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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  awesome vehicle - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By eric buzaglo - July 28 - 8:13 am

  this car is exceptional. the mazda rx-8 is both beautiful inside and out. its 17 inch wheels are magnificent. very unique car. i hope mazda keeps up the good work. bravo!

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  My Mazda 6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lori - July 27 - 7:10 am

  I like my Mazda 6, its fun to drive, seems reliable, and is a good-looking sedan. Two negatives: 1 .I notice some acceleration hesitancies. 2. Its a thirsty car (high gas consumption).

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  Quick, cool, and great mileage. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Lover - July 27 - 5:46 am

  I have 34k miles on the car and have not had one problem yet. The car continues to have the same acceleration as the day I bought it (2.3L). The comfort is amazing for a large adult who is 64 tall. I have family members who are taller and enjoy driving it. The suspension is sporty and responsive. I drive on the highway most of the time and get 32-34 mpg. The look of the car is amazing!!

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  Zoom for the money! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Happy - July 26 - 11:06 am

  At 53 sold my impractical touring motorcycle so I needed some sport w/practicality. Drove VW Rabbit, but 2.3 Mazda 3 was smoother and have owned both in the past, Mazda more reliable. Most important is Electronic Stability Control, have not been able to get it to skid, it is like glued to the road like a Porsche 911 but more balanced. Precise steering. Acceleration is good, better than I expected and it is fun to pass 3 cars at a time on two lane highway. Needed manual and sun roof to keep sport feeling but is clumsy with cell phone in traffic. Very quiet at hwy speeds, 3,050 rpm at 70 in 5th, redlines at 6,500 rpm (top 149 mph??). S Touring has lots of features, cruise, etc. Doors solid.

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  Nice small SUV , handles like a car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By GeorgeP - July 26 - 2:50 am

  I got the stripped down manual transmission version, so no ranting here about useless options. It has held up well now after 3 years. No real rusting yet on the sheet metal. Some of the interior has a cheap plasticy feel, the handling is good on corners, does not want to flip like some SUVs. Motor is a bit underpowered on the 2.3L motor, feels like a 2.0L motor in a SUV. Decent build and design otherwise.

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  would not buy agin - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By c reese - July 26 - 12:33 am

  my car is a 2007 cx7 the air compressor went out which also caused2 pullers to have to be replaced. no one has a compressor and i can not drive the car. i find this very strange because the car will not run. so i am stuck with a car note, plus an additional cost of transportation and a repair bill. there ii a problem with these cars and there is no recall on them.

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  My CX-7 experience after 2 years - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By somewhathappyCXowner - July 24 - 11:13 pm

  I love the way the CX-7 drives, when I got the junky stock tires off and upsized to 255/55/18 the ride not only got quieter but less crashy. Handling grip increased big time as well.. Next, the A/C compressor is a wide-spread issue and Ive come in contact with it as well. It effects all 2007 models and some 2008s. When it happened to me I immediately had to stop driving the car, driving it any further will cause damage to it. Otherwise, my CX-7 has been mostly problem free for 52,000 miles. Nothing wrong with the turbo or the engine. Usually complaints online are far more concentrated than the actual problem itself and thats what Ive discovered personally..

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  Dollars per horsepower unbeatable - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By DG - July 24 - 7:13 am

  I love the power, the handling, and the overall package. The car drives extremely well. The only issues after 1500 miles have to do with the carbon from the tailpipes that ends up all over the rear of the car. I have owned several turbo cars and carbon build up on the pipes is common. This seems excessive. The car emits a lot of smoke on hard acceleration in 2nd and 3rd gear. Overall, it is the best value for the money in terms of horsepower and quality.

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  A fan of the 2002 MPV! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By KT in VBVA - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I thoroughly enjoy my 2002 MPV LX. We were on our way to purchase a 2002 Camry XLE(we have a 2000 and sold our 1994 Camry) and passed the Mazda dealership. I had read the consumer reviews on the MPV and wanted to check it out for myself. Though our salesman was definitely lackluster, I was truly impressed with what Mazda had to offer...so impressed that I was swayed to buy the MPV- it gave me room for more passengers(it can be a tight squeeze in the last row of seats, but it beats taking separate cars) and the nimbleness of a car. The body is stylish and sharp-the exterior lighting package adds a sporty look. I dont feel like Im driving a van at all.

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  cruise and gas problems - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By rich186 - July 23 - 8:05 pm

  Bought the car last May, Great til Aug. On a trip when cruise went from 2400 to 6000 rpm. Happened 4 times. Thought the engine was going to blow. Highway gas mileage went from low 30s to upper 20s. Since 1-1-13 have avg. 31 in the city and 29 on hwy trips. Mazda says there is nothing wrong with the car. I live where its flat. Cruise goes into passing gear when going up the slightest incline. Again Mazda says thats normal and its saving gas by doing that. Service manager told me today that mpg hwy is only good up to 60. After that your mpg will decrease. Sky inactiv tech. Am going to try to see if Mazda USA can help but I guess it will be like hitting my head against a wall.