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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  Be careful what you wish for - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Alex - March 30 - 4:20 am

  Great handler with good power. Communicates well in corners and inspires confidence to push on. It has enough power to make pushing on fun. But beware, this is not a quiet ride. Engine speed at 70 mph is 3500rpm. The exhaust is loud at that rpm. Road noise comes through the wheel wells, and the tires throw up little pebbles which create noise. The car is low so egress and entry are difficult. Once inside a six footer will fit, but this is no Caddy (duh). Fuel economy is 25- 27 in mixed driving on any grade of gas-not great. Lastly, OEM Michelin Pilot Preceda are great in wet/dry, but useless in any light snow

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  Check Engine Light Problem - NO FIX - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By AVOID THIS LEMON - March 30 - 3:26 am

  I purchased this lemon a little over two years ago and dont drive it much. It only has 8500 miles and will be going into the shop for the FOURTH time for a check engine light problem that seems to be impossible to fix. If you enjoy visiting your dealership every 2000mi, this is the vehicle for you. Run, dont walk, away from your Mazda dealer.

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  I Love my ZOOM ZOOM - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By brittany16 - March 29 - 4:32 pm

  I owned a 2008 red mazda 3 hatchback for 9 months it had almost 55,000 miles on it and not a single problem and I recently traded it in for a 2011 celest blue Mazda 3 Hatch with 29000 miles on it. I have not one complaint about this car. Its 100% perfect. The handling is amazing, its got plenty of speed and is extremely comfortable. The outside appearance is very sporty and nice looking and the inside is great looking as well. I give mazda 2 thumbs up when it comes to building these cars. I wouldnt trade mine in for the world.

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  Mazda3 S, Zoom Zoom Zoom is no lie! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nigel - March 29 - 8:53 am

  I cant speak highly enough of my bright blue Mazda3 S. It has been a joy to drive and absolutely trouble free. One recall for the crash sensor behind the front bumper. 10,000 miles a year, of which 70% is in town. Getting about 24 to the gallon in town and about 30 on the interstate at fairly high speeds. I have the shiftmatic version which Im quite pleased with (first one Ive owned) although I wish it was 5 speed like the later models. I find it hard to get off the line really quickly, but once the VTec cam gets going it positively flies. Handling is wonderful, accelerate hard through a corner at high speed and feel the Gs. Current models have much better equipment options.

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  2014 CX5 2.5 Touring - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By pmacx5 - March 28 - 1:07 pm

  Its been 2 yrs/ 20K miles and it still deliveries the fun to drive with perfect Reliability. I service my cx5 at the dealer. first service @5k $40, second @10K free, third@15K $55, fourth@20K $60. Owning a Lexus, BMW, and Nissan, we seem to drive the CX5 everywhere. Avg., MPGs when new was at 23-24, mix driving - after we hit 4-5K we avg., 27mpg. On trips 300+ miles on cruise control holding 70mph we avg., 31mpg. I have a BMW 42K price tag and the Mazda matches the steering & Balance character of it. We have been very Happy with the Cx5. If I had any CONS: it would be the the bluetooth, its quirky & it needs a little sound deadening padding like Lexus. other than that, Its a great buy

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  My 1998 626 - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Greg Sigelmier - March 28 - 2:00 am

  It has been the best car I have ever owned. Its hard to believe it was built as a joint venture with FORD.

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  My first Mazda !! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Lance - March 28 - 2:00 am

  But definitely not my last. My family has always driven Mazdas but I had never owned one myself. That will change after purchasing my Protege5. I am hooked on Mazda as the dealership service was excellent both in sales and after-sales service. Not to mention the Protege5 is definitely the best handling and best looking car I have ever owned.

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  went outside the box - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By indianared - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Have been a Ford person for years. Noting the less than favorable reviews on the Focus, saw a Protege 5 and fell in love. Have had it 2 /12 months and is everything I wanted. I am retired and use it for daily trips locally. Average 26-27 mph. Husband has big 350 diesel 4x4 and we use the Mazda for our outings. He is 6 tall and 230 lbs. and have plenty of room.

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  good van, lousy factory tires - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By zzz - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Its a great van. Fuel efficiency could be better. After 20k miles, its still very solid. Factory Dunlop tires are crap. Coolant reservoir seems to overflow a bit since new. Easy to maintain (mainly fluid changes).

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  good van, lousy factory tires - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By zippy - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Its a great van. Fuel efficiency could be better. After 20k miles, its still very solid. Factory Dunlop tires are crap. Coolant reservoir seems to overflow a bit since new. Easy to maintain (mainly fluid changes).