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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  I am disappointed - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Luther Ho - May 5 - 1:24 pm

  I bought 2 Mazda a 2009 CX-9 and a 2010 CX-7 the CX-9 had window problems all four windows a at different times the windows motor had to be replaced blind spot monitor has problems. The CX-7 also have window problems. We have owned Infinitys, Mitsubishi and Nissan cars and we never had any problems only change tires and oil and general maintenance our two Mazdas are like lemons. I would never ever buy a Mazda again. Both Mazda were bought brand new and even at this moment the driver side on the CX-9 window needs to be repaired again and my Mazda 7 the computer needs to be reprogrammed.

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  Miserable Experience with the CX7 - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By IronyAbounds - November 28 - 9:43 am

  The CX7 is a blast to drive, when it is running at least, but the driving experience can blind you to a cheap interior, a technology package that is woefully deficient, and a general feeling that the vehicle is not built with the quality it should be. Most of all, after 4 CEL problems and multiple experiences when the vehicle simply does not run, I believe the CX7 has some real engineering deficiencies. Run, dont walk, away from the Mazda dealership and do not get sucked in by the initial driving enjoyment. You are likely to face real problems down the road.

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  Follow-up Review - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By njmommy1 - November 20 - 7:01 am

  I am writing a follow up review on this car, because I gave it a stellar rating a year ago, however I would not want anyone to buy this car based on that review. We have had the car two years. We have 40,000 miles on it, and are thankfully getting rid of it this week. I still love the design, the extra space in the back, the ability to seat 6 when needed, but the car is NOT reliable, and very unsafe. Here is a list of issues we have had: the rotors are shot, replaced the rear shocks at 36,500 (Mazda would not cover under warranty), we have replaced tires, had steering go out while driving (covered under warranty), gas cap broke, rear wiper broke This car shimmys squeaks and feels unsafe.

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  Body Integrity is poor - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By DKM - November 14 - 12:43 am

  I have owned Mazda for 3 years. In three years, side molding had come off on its own and damaged the doors. I only have 18000 miles on it. Build quality is extremely poor. Mazda says it is not covered under warranty.

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  I hate this car. - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Don - November 9 - 6:36 pm

  This is a car built for teenagers, not for a big (not fat) man over 50. Real world driving does not require seats that pinch your legs and shoulder blades to the point of pain. Red lights on the dash at night may be cool in a fighter jet but if youve become far sighted you will not be able to focus on them. Dont expect to carry any hanging clothes because the hook is too close to the drivers seat and the air bag wont work if you hang things on the grab handle. Does anybody really have room for this totally insane key on a keyring? Besides, $250 to get another, can you say ripoff? And the mileage isnt as good as they say either. Ill unload this turkey even if it costs me thousands!

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  Dont bother wasting your money! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By DontbuyRX8 - October 25 - 2:16 am

  This car is horrible, it has spent more time in the shop than on the road. I have had four recalls, over heating problem, flooding, starter, risk of it catching fire! and have had it towed four times to the dealership. It doesnt like hot weather, or cold weather, it is the most unreliable car ever!! I bought it brand new off the show room floor, and I HATE it! Save yourself a lot of headache and go buy a G37 or G37. This morning, went to start it to go to work, it wont start, so guess what, towed again to the dealership. This car stinks! it only has 50 kilometers on it.

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  Transmission failed at 65,000 miles - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By melissad1 - October 12 - 8:18 pm

  I bought a used 2008 Mazda5 two years ago. It has been a fairly decent car, good interior space and gas mileage. Recently, the AT light came on. I took it to our local reliable mechanic. The car now needs a new transmission. I called and pleaded our case with the local Mazda dealership and with Mazda US. Neither of them will do anything to help us. They wont even offer discounted parts. It is ridiculous that the transmission would fail at 65,000 miles. It is even more ridiculous that Mazda doesnt stand behind their cars. I cannot recommend that anyone purchase this car or any Mazda for that matter.

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  Mazda 626 - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By kvammen - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Every one is entitled to one mistake in their life, this was mine.

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  Help the owners of these cars - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By SAD - October 1 - 6:20 am

  I had the 2004 rx8 car broke down every month. Had to have a new motor at 12000 miles, got started vibrating shaking so bad and then it would knock off. I hated to drive the car i was so afraid it would leave me stranded somewhere. Then it got to the point it would flooded itself i was so discussed with this car. Had to get an attorney. Mazda finally bought the car back it was a lemon. Cute car but worse car i ever had.

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  HORRIBLE!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By avalencia - September 14 - 3:12 pm

  My first car and I HATE it. Literally one thing after another kept breaking down and has had 2 recalls from Mazda since I have had it. I drove it about 20 times if even that because it was always in the shop. The last thing that went bad was the head gaskets and I need to sell the truck as is because to fix it, it was $1600. If you dont want to go broke, do NOT buy this p.o.s.