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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  A Mini Audi A4 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By HockeyFox - January 28 - 7:03 pm

  After owning a very problematic Audi A4, I vowed never to spend that much money to spend that much time at the service department. After giving way to accepting that Honda made a reliable car, I test drove the new Civic. Nice, reliable, but boring to drive. Quality was apparent, but it didnt feel European tight. On a whim I test drove the Mazda 3. It was like driving my A4 all over again. European flair and quality construction. Reviews are very favorable and reliability history appears to be quite good. I purchased the vehicle and expected some remorse towards not buying the Honda. NO REMORSE WHATSOEVER. Best purchase I have made. Love the ride, great comfort features. Winner!

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  Not as good as my 2009 CX 9 - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By stopresisting - January 28 - 12:07 pm

  I came from a 2009 Mazda CX 9 Sport AWD which I absolutely loved. Not a single problem with the 09. I knew that the 13 was almost identical to the previous model year 9s but with more technological safety features. I had to have a rear view back up camera. The Blind Side Monitoring system is wonderful. Although the New Grand Touring (GT) came with 20 inch wheels, I didnt really feel a big difference in ride quality. The wheels are stylish but not chrome. As another reviewer stated, the sheetmetal is not as it was in previous years and easily prone to dings. The newer models glove box has no locking mechanism and the coin storage drawer is gone.

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  In sum: great value. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By zoom-zoom baby - January 28 - 1:53 am

  The good: Fun to drive. Good driving visibility. Roomy. Rugged. Good looking SUV. Easy to maneuver in the city. Comfortable when taking road trips. Sufficient power for most needs. The bad: MPG. Another couple of miles per gallon would make me feel better. With the second row seat folded down the center console will not open fully. Duh. Cupholders dont accommodate various sizes and heights. Tall drinks next to the center console latch wont fit and is in the way of your arm resting on the console lid. Further, two cups are tough to hold at the same time. I find 20 oz cups/12 oz cans work best. Drop something between the seats, good luck getting it out! Need more places to store stuff.

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  Engine problems - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By cosmin - January 27 - 9:20 pm

  I am totally disappointed about 2.3 L engine . Ive done 12,000 km and before to go to second service I just notice the fact that the oil level was very low. Folks please check the oil level after oil replacement and sometime after next 4000 km . Mazda engine is huge on oil consumption . As soon as you pass the warranty around 100,000 be prepare for orange check engine light to go off. The service manager told me that this is normal! O lord Have mercy! End the guy is still a service manager! Brand new engine taking 1 liter of oil every 5000 km. Guys, take a second thought before to buy this car.

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  Still love my miata! - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Vegas Resident - January 27 - 6:43 am

  Here it is 8 years later and I still love my car. It has only 50,000 miles and lots of love. In that time I have had only a few minor repairs. One was to replace the master and slave cylinder for the clutch system and finally am putting in a new radiator. But what to expect when your summers are 115 degrees with no rain day in and day out. It still purrs like a kitten and I finally had my first brake pad replacement. All other parts still original and no major problems. In fact I think the NB is the best of the miata runs. It gained the necessary curves that made it so sweet. The NC lost some of those curves which was sad and got some fenders that were more RX in looks.

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  One of the best! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rob - January 26 - 10:30 am

  I loved my 2005 Mazda 3 sport sedan as it was a great car. Over 160000 miles on it with absolutely no issues what so ever. This new 2010 model is even better. Better mileage better comfort and better features. Build quality looks to be very good again with fit and finish again at the tops of its class. Im six foot 5 inches tall and I fit in this car with no troubles at all. Im not sure what the other guy was talking about when he said tall people look elsewhere? Compared to its to closest competitors, its got the most room inside for us tall folks. The only other small sedan that can compare comfort wise for us tall folks is the Nissan Sentra. Great buy, great car, recommend!!

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  A Dream come true! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Sharon Jones - January 25 - 10:40 pm

  Although I have not had this car very long. I have been eyeing it for a year. When I first saw this car online I knew it was the car for me. I love the look. My husband calls it the "sexy look" car with the impressive body style. He is also happy with it, loves the ride and the great pickup.

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  CX7 Review - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By ckkoehler007 - January 25 - 10:06 pm

  Fast car, but loud while driving, can hear the road and anything that hit the inside wheel well. Sometimes it is uncomfortable. Kinda low to the ground. Not like a regular SUV. Very sporty and fun to drive but more like a sports car. Love the transmission, the ability to choose automatic vs. gears. Turns on a dime, very tight steering. rooming back seat. but small area in back. Traction control is good too.

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  Quality plus Handling - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By White Flash - January 25 - 5:36 pm

  I drive 1000k a week and finally I have a car with great handling, comfort and good mileage. Have averaged 29.0 (accurate) for the the last 20k. The handling makes you feel like a professional driver. Brakes are awsome, but be careful of those tailgating SUVs. Ergonomics are best of any car I have owned and love the red interior lighting. So far NO costs above tire rotation and oil change. Fit, finish and interior quality that of a much more expensive car. Mazda 3 just got a good and recommended rating from the Insurance Institute for frontal crash. Safety extras are the collapsable brake pedal (in accidents), side and curtain air bags. What more could you want?

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  Great little SUV - even after 120K! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By wbzcourt - January 25 - 3:11 pm

  I am sad to say that I recently totaled my tribute and am now shopping for a new one. I bought my 03 used with 25k miles on it. I was super impressed with its reliability in the 6 years I owned it. Bought new tires once. Major tuneup before a trip at 100k. Other than that - just oil changes. Ran perfectly. It did have some wind noise which was slightly annoying, but certainly tolerable. Other than that, no complaints. It was the perfect size for our family of four..not too big, not too small. Pretty good mpg. And super fun to drive..very peppy lil guy! Ill miss my trib!