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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  No Magic Minivan Bullet - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By J-Dog - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I like its maneuverable size, with good brakes and good steering feel. Overall, it has a nice interior (with a few ergonomic miscues) and seems well thoughtout. Nevertheless, it is far from a drivers car. It lacks enough engine power when loaded. The suspension has too much impact harshness at recommended tire psi. I have had two warranty repairs (cooling system,A/C)and 2 issues that were the subject of TSBs(transmission, brake clunk)in less than one year. I expected more from a Japanese brand with an ostensible reputation for quality. Fuel economy is poor for a 3.0 liter V-6.

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  Problems..... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Disgusted Owner - March 8 - 12:13 am

  I love my Tribute, but it has been in the dealership 4 times for the same issue. Frequently the car does not want to start. The fuel pump was replaced twice. On the 3rd attempt, technical support was contacted and told to replace the IAC valve. It started up like a champ for a few days, then the problem occurred again. It also idles higher than normal since the IAC was replaced. On the 4th repair attempt, the engineers were contacted and the claim there is nothing wrong. According to research Ive done on line, other people are experiencing similar issues, down to the fact that Mazda "claims" there is nothing wrong with the car.

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  Time to Start Worrying? - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hmmmm...... - January 15 - 3:10 am

  Just replaced the starter today, at 30K miles. Strange "whirring" sound after cranking was my tipoff that something was amiss. Luckily, I havent had any of the brake problems encountered by many on this site. My other big concern since owning this car has been intermittent problems with hesitation upon releasing the clutch, especially into second gear, when turning a corner. It seems like either my clutch is slipping, or my power is dropping precipitously. And of course, the dealer can never re-enact it when they have it (tends to be worse when the car is cold).

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  Not Happy - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By MJF - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I am not happy with this truck. A week after I bought it, it had to be returned to get 4 new tires. It runs really rough, at a stop it vibrates the cab. I have brought it back to the dealer and they didnt feel anything was wrong. I will probably trade in soon.

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  My unreliable 2002 MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Nigel - January 11 - 5:20 pm

  My experience started with trading in my 2000 MPV, which had been reliable but underpowered, for the 2002. The tires went bald at 55k km (about 30k miles) and I had to pay lots for Turenzas with a 150k tread warranty. After the warranty expired lots of problems - front axle stabilizers both went during a road trip, hand brake cable ($250 to fix!), rear shocks, tranny cooler, 4 sets of front rotors, and finally the transmission linkage while it was getting serviced at the dealership!! Mileage was always poor for the 3L engine and tranny frequently banged while shifting from 2nd to 3rd. Reflashing the computer didnt help. Happy ending though - I got $3k trade in last week for a Matrix!

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  Upgraded from the old GT model - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Suziesilverado - January 10 - 10:27 am

  I upgraded from a 2015 CX5 Grand Touring to the 2017 model for the following features: auto rear cargo hatch, much lower noise in the cabin, and rear air conditioning vents (needed in Florida). The car still handles pretty much the same and is fun to drive, although I find the new model to be a bit more sluggish in shifting gears. They need a larger engine option. I still get the same mileage- about 24.5 city and 28.6 highway (75 mph). I dont like the new front grill, cup holder placement, higher front hood which means lower visibility for short people., lac k of arm rests and the navigation system is horrid. The city assist braking system only works in very specific situations, and is not that helpful. Also the side mirror alerts are overly sensitive, and go off even when a car is maybe 8 lengths away from you. That said, I still prefer the way this car handles and the upgraded interior when compared to similarly priced competition. The sound system is pretty good, and with lower cabin noise, is pleasant to use during long drive

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  Small interior - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By colleen - December 13 - 11:33 am

  I would never buy this car again. I had to replace the tires, the traction was poor and they leaked after the first year. The third row is to small, no passenger arm rest. The interior cant handle every day use. The dash looks worn after barely two years and the one and only arm rest is totally worn out. Power locks dont work right. The only thing I do like is the sporty feel and look.

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  Bad on mileage and power - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By biggun52 - December 8 - 5:13 am

  I first looked a the Escape and almost bought, but they did not budge for the price. I then went to Mazda and bought the cousin for $2,000 less. Great SUV until the AC is on, then I need someone for a push (No power). ROTTEN GAS MILEAGE, otherwise not bad.

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  Oh, Gee, It stalled? - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By UnHappy3 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Our Tribute was in the Dealers shop for 63 days to repair the stalling problem. I was assured by Mazda H.Q. in Irvine, CA that the Tribute was fixed and there has not been any reoccurrences of Tributes that have had this repair done. Less than a month later my wife and child were again driving in the Tribute when it stalled exactly as it had done before the repair. In my opinion someone is going to die in one of these cars.

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  Not an S2000 - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Car connoisseur - December 3 - 1:20 pm

  Last NC before the goofy grin. Very noisy, if next to a Jersey barrier, forget conversation. Worse with the top up. All the noise comes from the tires. First gear on 6-speed way too low, as is 6th. The 5 speed with an overdrive would have been better. Shifting very notchy even after 26000 miles. Engine very good, very flexible. Does not like low octane fuel, clatters like a can of bolts. Steering, handling, braking are excellent. Wheel arches are too big - see BMW for how this should be done. Mine had 2 replacement fuel caps in warranty - poor sealing causes CEL to come on. It still comes on, so I ignore it, and turn it off by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes when I have time. Mazda and their service sucks. I put 100,000 miles on a 1980 626 and had only a dome light bulb fail, yet now they cant even make an adequate gas cap. The clutch needs a bigger master cylinder, the pedal has to be pushed all the way to the floor for a decent shift - on most vehicles a little dip is enough. Overall, the car handles and performs much better than the Formula Ford I used to race. Pity theyve gone ninja with their latest models, which like most of their competitors offerings are ugly enough to gag a maggot.