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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  mazda mpv -great value and reliability - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By jeff foster - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle large enough for a family of five. Ease of use, flexible vehicle.

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  From Porsche to Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By LoveMyTribute - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2000 Boxster S. Traded and bought my Tribute ES 4WD. Would MUCH rather have a Tribute than a Porsche anyday. It is the right size, useful, comfortable, performs beautifully, and a joy to own. I coulc not be happier.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By jumpback - October 27 - 6:16 am

  I test drove just about every small car available. None drove like the Mazda 3 Grand Tourer. This vehicle is just snick, snick great. The interior especially is upscale for a small car. If you are looking for value and a not just another boring econobox check this baby out.

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  Sporty Performance in a Roomy Package - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By KBW - October 26 - 8:40 am

  If your tired of the minivan life but cant figure out how to get that sporty ride youve been longing for without giving up the room of your van then take a look at the CX-9. For sure it compromises in some aspects like overall storage but much less than most in this category. Compared to my wifes previous Grand Voyager the level of comfort, styling and performance of the CX-9 more than make up for this. The ride is sure footed meaning its not going to float down the road but its not so tight as to be uncomfortable. Gas mileage seems to live up to what Mazda reports. My wife has averaged 19 mpg with mostly in town driving. Overall, its a great sporty value for the buck.

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  First Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jacko - October 25 - 11:56 pm

  Purchased new in 04 and love this car. Get compliments on exterior design all the time. Got the Luxury, Sport, Security, and Bose packages all in a manual 4-banger and love all these features. With the small engine, I really dont push this car hard, but it gives me all the power I need, with the exception of some throttle lag in 1st or 2nd gear. Stock Michelins terrible in snow. Had clutch replaced due to shudder, and brakes and rotors twice due to abnormal and untimely wear, all noted by Mazda bulletins. Hope current models have these problems ironed out cause I still love this car.

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  Needed New Engine - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By ajmjd2 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Five days after purchasing a new Tribute and with less than 400 miles on the road, a piston broke off and destroyed the engine. The dealership offered to replace the engine, but eventually agreed to replace the vehicle. So far, no problems.

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  Dream Car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bradford - October 24 - 5:10 am

  This is the most amazing car I have ever owned. It reminds me of the last sports car I had, a 1985 Honda Prelude, only this car is 10x more fun to drive. It has great acceleration, is easy to drive, and shifts like nothing I have ever driven. It takes corners like you are going straight, and asks for more. I wish I had bought this car five years ago. It will make you feel 10 years younger.

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  Almost Perfect - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By oakwind - October 24 - 3:53 am

  I bought my 2012 Mazda 5 in February of 2013 with 10 miles on the odometer. Upgrading from a 96 Corolla with 166K and 27/34 mpg. I got all the room extra I wanted and more but was disappointed in the mpg (24mpg). I am more of an SUV kind of person rather than a "mini-van". Its size and body style is more inline with the Rav4 & CRV that I looked at with a better price and mpg than they offered. I wished the milage was better and there was a bigger covered center console. I could have gotten this with new Mazda CX-5, but the bench seat didnt fold FLAT and the front racing" seats were hard & uncomfortable. Every time I drive ZoomZoom, I find something else about it I like

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  Great Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By izzy - October 23 - 8:36 pm

  Purchased the car 3 weeks ago and already put in 1000 miles on it. Interior is very comfortable around town and on long trips. Mileage is not that great but it does have a relatively large engine so thats to be somewhat expected. Bose sound system is great. Would highly recommend this car.

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  Excellent car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Rob - October 23 - 2:56 am

  I have 110K on my car, bought it new and do the req. maint. on time. Only ever had two complaints about this car. The first was the original tires that came with it... TERRIBLE. They were Dunlop tires and 2 of the tires developed bulges in the side walls. They also had terrible traction, especially in the rain. The other is gas mileage. For a small car, with a 2.0L engine (5 speed manual trans.) the best it can do on the highway is 32-35. I had a Honda Civic (5 spd.) that routinely got 40-45 and a Dodge Stratus (5 spd too) that got between 35-40 hwy. Otherwise, I LOVE this car. I drive it everyday. Its reliable, comfortable and fun to drive; handles great with the new Kumho tires