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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  Its not for everyone, but I love my CX-3 - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Wes - April 4 - 2:00 pm

  As a no-children household, this vehicle is perfect for the spouse and me. It has good enough fuel economy that we can take it on trips, enough storage for all of our things and whatever we accumulate along the way, and plenty of safety and entertainment features to make us feel comfortable while on the road. Plus, Im a pretty tall/stocky individual, and this vehicle has that SUV feel that allows me to actually feel like Im not slouching or laying down to fit inside comfortably. Since the spouse drives a sedan, we needed something with a little cargo room for those bigger items like a grill, patio furniture, etc. This vehicle has just enough capacity for that kind of a trip as well. I test drove and checked out every vehicle in this class (Honda H-RV, Subaru Crosstrek, etc.) and for the price, I feel the decision to purchase this vehicle is a no-brainer. I think my Mazda and I will be together for quite some time.

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  Best vehicle ever - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By HEFFAE - April 4 - 5:06 am

  Eight months later, Im still looking for reasons to run to the store. My black CX-7 still turns heads even with all the new SUVs that have recently come out. It is like driving my Saab convertible (that I sold to buy this) except with a top on it and comes with lots of room. Im older but still enjoy the occasional "pedal to the metal" because of its extremely quick response and incredible passing gear.

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  Good overall - 2016 Mazda CX-5
  By susanchicago - April 3 - 1:38 pm

  I traded in my 2015 Mazda Touring with Technology package for this GT AWD and couldnt be happier. I am a college student in Illinois and AWD gives me better confidence in snow, but I really wish there could be a way I can manually turn on the AWD. This car is also good for student, I can turn the car into a bed if I fold down the rear seats. The biggest improvement is the infotainment system and it does make a big difference. The new wheels look great. In general, I found the look very attractive and the gas milage to be great. The 2016 model seems to be more solidly built, as the interior plastic is better assembled, whereas the plastic in my 2015 fall off within weeks.

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  Tribute 5-speed 4-cyl Initial report - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By 5speed - April 3 - 7:36 am

  Purchased the Tribute i sport with 5-speed manual transmission,fwd, and 4-cyl engine because I wanted a vehicle with cargo capacity and respectable fuel economy. The dealer where I made the purchase had to locate the vehicle with this combination, because they had never had a Tribute on their lot with a manual transmission. There is not a photo available of the manual shift lever and console combination available in the Mazda brochure. But Mazda did a good job with the 5-speed package, the shift lever is well finished and attractive with a good relationship to the steering wheel. The clutch pressure is very light and makes shifting gears easy. Now have 1709 miles and my average MPG is 30.97

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  If you cant afford a Jaguar - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rod M. - April 3 - 3:26 am

  Lease expired on our beloved 2007 Mazda3 Touring. Checked out the 2010 3s and could not get past the homely grill. Test drove new Sonata and Camry. The Sonata is pretty and handles well, but the GLS feels like the economy car it is. The Camry (even in sportier SE trim) was not much fun to drive. The Fusion, Accord, Altima and Legacy styling do not move the pulse rate. If you put a leaping cat on the 6, it could be mistaken for a Jag. One car editor said it drove like a Jaguar XF. So whats the down side? The cloth seats are not that comfortable. The lumbar support does not hit me in the right place. Cheap Walmart seat cushions fixed that. Stereo is just okay. Mileage is mediocre.

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  Mazda is not helping!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By ebricha - April 1 - 11:55 am

  Ive purchased my 07 mazda new, the last few months Ive notice a noise coming from my car, my car was sounding loud, had it looked at and more than one person said they didnt hear anything,I have only 59,000 miles on my car. but I knew something was wrong. now come to find out its the VVT after it was inspected by Mazda dealers they also said my bad VVT has caused the timing chain to stretch, and I shouldnt be driving my car. BUT get this theyre not going to fix it!! Not until I produce ALL my oil change receipt. Thats almost five years. I dont get it if they know the parts bad, then they should fix it. Plus what about the timing belt? I dont know what to do!!

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  Disappointed... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By B Raymond - March 31 - 10:13 pm

  Bought this car used with 20,000 mi. LOVED this car, how it drove how it looked, the amount of room. But after about a year every few months we had to replace something: the clutch, the shocks, tires (2x), and air box system. Finally the engine in the car blew due to a cracked seal that caused the oil to leak dry(the oil was changed every 3000 mi). the carpeting is coming off in the cabin area and the drivers side speaker goes in and out. So we are getting rid of the car (after taking a huge hit on the loan) and never buying another mazda.

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  I think Im turning Japanese - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By newlyconverted - March 31 - 10:00 am

  My family has always been a satisfied Chevy family. When I opened my options to include foreign cars for my first car purchase, I fell in love with the Mazda 3i. I needed an affordable car that was cheap to own and this fit the bill. I got the 3i completely loaded with options and I still found it very easy to afford. Plus, Im 64" and about 245 and I have plenty of room in the car. I compared with the Jetta, S40, and this car met every single one of my requirements. Contrary to most of the reviews on this site, I found the A/C to be plenty powerful...and Im a big sweaty guy!

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  Lovin it - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By hongdaniel - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Thank you Mazda! Less known than Honda or Toyota, but more bang for the buck!

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  We Luv our Maz - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Chris - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car from new - 3 years and 40,000 miles ... nothing has gone wrong with it. Everything about it feels just right. Great for zooming around town but the often quoted lack of power is only noticed out on open country roads. Forget about the automatic - you just have to have the manual shift to get the most fun out of this car - it loves to rev. Love the looks from the front but never really got used to the hatchback end (ps. its not a wagon). Problems: clutch judder when cold but it hasnt got any worse since new, slightly gruff noise from engine for the first minute in the morning, stock Goodyears were very prone to potentially lethal aquaplaning.