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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  Great people mover - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Commuter - May 1 - 7:16 am

  My sport model has the automatic transmission and I love it. Shifts are smooth and quick and the performance is fine for me. Doesnt downshift on any of the hills on my commute which I cant say for some previous vehicles. First full tank of gas 26 plus mpg. Thats every bit as good as the EPA estimate, so I cant complain. Im having trouble finding a really comfortable adjustment for the drivers seat, but Im working on it. Great quality, lots of space, smooth quiet ride and willing engine. A lot of vehicle for the money. I love it.

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  My experience with CX7 - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Liz - May 1 - 6:40 am

  Im currently leasing a Mazda CX-7 and for the most part its been fun to drive, I do have an issue with Mazda the quality of tires they are choosing is the lowest, and I say this because Im in the tire business, I only got 12,00 miles with the original tires. This is very disappointing I went to the dealership and they dont want any part of this they direct you to Bridgestone even worse, its wear and tear and that is b%$%^%^%. I have bought and leased may other cars never had this problem. Yes it has 18 wheels but choose a better class tire "BRIDGESTONE TURANZA" is a low class tire and they know it. I have replaced my tires and the ride is more smoother. Good luck to anyone that buys a Mazda

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  Surprised by Quality at 15,000 Miles - 2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
  By Tom-in-SF - May 1 - 1:50 am

  I test drove several small SUVs like the Jeep Patriot, Hyundai Tucson, and Honda CR-V. Now all of these (Ford Escape and Mercury, are similar to the Mazda) had their good points, and some better than the Mazda, but in meeting my requirements of comforts, space and fuel economy, the Mazda Tribute fit the bill (fuel prices climb). I purchased my Mazda Tribute Hybrid with Grand Touring pkg, AWD, and NAV System, and a good price just over 30K. Fuel economy in the SF Bay area is 32 MPG! It is really peppy when you press the accelerator combining both electric and gas engine power. I drive regularly in snow and ice, and it drives very nice, it does takes getting used to the AWD engaging.

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  A great car to me - 1998 Mazda 626
  By bald eagle - May 1 - 12:33 am

  We purchased our 626 after reading in Consumer Guide that it was highly recommended year and model. We have really enjoyed driving this car. We get an honest to goodness average of 40 mpg. I drive it at 65 to 70 on the freeway and it handles well as far as I am concerned. It never burns any oil and I have gone to synthetic oil. Im keeping it till it dies because we have been so pleased with it. It only has 122,000 on the engine.

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  Mazda continues to lead the pack - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By chicagoaverys - April 30 - 5:10 pm

  As someone who makes it his business to drive a lot of cars out there, I remain very impressed with Mazda. The Mazda5 is a lot of fun and a lot of functional. I cant wait to to get aftermarket toys. The car doesnt need it, but with Mazda always focusing on the individual, instead of bland mass appeal, like some other imports, it should be fun to tweak. My only problem was having trouble deciding between the Mazda3 five door and the "5". They both have a lot of positives. It is just nice to have a crossover vehicle for those of us who dont want to move into an SUV and arent willing to give up the fight and settle into a minivan. The "5" is perfect for my family of 4 and a 90 lbs dog.

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  Best Bang for the Buck! - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By nyminutes - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, well made car with vroom , thats less than $15k. Get the 5 speed, very smooth. The handling on this car is excellent, better than many sports sedans selling for 25k+! The fit finish/reliability is better than any JapanMexOhiocan from Honda, Nissan or Toyota. Lets face it, how many older 1s of those do u see out there lately??? You still see many older Proteges though, still made in Hiroshima by workers whos average tenure with the company is 21 years! The only downside to the car is resale value, but if u want a great car, that u can beat on trouble-free for 100k+ miles, this is the car.

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  Zoom Zoom...Cheesy but true! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By EdmundsFan2003 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2003 P5 last month after 6 months of research. Its exactly what this single gal needs! Got rid of a Miata and Saab for my Protege5 (loaded, w/ leather, roof, 6-disc the works) and couldnt be happier with the price, performance, and handling. Highly recommend this versatile, sporty, and (gasp!) economical ride!!

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  Squeeks, rattles and no rolls - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By SPD - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my first true cold winter with the Trib and its developed some noisy squeeks and rattles. The most annoying is the center arm rest. Any small amount of pressure applied to it and it squeeks...this has to go. Ive read all the possible problems with the Trib, but this is a new one. The next one is the back window; rattle, rattle and rattle. I realize that most "hatchbacks" develope rattles, but I dont want to hear them on my year old, 25k vehicle.

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  Best C-Segment car with potential to be even better - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By lahrs37 - April 28 - 11:54 pm

  This car is really fun to dive and it is also nice to look at. After making a compromise with my wife to get a four door hatchback, I assumed that driving excitement would have to be banished. Not so! This car is a blast to toss around in the corners. The seats hold you very well in place and manual transmission is one of the best I have sampled. With all of that said I do wish that some of the money spent on technology whiz-bang was diverted to more sturdy interior materials. The stalks coming off the steering wheel feel like they might break if hit too hard and the silver plastic door handles remind you every time you exit the car that this is no BMW.

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  Good, Not Amazing - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By miniMomma - April 28 - 1:00 pm

  I am really enjoying our new Mazda5, but I am not overly amazed. It is a very small mini van. Our small, umbrella stroller doesnt even fit! I know we will out grow this soon, but it is fun for now.