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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  Already Rusting??? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nae - February 27 - 11:06 am

  I purchased my 2005 Mazda the winter of 2004 love everything about the car, the feel of the car on the road, the suspension is tight, it has great get up and go for 2.0 and great gas mileage. It could use better interior lighting i.e. the window controls need more lighting and the my cigarette lighter light went out already? In 2007 I noticed my 2005 mazda 3i was beginning to rust around rear wheel wells and the undercarriage. I have taken my car into numerous Mazda dealerships for rust problem and have been told due to environmental factors they will not fix the corrosion? I highly doubt I will purchase another due to exterior quality it sad everything else is great about this little car.

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  no zoom zoom - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Golfbum - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought my van used and have had it for about 1 yr now. van is ok but my wife would like it to have the power slide doors and little stonger engine. My advice buy a Honda if you got the money and can find one, if not make the mazda your second choice

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  2001 626LX - 2001 Mazda 626
  By bogeyman - February 24 - 10:00 am

  My Mazda has 45K miles. No problems. It has the standard 4 cylinder motor. Plenty of power for town and interstate driving. Styling is a little dated, but so am I. Comfort is pretty good, except for drivers arm rest. I do not like the ignition key...it it very long and jabs my side during the day while it is in my pocket. I change my own oil. This is one of the hardest vehicles to change the oil on(the filter is super small and in a hard place to reach). Most of the time I go to Jiffy Lube instead. I have owned 4 Honda Accords in the past. This auto is as good overall as a Honda, and a little bit cheaper to purchase. Defects have been zero so far.

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  Hubby has the last laugh . . . - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By TReegs - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I was drawn to the P5 from the first moment I saw it. Prior to that, I had a Matrix in mind.On the road its obvious The P5 is a superior looking automobile. The P5 was the smartest choice we could have made. Loaded with options & priced lower than anything in itsclass.I found the ride was strange at first, because I was used to a more plush ride in our Concorde LXI (o.k.-my wifes car) Also, because I had never owned a Mazda before. Now I look forward to hopping in every morning and zipping to work. My wife is equally impressed & has asked me if I want to switch off and take the Chrysler some days. I have to keep myself from giggling, "thats okay honey, Ill take the Mazda . . .

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  Love it - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Zipper - February 22 - 9:23 am

  Traded 2002 for this true red Club Spec and with a little over a 1,000 miles Im glad I did. No a/c, no cruise, no fog lights, all the things that went to waste in my 02 became a real selling point. The 5 speed shifts like a knife in butter and with the lights in low beam I can actually see! The 02 was quick but the Club Spec is quick and you dont even realize it. The cup holder doesnt bother me, after a week I dont even notice it.

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  left stranded - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By frustrated - February 22 - 2:00 am

  had a mazda 3 before and now wanted something bigger. transmission and turbo charger went in the first 6 weeks. mazda did replace the vehicle, (very nice customer service there), but the 2nd one is in the shop getting the turbo charger replaced for the 2nd time. anyone else having troubles?

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  grab bag - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By wbsully1 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, LOVE the turbo. Serious problems though. Problems with A/C Compressor that was covered by warranty, problems with timing chain that wasnt. The chain and related damage added up to over $1,600 Harsh ride. Nice stereo though. Have had a continual "groan/creak" in the rear end since I bought it. Four different places have reviewed, none have found the cause. Dealer that does service has been very good though, prompt, and work well with me. (Crain Mazda in Little Rock). Doubtful Ill buy another though.

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Rob Ellis - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 2001 Tribute for over three years now and I am very happy with it. The engine performance is very adequate and I have had very few problems. The few problems I have had were covered under warranty. The service plan under the waranty has been great because it includes rental car coverage.

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  A settled, less exciting car - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Robert Weiss - February 19 - 7:55 pm

  Im comparing my gorgeous new 2016 MX-5 to my 2010 MX-5. It rides more comfortably at all speeds. It is way more forgiving of early up shifts or missing downshifts, its quieter and has much better electronics. On balance, its an easier car to drive, but sadly, less fun. The shifter throw seems to be longer and less snicky, the feeling of being on rails on the turns is decidedly less pronounced. There is nearly no interior storage, no glove box, nothing on the doors. And the useless oil pressure gauge has been replaced with an electronic shift indicator that also recommends which gear you should be in if you wanted to never exceed 2000 rpm.

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  Awesome Wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Omar - February 19 - 7:00 pm

  This wagon has been reliable since day one. I have done the oil changes on a regular basis, the only big thing so far was a vacuum leak. Fun to drive, nice paint job. Surprised Ford and Mazda have done a good job on this car.