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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  Rotary Rocket Returns - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By TRRR - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable in the city and a blast on the country roads...and so forgiving at the racetrack. Keep the RPMs above 4000 and there is no other car in her class that can touch the overall value/capabilities of this car...and if you want, 4 adults can enjoy the night out on the town just fine. While I hate to start sharing the road with other RX-8s, more & more are popping up all over.

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  Rx-8, Automatic - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Crissy - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my RX-8 for four months but I love it. I researched a lot of cars before I bought it and was interested in a few. I ultimately decided that the RX-8 had the best body design and I couldnt be happier with my choice.

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  All-around great car from Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bob Lutz - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Just a great car for under $20,000

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  My New 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cpurdy - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I love the quality of this car especially for the price. The feel is also sports car like,smooth shifting man-mode. The stereo is out of this world for such an entry level sedan. I chose the six speaker system w the 16" wheel package. I also chose the fog lamps, which they complete the look for this Velocity Red Mica sedan. The paint has a lot of metallic gold flakes in the paint, nice touch when the sun is out.

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  love this car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazda3owner7 - March 26 - 10:00 am

  today i bought a mazda3i i love it! those of u looking into a s model dont bother, the i has plenty of power. great pickup, and controled ride. like the tiptronic tanny! The car looks just as good out as it dose, on the inside. the interior is put to gether soumdly, no squeeks or rattles, lots of upscale features. LIke the safy side too. six airbags. i looked at the VW jetta GLX, CIVIC EX, and HONDA ACCORD EX, buy the 3 u wont be sorry.

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  Good car but - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By paul p - March 26 - 3:40 am

  No doubt about it, it looks great, handles very well, and has the biggest trunk out of all the cars it competes against, but it probably has the hardest seats and the weakest air conditioner which should be a concern to anyone living in a southern climate. Other than that I dont regret buying it for a minute.

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  One of the best family cars - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Costa - March 25 - 12:26 pm

  We bought our MPV brand new in 2001 and have never had a single problem We have 90K+ and it still runs like a new vehicle. We are planning to keep this car for another 5-7 years. There is no reason to replace it. We have been to 25-30 states with our Mazda, sometime driving 15 hours straight. You would never want any other minivan. We love it!

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  adequate vehicle - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By bookworm - March 24 - 2:56 pm

  Overall, not a bad vehicle. Never owned a Mazda and after this may go back later on. NOT very comfortable on lower back for cross country trips. Own 5 speed 4 cylinder engine. Performs ok for size. Shifting can be difficult especially for reverse. Upsides - roomy cargo area, better than average front leg room. Handles well at speed. If you buy a Tribute, go for a v6 engine. Not bad gas mileage for an SUV, averaging about 20/23.

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  One year later, and still zooming - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By johnny2003 - March 24 - 2:35 pm

  Our GT is our third Mazda. We left Honda years ago for better styling and value and havent looked back. Our liquid silver with black leather is a looker. Still after one year, people stop me all the time wanting to know what kind of car it is. People have guessed Lexus, Jag, and Infiniti. I just love the car, it is my daily driver. Still puts a smile on my face every time I open the door and push the start button. No, the navigation is not perfect, but are any of them? No the screen is not too small, Im two feet from it. I dont need a flat screen on my dash. Radar cruise is COOL! Lots of features that many cars dont have for only $30K. Whats not to like?

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  Mazda CX-5 GT with premium package. Best in class! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By N. Ross - March 24 - 12:55 pm

  2017 Mazda -5 GT, premium package. 5 STARS Searching for a mid size Crossover, I narrowed my choices down to the Mazda CX-5 and the Lexus NX 200t. I need a spare tire for long road trips. Surprisingly, many premium brands delete this. I am a long time Lexus owner, with my last 13 cars being Lexus. I currently have an ES and a GS. The NX was the easy choice, until I started researching the Mazda CX-5. Although these two vehicles are in a different price category, they are very similar in size and capabilities. What interesting is the Mazda for me was the better choice. The CX-5 is very smooth and quiet. The interior materials are actually superior to the Lexus, and the fit and finish of the Mazda is easily on par with any Lexus vehicle. Where the Mazda really shines is safety. The GT with premium package has all the latest technology with Blind Spot monitoring, Lane departure and assist, pre collision with auto braking, etc. What’s is really interesting is that this is all displayed on the HUD right in front of you. It warns you if you are too close to the car in front of you. It duplicates the blind spot monitors. It shows you your current speed and speed limit. It shows you navigation and turn directions. Its very advanced, and exceptional in this price range. The Lexus NX has none of this for $15k more. This may change for Lexus when the ‘18 model comes out. The Mazda uses regular fuel and gets better gas mileage. The Mazda rides smoother and quieter. My CX-5 has no rattles and feels very solid. The NX service loaners that I have driven, all had rattles from the rear hatch. I like the Mazda design better, but thats subjective. So what does the Lexus have for $15k more? A turbo for more power ( but uses premium fuel), parking sensors, ventilated seats, and telematics. So far I’m really happy with my CX-5. There have no problems or defects, and I actually enjoy driving it. I think this car is the best going in this category and price range. If Mazda put the turbo from the CX-9 in it, it would beat many premium crossovers costing $20k more. Maybe the diesel coming later this year will change that. A little more “zoom-zoom” would be good. Any complaints? I wish the driver’s seat would move a few more inches back ( I’m 6’2”), and it has older style tire pressure monitors that just tell you if a tire is low (as opposed to showing you the exact pressure in each tire). Thats about it. Check this car out and you will be surprised at the value here. Its an excellent vehicle that punches above its class.