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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  This car zips, errr, zooms - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By AtlOutlaw - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as a second vehicle, I have an f 150 supercrew as well and I needed something with better gas mileage for around town. I havent driven my truck in over a week, I love this car so much! It handles very tight and sporty, it has amazing pickup, and it looks great! The gas mileage is a little over double my truck (Im getting almost 30mpg in mixed city/hwy driving). Plus, I routinely leave behind the tricked out imports in my area. The car is fully loaded, leather, automatic with sport mode, xenon and tpms, rear bumper step plates, autodimming mirror with compass/thermometer, cargo mat and net. Its easy to park, rides pretty smoothly and looks great!

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  Sporty and Fun - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mark - November 7 - 8:36 pm

  I traded in a VW Beetle, so there isnt much comparison except from the test drives I have been on. We considered a Pathfinder, Pilot and the Highlander. The Pilot was too much like a car and not very responsive. The Highlander was too pricey for the amount of vehicle. The Pathfinder felt really bulky in comparison to the CX-9. I drive about 4 hours every weekend with my wife and great dane. We wanted a vehicle that would allow us to have room for children in the back along with our dog. The gas mileage isnt too impressive, but a vehicle this size just doesnt have that 30 mpg ability right now. The backup cam on the nav screen seems dangerous.

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  Great van for the money - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By john u - November 7 - 11:00 am

  Bought the van almost 8 years ago and have had only a few issues. Alternator need replacement. Rear hatch struts failed and coolant lines to rear leaked but both were recall items (sure hurt when the hatch slammed onto my head and knocked me to the ground). Ive got 165,000 kms on it now and it is rusting like crazy...that is my only real complaint other than the not so great gas mileage and the fact that the van is so boring.

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  AOK by me - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By teleskier - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the Trib for 3 months, but so far Ive enjoyed my purchase. My biggest concern was performance in snow, as I live in a mountainous region and like to ski. The Trib has done fine driving through snow storms and up snowy mountain roads. It also holds all my gear with out a problem. I like the power it has to go up Mountain passes and to cruise on the highway. The roof rack could be a little higher as the clamps for Thule ski rack I put on dont have enough clearance off the roof. The gas milage is disappointing, Ive been averaging 18-19 mpg with a combination of highway and city driving. R

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  Drives awesome; poor audio system - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jerzeydave - November 4 - 7:18 am

  I bought this car because I was looking for a balance of performance and efficiency, as well as decent cargo space. I feel Mazda has delivered for me. I have a 6 year old and a 2 year old--theyre both in full size car seats that fit fine. Cargo space appears sufficient after three months of use. The car is really fun to drive, and handled this bad NJ snowy winter very, very well. That said, I also love a good audio system, and this one in the CX-5 is a colossal disappointment.

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  *Please Read* - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rman - November 3 - 6:46 pm

  Purchased the car a little over 5 months ago. Within the 5 months, 3 headlight bulbs burnt out, license plate light burnt out, needed to do tcm and pcm reprogram, replaced both front brake lines, replaced both front axle boots and cv joints, cigarette lighter blows every fuse you put in, both front and back brake pads were replaced, display clock flickers. I am being a truthful person here. Do not always rely on reviews. This one is getting sold or traded in.

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  Mazda5 Notes - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By KHS - November 1 - 1:00 am

  Traded my Volvo 940 Wagon for the Mazda5 GT. Use primarily for business. I need cargo room, and hate SUVs. First, the gas mileage is awesome... 39 mpg on my recent road trip. Easy vehicle to work from. Sliding doors help. No mechanical issues, noises, squeaks or rattles. Really solid car. However, I miss the comfort of my Volvo. The seat bottoms are too short, and too narrow. The climate controls are way too complicated. The gas & brake pedals are too close together. As others have noted, the interior plastics are poor quality, and scuff easily. Storage is sparse. Map pockets in the doors are preferred to the bottle holders. There is a storage pocket behind the drivers seat only.

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  So far, so good - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By KenE - October 27 - 10:00 am

  MPV is smaller than most mini-vans, but I wanted it that way. We have three children in car seats and being 62", I didnt want to climb up and bend down to get to the third row. I can stay outside the vehicle and still reach the third row seat from the passenger side sliding door (when the second row seat is slid toward the other).

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  22500K 06 Mazda5 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By 22, 500K 06 Mazda5 - October 25 - 10:40 pm

  Had the car for 2.5 years. Really like the car. Agree with most of the other reviews, needs better tires, stronger A/C, 5th gear(overdrive)and interior light switch from drivers seat. Approx. 22mpg city/ 26-28mpg highway, thought I would get a little more. Overall satisfied with the car for the money!

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  Just What We Wanted - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jay - October 25 - 8:30 am

  This was the perfect car for us, because of its unique combination of space efficiency and economy. I also wanted a standard transmission - which is not available on any traditional, larger minivan. Power is adequate, but I believe the car would benefit from a slightly larger engine. I knew before buying that the AC was a little weak, so I had the windows professionally tinted at a reasonable cost. Weve had no problem with keeping the car cool, even though - at least for the year we have - there are no ducts for passengers behind the driver. Our driving styles and routes are easy on gas, so the approximate 28 - 29 mpg we average is unlikely to be bettered.