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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  Really Quite Impressive - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By beeminbobby - January 7 - 8:30 am

  I recently decided to impose some voluntary belt tightening in car payments and gas consumption. Over the past 20 years Ive driven a number of BMWs, Audis and Acuras, but "downgrading" to the Mazda 3 really wasnt a big deal. The car is very comfortable and quiet, is relatively fun to drive, and is for sure more reliable than BMW or Audi. No, it doesnt have all the "bells and whistles", performance capabilities, or panache and ego stroke of a BMW, but I also have a car payment that is less than half of what I used to have! Maybe I can retire 5 years sooner now!!

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  Dead Engine at 37K Miltes - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Bad Car Bad Service - January 7 - 6:53 am

  I wish I would have done more research before buying this car. The bad experience at the dealership when purchasing the car should have been my first warning sign. After 2 1/2 years of driving, with no warning (no check engine light, no oil light, no nothing), it is dead. Works one day, the next they say the engine is dead due to improper maintenance (not true) and I need a new engine. No warranty coverage because it wasnt properly maintained (not true). Took 2 weeks for them to tell me they wouldnt cover it. $300 later in rental car expenses, Im still without a car. Thank you Mazda. Customer service and quality...two words that dont go with Mazda. Never again.

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  Zoom, Zoom ?? - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By MINIVANMOM - January 7 - 4:23 am

  Just bought the vehicle and immediately took it on a LONG trip. A pretty comfortable ride, with lots of room. Some very nice features, and received lots of compliments on the exterior design. Overall we are pleased. Not all is perfect in Zoom Zoom land however. With a load it takes its sweet time passing cars at freeway speeds. Husband sez something about low-end torque...or lack thereof. Mileage about as expected...maybe 22 on open road. Surprisingly not much worse in town. Having to pay extra for satellite radio installation in a vehicle of this price range is disappointing. Radar in rear bumper that detects passing vehicles, (and sometimes nearby guard rails) is a great safety feature.

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  Mazda 6 Transmission Problems - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dale Smith - January 6 - 8:30 pm

  Ive purchased 4 Mazdas, but never again. I bought my latest, a 6, in Nov 2006. I have a long commute and have put on 63K miles in 3 years. When the car was just about at 30K miles my tranny went out. The dealership replaced it under warranty. About a month ago the tranny started acting up again and to my surprise the dealership told me that it needed to be replaced - Again. This tranny only had about 30K miles on it also. The service manager told me that I wasnt maintaining it correctly or driving it too hard. I informed him that I never had to get the tranny maintained since it never got 30K miles on it and in my 35 years of driving I never had to replace one. Stay away from this car.

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  2002 MPV Anti-Mini-Van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By sunra - January 6 - 7:43 pm

  With the addition of the 3.0 liter 200 ft-lb 200 HP 5 speed drive train Mazda has effectively resolved the power versus performance concerns associated with the 2000-2001 models. Passing at highway speeds and performance on steep terrains is excellent. Handling is crisp and nimble. Call this the anti-mini-van.

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  My Best Mazda yet ! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By stevenewjersey - January 6 - 6:46 pm

  People consider me fussy in the cars I buy or lease. Since my wife drives a 2010 Mazda Tribute AWD Grand Touring, when it came time for me to select a new car, I traded my Mercedes roadster in on a CX5 AWD Grand Touring after considering a Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sportage. I was specific at the dealer, wanting a white one, Tech Package, all weather floor mats, roof rack, cargo cover, rear bumper guard, etc. They didn’t have one but found one in another state and sent a driver to get it for me after I gave them $100 deposit. The next day all the paperwork was completed and they filled it with gas, prepped the vehicle and I took delivery. I’m absolutely impressed with the Bluetooth and how it just sucked in my entire phone addresses and how I can make or receive calls while driving. The Tom Tom Nav system is inferior to my portable Magellan and is the only disappointment. I’m impressed in the seat comfort, three level heated seats, dual climate control, high intensity headlights and responsiveness of the vehicle. It’s beautiful to look at and very stylish with the 19” wheels and black outlining of the wheel openings, dual exhaust with chrome tips as well as the blind spot monitoring system. The availability of having the optional manual shifter is a great extra feature as is the folding 40/20/40 rear seats that are easy to operate. I believe the daytime running lights are a great safety feature as well. All in all, I paid a little too much but am completely satisfied.

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  Twice Mazda Owner - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By pat ark - January 6 - 6:30 am

  I have owned my Mazda van for 7 1/2 years and love the way it rides and drives. It is easily guided into parking spots and easy to backup and pass other vehicles on the highway. Love the room that it has when all the seats are lowered or removed.

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  Not happy - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By not happy - January 6 - 2:33 am

  Cant recommend! The transmission was replaced at 1,400 miles, because it shifted so rough. Thing is it still shifts rough and has very noisy idle. The drive is very noisy also. I am going to trade it in. The upside was the dealership service dept. Was exception. I feel bad their product was so disappointing. Will never buy another Mazda.

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  Where is the zoom? - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By kayejames - January 5 - 10:16 pm

  I have been very dissatisfied so far with the 2010 Mazda 6. I have the Manual sport edition. My major complaint is the throttle lag. My 1998 Corolla with 160K miles had better acceleration. Other complaints, the car shudders when reversing, the hand brake doesnt work well, the temperature control is not great and the car bottoms out very easily, I have to go extremely slowly over speed bumps. I highly recommend taking for an extended test drive before purchasing

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  Top Choice...Again! - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By bg53 - January 5 - 7:18 am

  Just purchased a new 2012 CX-9 and traded in the 2008 model. Prior to the purchase I thoroughly researched all of the alternatives, just as I had done in 2008 and still came back to the Mazda. They fixed all of the little things that I had complaints with on the 2008 model (i.e. no trip computer, doors failed to lock automatically when in drive, and single entry into the center armrest). The Highlander was a close 2nd, but the extra space the CX-9 provides, along with the sporty drive made the choice clear. I just hope that the new one will be as reliable as the one traded (knock on wood).