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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  LOVE IT! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Kris - July 17 - 11:06 am

  When my husband and I went shopping for a new vehicle for me, I wasnt sure I was ready for an SUV. Ive always considered myself a "car" person" so I was leaning more toward upgrading to a newer Honda or Acura than taking home an SUV. I am so glad that we came across the Tribute--it is so fun to drive, gives me all the space I need and more, rides as smoothly as a car, yet gives the visibility of an SUV. We take the Tribute everywhere and it really is exceeding our expectations. The gas mileage could be better (but I was used to a 5-speed Honda!) but all of the other perks definitely outweigh that one negative!

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  Very happy with my new SUV - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By suziesivlerado - July 17 - 7:15 am

  I just traded in a 2014 Accord sedan (which had multiple problems) for the CX-5, so let me start by saying I only had this car for five days. But I love it so far. The seats are so supportive and comfortable (apart from the head restraint which are fine for taller people) The Bose system sounds fine to me--not great-- but good enough. The interior noise level (I checked with a decibel meter) is lower than some higher price models. It is relatively smooth on bumpy roads and a pleasure to drive. The electronic multifunction interface is not great. it is a bit slow and sometimes requires multiple entries. Also, the screen could be a tad bigger.

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  Large Gap Across Headliner at Windshild - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By JLSHD - July 17 - 1:46 am

  Overall.....a good vehicle. However, have the same experience as other contributor with an extremely poor installation of rear view camera cable at forward edge of headliner. No thought was given to installation as they simply pulled the large cable thru headliner front edge causing a gap across the entire headliner at windshield. Mazda says they were designed like this and will ***not*** honour warranty for poor workmanship. VERY substandard installation and extremely poor customer service!! Mazda just lost a life time customer!!

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  2016CeramicMetallicSport - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Timothy N. - July 16 - 1:23 pm

  Ive been graced to drive/own multiple 2-Seat sports cars in my lifetime. Back in 1987 my first car my dad gave to drive was a 1969 Austin-Healey Sprite. It was fun to drive but extremely un-reliable and finicky. It left my behind stranded several times, once I was over an hour away from home (Broken throttle cable). When the clutch finally went out in it my dad said that was the final straw and we had to salvage it. My first Mazda MX-5 Miata experience was driving a used 1995 model back in 2002. It had sport suspension (sport springs/shocks), chrome rollover hoops behind the seats, aftermarket wheels/tires. It was a hoot to test-drive but was sold before I could purchase it. Fast forward to Black Friday 2015 I finally purchased my first MX-5, a 2016 Sport 6-speed. I was the first to own one in my town I live in now, Jacksonville, N.C. It was almost 4mos before I finally spotted another 2016 MX-5 in town, and now there is about 5 more as of June 2016. Anyway - its a blast to drive, handles pretty well even though I do plan on purchasing lowerings springs or coilovers for it in the future, gets pretty decent gas milage, the standard sound system still sounds amazing and even has speakers mounted inside the headrests. I love the L.E.D. headlights and taillights, and I get alot of looks from people even from people in alot more expensive cars than my Miata. If You have never driven one I suggest You do, its an experience youll never forget, Im blessed enough to have one and as my daily driver at that. Yall have a nice day...

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  Love the car but some tidbits... - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Wyleypilot - July 15 - 3:50 pm

  Well, after one week and 1000 miles including a 10.5 hour drive from San Diego we really like this car but there are some unique nuances. Car is extremely fun to drive and definitely has a good presence on the road. We have the all wheel drive version and driving in snowy conditions in Tahoe was not a problem at all, very stable. Car is very comfortable, good electronics, and overall seems a decent value within the category. Nuances are though that the car does not have a fuel range computer (and we have a grand touring with virtually every feature) and does not have a compass or trip computer. Finally the iPod attachment does not work with Sat radio and Navigation - big issue

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  Wow.... - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By linalunar - July 14 - 1:10 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Honda civic EX for this car. Although the payments were a little higher because of the APR, it was worth the increase. My insurance went down about $50/month and that balanced out the costs. This car is the best! I love it so much. Much better power/acceleration, air conditioning, braking, stereo ... EVERYTHING! Gas is a little more expensive, but so what? Car is worth every penny and more. Dont buy in a dark color unless you do not tailgate, front end paint chips easily. Otherwise I love my car! Cant wait for summer to cruise around more often. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!

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  even better second time around - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By azwildcat - July 14 - 10:03 am

  My second MX5. The first was a 90, trouble-free for 155,000 miles. The new one is even better. Great handling, great looks and a great value for the money.

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  Fun to drive - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By billy bronco - July 14 - 12:56 am

  This car is a ball to drive. Its like a high power go-kart. I know the younger crowd thinks it’s a girlie car but take one for a ride and you will be convinced otherwise. I’m 53 and wish I bought one a long time a go. Sticks to the road like glue, plenty of power. You feel like your going 100 miles an hour at 60 because youre so low to the ground. I don’t use mine as a daily driver; kinda tough because its so small, but it can be done. My wife loves being the passenger and lately has been taking her friends out cruising! I do my own work and it is built like a little tank, indestructible and cleverly done at that. Mine is a 97 with 94K miles and runs like new, zoom zoom!

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  Great little van - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By dharbin - July 13 - 3:45 pm

  We have almost 100K miles on the 5 -- purchased with 42K in 2011, and we have put almost 20K a year on it since. Its been reliable and economical to operate, and adequate for our family of 5 (including 3 young girls). A little tight for the several road trips we have taken (several times to Chicago, Connecticut and Florida), but a rooftop box solves the space problem. Fuel economy ranges from 23 in town to 30 on the highway (driving at 70 without cargo box.) Overall average of 25 mpg, usually with 3 kids inside.

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  2007 cx9 is pretty fine - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Bill K. - July 13 - 7:00 am

  I love the style and handling of the vehicle. We have not owned it long enuf to comment about reliability. my only complaint is the seats are too firm for my liking and the blinds spots are substantial.