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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  Honest Humble Masterpiece! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Damian35 - November 8 - 2:50 am

  All in one top car for its class. Power when you need it, MPGs are adequate enough, Stops on a dime, Frontal chassis & great suspension provide a great ride. Interior features only lack cruise control, gps and a drivers seat with height position ajustment but the telescopic steering wheel make up for it. The center arm rest and compartment console position you perfectly and even when the seat quality is less then the top model it extends on its side to hold you in place. The sound system rocks, I especially like the dash design and everything to go with it, fit and finish is perfect. Passenger space is adequate for a car its size and I vehemently disagree with others the truck is big.

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  Mazda review - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By mazda review - November 6 - 4:23 am

  Keys sometime loses strength and you can spend a while pressing on door to open the door.

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  But a Toyota or Honda - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Matthew medley - November 6 - 3:37 am

  Poorly manufactured transmission and engineering. If you get to 100k, you will most definitely replace some very costly parts. There is zero support from Mazda. Your basically buying a tricked out Ford. I would not recommend this vehicle to my worst enemy

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  A real drivers car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By DaGreatChaz - November 5 - 3:46 pm

  For the money, you wont find a better driving hatchback out there (minus the Mazdaspeed3, GTI, STI, etc. of course). Typical Mazda steering, powerful brakes, and fantastic grip. If the aforementioned are more important to you than mpg, the Maz3 is definitely worth a look. Fuel economy is ok, but certainly not great for a compact, as has been said by many others. Driving from CA to NY (all interstate with speeds around 75-80), I averaged around 30 mpg. A typical tank with mixed city and hwy driving will yield 22-26 mpg. For those who cannot see their gauges in daylight, you need to push that little button on the instrument cluster to alternate your dash lighting - there are two modes

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  At Dealer Constantly - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dan - November 5 - 10:26 am

  Well, I was hoping that this vehicle would be perfect for my wife and kids. At 1st you think it should be with the long list of features etc. However, we have had nothing but problems. Have had the struts upfront changed 3 times in 25,000 miles, wind noise from the drivers side door is terrible, the locks have stopped working 4 times. Have had to change key fobs 2 times. The steering column has had to be changed twice because it would slide in and out with zero effort. The rear doors have had to change the locking mechanisms inside because they stopped working. The dealer told me that the car did not have an alarm after the passenger side mirror was broken over night by a thief.

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  ZOOM ZOOM is Correct! - 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By mazdaman2011 - November 5 - 3:53 am

  Traded in my 97 Miata for this MS3 Black Baby...was a bitter sweet trade as the roadster gave years of fun, but wife would not drive it so... Stock MS3 is all that is needed to be sure, but if you need all the "gadgets" go for it in the "Tech Package"! Power, Style, and Driveability in one package, no more need be said other than price is outstanding for what is provided. Compared and test drove regular MAzda 3 and similar vehicles and decided to go for it without hesitation.

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  ZoomZoom This Car is fun in the twisties. - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By poppabear1 - November 5 - 3:07 am

  We drove a 2013 last year did not like the weak engine. We bought this 2014 GTAWD fully loaded after we were blown away by its handling. This car is just flat fun to drive on twisty roads. Its also good on the highway too. But if you cant get into a MX-5 anymore the CX-5 is the car for you. Its an SUV Miata....

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  best car ive ever owned - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By moparman15 - November 4 - 10:31 am

  got it in 2002 brand new, drive it everyday since now 100k miles...NOT ONE PROBLEM! the only thing thats been replaced is the battery. This thing can fly never expected it to be so fast. The steering is a little too tight but over all best car ive ever owned.

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  Would NEVER own again!!! Coil & Engine Problems - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Todd - November 4 - 8:37 am

  I owned the 2004 Mazda Tribute ES V6 Fully Loaded. I was the second owner. I loved the look of the car and the leather interior with the heated seats. The first few months were fine but then it started to rain and the check engine light would come on and then go off when it stopped raining. I went on forums and found this was a big problem with this model due to the misfires in the coils with the engine. I mustve replaced around 5 coils while owning it. Also had to have the exhaust replaced. Then the transmission dipstick completely disintegrated and caused all kinds of tranny problems. Then the final straw was the Torque Converter had to be replaced and no way I was doing that. After around $2500 in repairs I unloaded this lemon of a vehicle. Reason I wont give it one star is because the exterior and interior were great but the engine was AWFUL. Too bad because I really enjoyed this car when it worked! But in the end BUYER BEWARE these engine coils with the moisture are a recurring problem. Research it for yourself.

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  Pimpin in style - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By JR3676 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. There are a few things I have a problem with but I can live with. The engine 3.0 likes to red line first when jumped on so you sort of have to throttle it, if you will. I wish it had auto locks when driving.