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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  Great Little Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By HJINEG - July 22 - 7:03 pm

  Replaced a 95 Aerostar (my third) using CARS program. Have a 50 mile RT commute so 17 mpg to 34mpg was impressive. Drives like a Mazda ! I have a 90 Miata and have owned two other Mazdas over the years. Comfortable, tight and responsive. Had to search for a Crystal white with the Dune interior. I dont understand the black interiors that seem to be the norm in small cars. I live in a HOT summer area so every little bit helps. The back seat space is not an issue- if I need to carry more people I use my wifes 07 CRV. The build quality is every bit as good as our Honda and the fun factor far exceeds that of a previous Corolla. Its a great commuter at thousands less than its Japanese competitors

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  Big Time Fun - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By cwardlaw - July 22 - 2:00 am

  When you buy a Miata, avoid the special editions. Why? See, youll fall in love with the car, and when you own a special edition, every little scratch, nick and ding sends you over the edge. Youll end up storing the car rather than driving it. Get a regular Miata with cloth seats and drive the hell out of it. It can take abuse with a smile.

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  Zoom, Zoom - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By psc - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Test drove, plan to buy in summer. New engine is wonderful addition to already well concieved design. The right size for parking, carrying stuff and exploring. With or without the kids.

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  What an awesome car!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jmalave - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Always wanted one. First miata came out my senior year of high school. everybody wanted one. 12 years later the dream is real. I want to drive it everywhere

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  The best 3 row 6 seater in the USA! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By tacoman1 - July 20 - 8:23 pm

  We looked at all competitors. Hands down the best vehicle for the price. Lots of standard features, and we bought a sport (base) model. Rondo was weird looking. Others were nice, but much more expensive. Car handles extremely well and is very fun to drive.

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  BEST CAR EVER!! - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By lancelot0720 - July 20 - 1:40 am

  I went from a BMW 325i to this and do not miss it at all. It turns with no effort and no body roll even taking a turn at 40 mph! I drive about 30 miles a day and I average 32 mpg having a mixed road type (7 miles city, 23 highway) and it takes me about 2 weeks to get to empty. Ever since I got it, I have never spent more than $35 to fill it up on regular where as the BMW cost about $70-$80 on premium. The infotainment does get a little used to but its mostly simple. I have the feature where it can read my text messages while Im driving (Doesnt show you the actual message for safety reasons) and it works fine with an iPhone 5c.

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  Perfect fit! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Rhatt - July 19 - 10:53 pm

  I just picked up my new 5 so I havent put very many miles on it yet. To my knowledge it is the first one sold in my area. I was looking at the Mazda 3 and Toyota Matrix when I saw the 5 on the lot. The Mazda 5 is much larger inside and out. While I was impressed with both the Matrix and Mazda 3 (I need the cargo space of a small wagon) the 5 has greater space in the passenger and cargos areas. At 64" headroom is always an important measurement for me. And even with the moonroof the 5 had 2 to 3 inches more headroom than the smaller wagons. The ride, steering and braking are wonderfully smooth. The engine pulls strong with no vibration. The 3 and the Matrix feel harsh by comparison.

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  IM SO EXCITED!!! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By ACC - July 19 - 11:30 am

  What can I say about this car? An All- American (Ford) girl myself, I thought I would never buy a foreign car but I am sold!!! I bought the Millenia after my Ford Contour (still one of my favorite cars) transmission went bad. I needed a car ASAP, and I actually bought the Millenia knowing little about it. Oh, ignorance is bliss. Im so excited!!! I love this car, and I pray that Mazda will bring it back soon! I would buy another one (even new) all over again.

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  My Journeys ...my CX7 - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By greg - July 19 - 10:50 am

  My CX7 has it all! Its loaded! Mazda makes an excellent product! Only 2 suggestions. Automatic interior door lock; and change tire contract with supplier. Bridgestone tires are less then adequate. I am on my second set of Bridgestone tires at 16,000 miles. At this time my second set of Bridgestone tires is creating the tire indicator lamp to remain on my instrument cluster...roughly 17,000miles. Please change tire supplier. I am a city driver 135 per day, to and from work, maybe market, or resturant added. In all the vechicle is excelent.

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  Very Disappointing! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By ugh - July 19 - 5:56 am

  Leased this vehicle in 2007, when first hit the market...Loved the appearance and style......but quickly became an unreliable vehicle....our first "vacation" behind the wheel was spent at a Mazda dealership along the way to the beach replacing the engine....YES! REPLACING THE ENGINE!....We had the car less than 6 months when this happened...Since then, it had the Turbo system replaced.....Still has grey smoke occasionally from exhaust, which I have learned to live with....tired of spending my free time with Mazda Service Dept. It most likely needs the Turbo replaced AGAIN to correct the problem (same thing as before)....will be ready to give this baby back to Mazda at the end of my lease!