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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  All good except for interior noise - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Avinash B - April 19 - 7:40 pm

  So far 25K miles, going good. Pickup and handling is excellent, very easy and fun to drive. I do however get wind noise seeping through the door frame glass. Has been checked my Mazda several times, looks like a design flaw. Recently, started getting wobbling sound from rear, was told it is the tires getting old.

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  Good Value - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Tom G - April 19 - 12:53 pm

  We bought this vehicle new and have had an overall positive experience with it. It handles very well and although it is a smaller van, it has met the space needs of our family quite well (3 kids, mom and dad). Reliability has been above average but not great... no major problems. Weve taken it camping on some very rough roads over the years and it has come through unscathed.

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  Love the handling and styling of my new Mazda CX-3 - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Steven - April 18 - 3:37 pm

  I had a 2016 Acura that I purchased earlier this year and it had a defect that could not be fixed so I decided to trade that car in. I saw the CX-3 on the road and loved the styling. I started researching and read the really good reviews on Consumer Reports and other various you tube reviews. I went and test drove the car and was not disappointed. I had a Mazda 6 in the past and this car handles like a little sports car and is very fun to drive. The acceleration is great, fit and finish are first rate. I was disappointed that you could not get a power seat, but to be honest I have not missed it. The Bose System sounds great, the navigation, bluetooth and infotainment system are really easy to use. There is a mute button instead of an on/off switch for the stereo so that also took some getting use to. The gas milage is really good and even with it small fuel tank I am only filling up once a week. For a small car the ride is very good, it is firm, but that is what makes it such a great handling car. Road noise is really good and even though the engine has a course sound to it, it sounds really sporty. I choose Soul Red with Almond Leather interior, it is beautiful. Update: The Mazda CX-3 is a great car, I still love it now with 6700 miles. It really handles well, has great acceleration for a small engine and looks very attractive.

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  Fun! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tyler - April 18 - 10:36 am

  I bought this car to replace my 96 Pontiac Bonneville. This car was a huge improvement! Given, the interior wasnt quite as nice, but it was sporty, which was what I was looking for. The car is much more responsive than I would have expected and has an all around sporty feel. If you want a nice smooth, quiet ride, this car isnt for you. You can definitely feel the road (which I like), and its a little loud inside, but it could very well be my tires. The suspension is superb, you can take 90 degree turns going 30 mph on a dime. If you get this car, make sure to get the manual! This is what makes it so much fun!

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  Almost perfect--except transmission - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By HBIII - April 17 - 2:10 pm

  Purchased my P5 brand new in July 2003. Put about 18k miles/yr in highway commuting. No harsh driving, always take it slow and steady. All maintenance performed as required. Everything was great up til 110k miles. The overdrive gear in the automatic transmission failed and I had to replace the AT ($3000). Ive had other Mazdas/Toyotas and nothing like this has ever happened (and shouldnt happen with only 110k mi). Im not sure this is an isolated issue or systemic. Anyway, I really like this car, but reliability is in question. Probably my last Mazda.

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  value purchase, zoomer appeal - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mr. tom - April 17 - 12:43 pm

  10/05: V-6 22,000 miles. Maintenance rating: very good. Automatic. Sport sedan is quite smooth but tiptronic-style shift is somewhat jerky; but useful and desired. Some noise on wide-profile sport tires; good brakes, excellent steering. Mileage 23 city/27 hwy. Best ergonomics, handling of this class car and many of higher cost ones I have tried. Leather interior hard, resilient. No BMW but a delightful purchase. Buy again? Likely.

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  It meet the high expectations - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By C Daugherty - April 16 - 9:23 pm

  I love to drive. I actually enjoy car shopping. Ive driven all of the new Mazdas and settled on the Trib. I enjoy driving this car a lot. The handling, feedback and pick up are satisfying. The car stays very flat around corners and the car has torque when needed. (My wife and I got ride of a Honda CR-V for the lack of torque) The seats are comfy and the materials are good. Plenty of head room a 6 footer front or back. I got the Dark Red/Gray S 4wd V6 with the moon roof/audio package. For any car and the money you pay, the expectations should be high, the Trib does not disappoint.

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  Great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joe W. - April 16 - 6:06 pm

  I like quirky cars, and this one fits the bill perfectly. Its not an annoying car, just different. The 3.0L V6 is not as strong as you would think down low, but the car asks you to drive it in a higher rev range. Driving the car higher in the rev range doesnt screw up the fuel economy very much. Gotta love the huge hatch opening. My only gripe is the weird front seats the have too much thigh support for us manual drivers. Yeah, and the shifter itself is slightly clunky, but it performs flawlessly.

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  Road Warrior - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Wildcat - April 15 - 1:03 pm

  Researched extensively prior to buying my GT three months ago. CX-7 beat out Acura RDX and Saturn Vue Redline. The Mazda is extremely attractive inside and out, and almost every area of its performance is at or near the top when comparing crossovers. Almost every GT stocked by Mazda dealerships comes with a Tech Pkg, which includes the nav system, sunroof, Bose/6CD changer, and rear camera.

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  So far so good - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By yamura - April 13 - 10:03 pm

  We bought this car new, but at a discount probably because its a stick and had been sitting on the dealers lot for 6 months. In over 40 years of driving I would rate it as one of my favorite cars, combining fun to drive, decent economy (City avg 22+ mpg, Hwy 26-27 mpg), looks and reliability. The V6 has a distinct midrange, but will pull smoothly from 1500 in top gear. Ergonomically its superb with controls laid out well and the pedals arranged for easy heel & toeing.