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:

• 

  Apparently the only Mazda Miata Lemon - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KSM - September 12 - 6:03 pm

  I have a Mazda Miata MX-5 C in Splash Green Mica. Within a few weeks of purchasing this vehicle, Ive had hard starts (i.e. sometimes it takes over one minute to start the car and then it starts sluggishly.) I also have gas smells and a major braking issue where rarely the vehicles engine starts to race the more you brake. The only way to stop the vehicle fully is to turn it off or put it in neutral while braking. Dealership cannot reproduce or fix so now Im in lemon law court. Im so disappointed because I did a tremendous amount of research which strongly suggested this car was reliable. Its an absolutely beautiful vehicle but I seem to be the only one stuck with a lemon.

• 

  I love my SUV - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Gina - September 11 - 7:13 pm

  I just purchased a 2006 Mazda Tribute in December 2006 and I love it! It handles nicely, rides comfortably and my daughter and I just love it. It was only the 2nd car I test drove. Its the perfect size, not too bulky and small enough to fit in compact spaces.

• 

  The "un-Honda" - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve - September 11 - 5:23 pm

  The car handles well (especially for slow to moderate speeds), feels relatively solid and (with the 2.3 motor and 5 speed automatic) accelerates well. While mid range punch is only fair, the pull off the line and ability to hold speed on the interstate is quite impressive. Fit and finish are first rate as is the overall styling. In other words, the car looks and drives like it should be a lot more expensive than it is.

• 

  A Blast - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By TheCoop - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 3 weeks now and its fun to drive again. I use the manual shifter for short drives around town and in traffic, and I use the automatic for all other driving. The front seats are extremely comfortable but I miss my arm rest on the center console. The car just hugs the road and the steering feedback is great. A breeze to park, the 6 cd radio sounds great with the 100 watt subwoffer, and I have plenty of headroom with the moonroof and plenty of legroom in front and back. No cup holders in rear is something that should not have happened.

• 

  2003 Mazda.. - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By rstarliper - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Great car..would recommend to anyone..handling superb...only problem that Ive had is the malfunction of the temperature gauge on the rearview mirror..

• 

  Great minivan at a reasonable price ! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By bwhw - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I hated thinking of spending $23- $28k for a Sienna or Odyssey (SUVs with room are even higher) ! Found a great "in-between" bargain in the MPV. It is definitely smaller than your standard minivan on the outside but inside I was amazed how much it had to offer . Even in their base SV model you get ABS, disappearing 3rd seat, sliding side by side captains chairs, stereo control on the steering wheel, etc, etc ! What really swung me over were 2 things. 1) You can get this car for under 20k. and 2) They beefed up the engine to 200hp and it is smooth as silk. We took it on a 10 hour trip to Maine 2 days after we bought it and realized this was a great choice.

• 

  Sues car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jim Sarver - September 11 - 4:20 am

  Engine is a little soft off the line. Need refinement. Needs lots of gas to get going from a stop for good speeds. Highway passing requires a greater distance than my other cars. Smaller than I would like. Otherwise, it is a pleasant little car.

• 

  Great Crossover SUV! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Mike Ferguson - September 9 - 8:50 pm

  Let me start by saying we never expected to like this vehicle so much. It was more of a "lets take a look so we can eliminate one more option". But when you get behind the wheel and give this SUV a good look trust me if you buy another SUV I will be shocked. It is as close to perfect as you will find. It is simply THE best kept secret in the mid-size SUV/Crossover market. Great size not to big not too small. Usable third row with as much legroom as many full size SUV. Great build quality. Smart engineering and logical design/layout. Drives as much like a sports car as possible in an SUV. All the safety features. Unbelievable upscale features on the Grand Touring for the money.

• 

  This is a great car! - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By Hamilton - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Its easy to drive in rush hour DC metro traffic. Its quick, not that itll beat a high HP car, but fun quick. The shifter is a joy, it took a while to get used to the light gas, brake, and clutch pedals though. MPG on 1st tank was 34, 42 on the 2nd, and 38 on the 3rd. Bought the car in black, which makes it look so much better than that the green like color. Cargo space with the seats up handle about a week worth of groceries. Fold the seats down and Costco here I come! Ride is nice, not too soft, not too hard, its just right. I dont carry more than one passenger when I drive so passenger room isnt a problem. Fiesta has more feature but the 2 has more fun.

• 

  Fun to drive, but a real fuel hog! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michael - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Mazda3 in Dec 2009, but ended up selling it just 6 months later. While the Mazda3 was absolutely a blast to drive, I never did fall in love with the goofy "smile" on the front end. The seats were tight and uncomfortable for any trip more than 20 minutes, and the interior styling was just too much black. But the kicker was the terrible fuel economy: I averaged just 25 mpg after putting 12,000 miles on the car. I sold the Mazda and got a Civic. Yeah, the Mazda was far more powerful, but the Civic gets 37 mpg on average, is more comfortable and is overall a wiser choice. Shame on Mazda for poor gas mileage!