and fun to drive. Had transmission problem. Dealer was very quick and curtious, I am impressed.

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  My first Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By superddawg - September 26 - 12:23 pm

  Wow, this car is fun to drive! I can definitely tell a power difference between it and some other cars at which I was looking. I cant believe the acceleration from a 4-cylinder engine! I also enjoy being able to change to manual shifting for winding roads. It is also a plus for cruising on the Interstate when approaching a big hill ... just drop it down into 4th gear and theres no loss of speed. I am impressed with how quiet the engine and road noise are at 80 MPH. In addition, the extra storage space will come in handy after the after market stereo and speakers are installed. This was a big problem with my previous car ... I lost all of my trunk space. The headlights are awesome!

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  Great car for the money - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By joelb57 - September 25 - 7:23 pm

  We enjoy the 2012 Grand Touring Mazda5. It is quick & nimble, seats 6 comfortably, and although not fast, still provides ample pickup. 70% of our driving is hwy, 30% city - - we avg about 25mpg. Seats provide good support & decent leg room. Heating and A/C are good. Fit/finish is excellent and opening/closing sliding doors is a breeze. Interior is well laid out although headliner and visors feel somewhat cheap. Seating is fine for 4 adults + 2 children although space beyond 3rd seat is limited. Nice ride although some air noise is detectable at hwy speeds. Excellent vehicle for the money - would recommend. Biggest plus is its fun to drive! We got a great deal through truecars.com

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  Great little car! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Sam - September 24 - 6:13 pm

  I love my Pro 5. The only aspect I would change is the headroom. I am 6 tall and I like to keep the seat bottom a little higher for better visibility. Mine has a sunroof, which decreases the headroom a bit, so Im right at the roof. Of course, I wouldnt mind a little more HP and better gas mileage, but I think it is a good balance. Ive found the interior transporting capacity to be surprisingly large with the back seats folded all the way down. The seats arent the most comfortable, but the leather feels good and has been durable so far. The ride is a little firm, but with the low profile tires, this helps offset the smallish HP when turning and maneuvering.

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  A Great Car for a Great Price - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tick131 - September 24 - 7:30 am

  I recently purchased a Mazda 6 at the beginning of this year after an accident left my Honda Civic totaled. I looked at Pontiac G6s, Hyundai Tiburons, Civics, a Lexus and even BMW to replace my beloved Honda. After testing a BMW 325, I discovered a Mazda6 sitting on the lot, intrigued by its designed I took it for a drive, and was blown away. Id never thought to even look at Mazda, but this had exactly what I wanted: great looks, great equipment (almost fully loaded), great handling & performance, and a value I couldnt pass. The manual is much sloppier than my Civic, but feels like a rocket ship despite its competitions better numbers.

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  More than I expected! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By veedubman - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I have never been a Mazda fan, but I liked the last generation RX-7, which is the reason for checking this car out. I have been very happy do far. Everyone should experience the free- revving nature of the rotary engine. The interior is heads and shoulders above all the other sports cars in its price range. The ride is very compliant for such a good handling car on 18" wheels. It has a great shifter and the interior is much better than I expected. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Best assembled auto I have ever owned! - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By N.EAST Johnny - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I bougtht my mazda for my wife because she loved its looks. Deeply discounted price for entry level luxury car also a factor. Was always a GM man (10 GMs 8 new from chevy to caddy)Since have purchased 4 new Toyotas big improvement in quality and reliability from GM. Also owned 1 Ford and 2 chrysler products (used). Although the Toyotas assembly were excellent,this car is perfect, nothing out of alingment or loose. The engine is not a great performer by any means. But is adequate for most. Comfortable car for 4 people. Cruises effortlessly at 80 mph. Only problem after 37,000 miles just happened this week,trunk release button will not open trunk.

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  02 tribute review - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jhouse - September 20 - 2:00 am

  seats are very unconfortable on long road trips and the interior looks cheap