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:

• 

  2000 Mazda MPV - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Tom Brosz - August 11 - 2:00 am

  For 3 kids under 10, this has been a good car. We have had it for 3 years. Many interior features make long trips easy. We have done some 1200 mi. in one day trips w/all 3 kids. Not really a lot of fun to drive, but moves people well and it was about $4,000 less than the Odyssey & Sienna and about the same price as a domestic. Interior easily configures by wife. No moving 60 pound seats. Havent had any serious mechanical problems except the front suspension after the wife ran into a curb.

• 

  Amazing handling - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By markimi - August 11 - 2:00 am

  My wifes is red. Real eye turner with chrome wheels. Car could be more powerful as really lacks torque but has amazing corning capabilities especially with the 16 inch Yokohama Parada Spec-2s I put on last year. The 99 needed a functional drink holder. Pops in and out of traffic with ease and stops on a dime. Braking requires that you are acutely aware of what is behind you at all times. If this thing were hit from behind by a SUV - good luck. We have had no problems with the car thus far.

• 

  Good Choice - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By baumgadx - August 11 - 2:00 am

  After looking at a number of other vehicles my wife and I decided to purchase the Mazda Tribute. It was the best bang for our buck. Drives and runs smoothly, we really enjoy it. Has more passenger room then some of the other midsize SUVs (Pathfinder & Lexus come to mind). Paid about $100 over invoice after a bit of haggling but paid well below edmunds TMV price for a fully loaded ES-V6!

• 

  Control Switches - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By W. Head - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Seventh new vehicle owned and rate it second only to my 1993 Ranger. Only complaint is complexity of controls for windshield wiper, all lights, radio and clock. My dealership failed to explain these items in spite of them being on the Mazda check off list.

• 

  Nice small car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By arizonadragger - August 11 - 12:17 am

  I bought my 3 for the looks and mpgs. But wasnt thrilled by the mpgs after tracking them for 2 years (24mpg avg). I do a lot of city driving, but expected a little better, hwy wasnt that impressive either, 28-30 most the time. I would blame the 4 speed auto, just not enough gears to go through in the mountains. The cruise control is horrible, set it at 60 and it goes past 65 when it switches gears to accel. Accels down hills in cruise control. Wanted to use a family car but the 3 star rear side crash rating is too scary. Solo city driving, its a very nice car. But I had to sell because it was a terrible roadtrip car that just isnt safe enough.

• 

  Still a cool car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By R E - August 10 - 4:50 am

  I love my Mazda, after I replaced the cheap tires that the factory put on it. It handles a lot better and the ride is more smooth. The only problem Ive had it the regular service, light bulbs are a pain to get to and I believe mine has a short in it. Sometimes it goes out for no reason at all. All in all, the car is wonderful. In fact, Im thinking about trading mine in for the 07 model.

• 

  The Right Choice - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By leisney - August 10 - 4:13 am

  I believe the Mazda3 is the best buy for the buck. Great acceleration and just simply fun to drive. Highly recommended.

• 

  Two kinds of RX8 owners - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Apexman - August 10 - 1:23 am

  I have an 06 RX8 with the six-speed manual. I wouldnt even consider the automatic because its down on power (212hp for 06/197hp on 04 and 05 models- pathetic considering the manual has 238hp and redlines 1500rpm higher). Basic things to know before buying: rotaries consume more oil (check often) and gas than similar-sized piston engines. Standing-start acceleration is underwhelming but from 30mph and up, watch out! Rotaries need to be revved above 5000rpm to get the best performance. Run the car for at least 5mins to avoid flooding the engine. Handling on this car is phenomenal, a renowned Mazda trait. Car is not designed for snow/ice so dont bother driving in it.

• 

  2005 Mazda S AWD 3.0 V6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By redeye - August 9 - 9:30 pm

  Didnt like it at first, but it steadily grew on me. Noisy at highway speeds, some interior and dashboard controls are poorly designed and impossible to see at night. Heated seat button is in a truly odd place. Body creaks and groans, wallows over some highway undulations. All this and I still like it....cant put my finger on it...maybe its just that it is reliable, decent on gas (ECU went bad at 80,000 and I put a rebuilt one in that improved mileage to 24 - 25 hwy), tires wear forever and it does go in the snow better than any car i have driven.

• 

  Its really nice but could be great... - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Aaron Strasswimmer - August 9 - 11:23 am

  My wife and I shopped for a minivan for over a year. We needed more seating space than our Saturn VUE provided us. We didnt want to get a van that was oversized so we focused on the MPV, Kia, Caravan and even considered the new Saturn Relay. After driving them we decided on the Mazda by a landslide. Weve taken it on a few trips now and it is very comfortable. I really cant tell why Edmunds says "clunky transmission." I havent found it to be that way at all. We would recommend it to anyone looking for seating of up to six regularly.