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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  2 Warning Lights in 2 Days - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By SMG - March 11 - 4:46 am

  I chose the CX7 because of its sleek look and unconventional SUV styling. I bought it for under $21K after dealer special incentive. Logged over 1,200 miles in 2 weeks (since 11/11) and 2 lights lighted out like X-mas bulbs. My friendly sales rep helped me fixed the problem and just to be sure, they drove the car for 20 miles. 1st light was common problem due to overly sensitive sensor pin in the gas cap. Here in Oregon, gas attendant might be the perpetrator. 2nd light was due to low pressure tire sensor. After a thorough check, none of my tire was losing air. Aside from these 2 lights, Im happy with the performance (though a bit sluggish at pick up) and look.

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  joe brawley - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By joe brawley - March 11 - 3:33 am

  just bought the car 300 miles ago awesome car good power look to kill very high end a definite good value get the grand tour it comes with more extras than the lexus at a better price

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  Great Deal out there - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Danti - March 10 - 7:06 am

  Hi all. Im from Atherton, CA. Just got a new mazda 3 touring celestial blue w/ tech and roof packages a few days ago 06/07/10 after came to terms that I like driving more than going with the hybrid Insight (feels like you floating w/ Insight). Cant comment much since the maz is still new to me. Handling is good but not quite in the line of bmw 3 and that says a lot for the money. I would recommend readers to explore the lease option currently offer from mazda. I ended up leasing after a good finance guy explained and compared buy/leasing terms to me. My deal--$200 over invoice; 3.4 apr/15000 miles lease over 3 yrs. love the deal; no worries after warr. expires

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  Great Fun - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Greg Bottini - March 10 - 12:33 am

  While giving a friend a ride, I decided to turn around. As I hit the brake, we came up to a gravel side road with lots of sand and gravel on the highway. I expected a slide but to my amazment we got a smooth rapid deceleration. This car holds the road like it is magnetized. Ive seldom gotten less than 30 miles to the gallon reguardless of city or highway driving.

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  Zoom-zoom refinement at a bargain price - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By lcmunson - March 9 - 2:42 am

  Picked up a 2011 black 6 six-speed during a year-end dealer blow-out. At a price less than a new 3, I am very happy with this vehicle vs the 08 3-touring that I traded. At 1200 miles, engine is starting to loosen up a bit and fuel economy ranges from 29-35 mpg; might still improve. The aerodynamics of this design are amazing .... on moderate downhill stretches it just rolls. As an old stick-shifter, this is an amazingly slick transmission! Get one before the bean counters decide there are not enough customers. In my opinion, nothing in this price range comes close to the value.

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  Took the Miata over the New Porsche Boxster - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By David A. Myers - March 8 - 10:56 am

  I owned a used 1999 Boxster that I had for 10 years and was looking for a newer 2-seat convertible replacement. i was looking at the new Boxster and Audi TT, but didnt really want to shell out $50K-$60K for a new car. And even the used ones were fairly pricey. I owned a 1992 Mazda Miata that I absolutely loved but had to trade it in when we started a family. I wasnt all that impressed with the 2015 Mazda Miata, it was nice but didnt come close to the Audi or Porsche in styling. But then I started to research the new 2016 Miata and became very interested as I saw the concepts and pricing. Was very disappointed when it didnt show up at the 2016 Baltimore Car Show. When it finally hit the showrooms in the Baltimore area I immediately went to take a look. But all the cars on the lots were pre-orders so I was unable to drive one. I really liked the looks of the car but I needed to get behind the wheel and take a spin. Finally my wife and I got to take one for a test drive. My wife is a Boxster lover so I figured it was going to be a tough sell. But we both fell in love with it immediately after test driving it. We love the look and feel of the Boxster but the Miata has far more of the "fun-factor". Its simply a blast to drive. You really feel one with the road and the acceleration is more than adequate for this little car. At 63" its a little cramped for me compared to the Porsche but I dont mind at all. I find myself trying to find every excuse to drive this car. "Honey, were out of milk. Im driving to the store (as I just chug down a 1/2 gallon of the white stuff)". We took it on a 180 mile trip to the beach and I felt very comfortable the entire trip down and back. We bought two nice size, color matching, soft bags that held more than enough for a few days away and they fit perfectly in the trunk. More so than the Porsche, you can take the top down, keep the windows up, put on the heat and stay comfortable in the cockpit all of the way down to 45 degrees or so. We have had a very mild December in Baltimore this year so we have had plenty of top-down fun with this little car. Hands down the best 2-seat convertible on the market for the money!!!

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  Great dynamics, so-so build quality - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - March 8 - 8:33 am

  The driving dynamics of the car are hard to beat. Snappy transmission, soft clutch, responsive steering, linear brakes, and agile suspension. The engine power is adequate, but well matched to the car. The interior is well appointed with leather seating, heated seats, moon roof, premium stereo (which is decent, but not great), and HID headlights. The materials feel of high grade, and the design is sharp. The only gaff is the crammed info LCD. The build quality leaves something to be desired. The interior looks fine and the gaps are minimal, but after only 400 miles, Ive already got a ridiculous windshield rattle (ticking might be more apt) and buzz in the headliner near the moonroof.

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  2002 LX Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By kcowan - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. The only problems we have experienced have been with a sensor on the airbag system.

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  Outstanding Compact SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By TGO - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Great compact SUV although it has a ton of room inside for its size. I did a fair amount of research on available compact SUVs prior to buying. The Tribute offered the best of both worlds from great car like handling on the road and good capability in marginal conditions. The Tribute is a joy to drive and its size lets you get in and out of spaces you would never venture in a mid to full size SUV. Very safe vehicle as attested to my insurance cost decreasing $60 a year even though I went from a 2000 model year vehicle to a 2005.

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  A GREAT DECISION! WOOHOO! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By FlyFisherman - March 7 - 2:00 am

  So glad I bought this Mazda Tribute! It has served me well and most of all is EASY to drive...what a joy. The mileage is fair/good, absolutely love the firm bucket seats that help with my back problem. Great cargo room, fold down seats rule! The stereo kicks...go for the updgraded stereo, its worth it! Great roadhandling features and in New England here the 4x4 is the smoothest I have ever experienced. Thanks for a great vehicle!