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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  Is it a Van? - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Collin - June 10 - 7:20 am

  We have throughly enjoyed our 5 thus far. It has just enough room and we love the versatile seating. We downsized from an MPV and really enjoy driving the 5 much more than the minivan. MPG could be a little better on the highway, especially for a 4 cylinder but it is acceptable.

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  I am in love!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By dopey - June 9 - 10:46 pm

  I love this car!! It has every feature you want. I didnt want an suv or mini- van. This car is perfect. It is so much fun to drive. I didnt like the style at first. The car grows on you. All my neighbors compliment the car every time I see them. Its great for a small family. My 2 and half year old loves having his own seat too. The only down fall is my stroller fits on an angle. Also, the automatic car starter from Mazda is awesome. It worth every penny.

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  Worst Car Ever - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By 524dnx - June 9 - 9:09 pm

  I have been driving Hondas for 30 years. I purchased the Mazda 2 years ago. The turbo just went out and Mazda wont honior the warrantly because there is "sludge" in my engine. The Mazda dealership told me to replace the entire engine at a cost of $9000. I have 60,000 miles on it. Regular maintenance and use synthetic oil but since I did not have my oil changes done at the dealership the dealership wont cover it either. Also, I bought it used and did think to ask for copies of the oil changes from the previous owner and without those, I cant prove the oil was changed every 3,000 miles.

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  The Love-to-drive- drivers car!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Victor G - June 9 - 7:43 pm

  I test drove other Mazda 3 competitors models (Rabbit, Civic, Cobalt, Focus). None matched the comfort, performance, style or price value of the 3. The cars looks great, has many added features and its not as common as a Civic or Focus. The Mazda provides the best all around package of reliability, easy to find parts, reasonable price, performance and sense of exclusivity. You still dont see that many around.

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  If you own a 2008 tribute beware of RUST - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By D.D. - June 9 - 1:53 am

  About a month ago I noticed the rear wheel well areas were rusting as the paint is peeling. I took it to mazda who sent me to get a quote from a collision place to get it repaired and they said they had the exact same model in the day before and they decided to check the seems of the doors and under the hood, and the back door and of course all the seems are rusting which the guy told me they cannot repair only do a bandage job on it. I was hoping to keep this SUV for a number of years but he said in a couple years holes will start. It only has 62,000 Km on it and I believe it most definitely should not be rusting!!!...I am waiting to hear back from Mazda.

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  Try To Beat It.! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - June 8 - 7:03 pm

  If you like sporty cars, you cant beat this one for the money. Blows away all the competition. This is my third Mazda of this type (323, Protege, and now Mazda3). All the performance features (brakes, acceleration, handling) are top-notch. The I-Value package gives you all you need. BMW for a cheaspskate.

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  Mazda Protoge5 Review - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Concetta Marotta - June 8 - 12:16 am

  I have had a good driving experience with this car. However, I had to get used to the handling of the car, since it is a sport car and it is quick to respond.

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  2006 Mazda3 Grand Touring Hatchback - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By markanash - June 7 - 4:19 pm

  Great little car now with 138K on it. Nice features including the Bose sound, LED lights, adjustable headlights, great styling, etc.

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  Mediocre Mazda - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By meh. - June 7 - 1:13 am

  My Mazda was a college gift from my parents bought in great condition. I learned stick in this car and it was very smooth. The gas mileage was also great, and being a college commuter who drives 60miles a day to and from school, the gas was quite cheap. Got in one accident with a deer that completely demolished the car costing around three grand to fix (fix enough to pass inspection that is). The a/c has broken, check engine light is very flighty, had many pipe clogs, brakes failed... all within six months of purchase.

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  The Best SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By T foster - June 6 - 2:56 am

  My last car(Mercedes C240)did not handle as well as my new Tribute.The ergonomic styling is not only great to look at, but everything is accessable from my drivers seat.We have a BMW that needs to come with a Rhodes scholarship to be able to work the radio alone. Not so with our Tribute.the sound system is clear,crisp and very easy to use while driving.I feel like I am driving a sporty car, with great visibility.I do not feel as if I am driving a Bulky SUV.Same goes with the ease of parking. Definately the best vehicle I have ever owned, and I have owned them all!!