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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  Good value - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Nick072261 - February 22 - 11:56 pm

  My wife & I purchased this mini-van with 12,000 and we now have 66,000 miles on this vehicle. Initial problems included the Shift Solenoid for the transmission, oil gasket and seals around timing chain case cover were replaced and a noise with the fan was fixed. All work was covered under the warranty. We have put on 40,000 miles since our problems without any other issues. The car has a V6 dohc Ford American made engine that was used in the Taurus. Funny thing is our problems were all related to the Japanese parts - go figure! Anyway, I would consider buying another if they were still being made. We plan to keep this car until it dies (hopefully not anytime soon)!

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  Fun and Practical - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By StanleyD - February 21 - 9:46 am

  The 5-door hatch makes excellent use of interior space. I can carry my bicycle inside along with enough luggage for two people. Seats and controls are excellent. Optional leather seats are great. Gearing is a bit too short so its easy to chirp front wheels when starting with manual trans. Back seat is comfortable for two. Acceleration is snappy but runs out of power at high speeds. Gas mileage is a disappointment. I have averaged 23.5 mpg in 10,900 miles of mostly suburban driving. It was rated at 26 city, 32 hwy. Completely reliable. Id buy it again.

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  Good Truck for the $$ - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By E151 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  You can get some really good deals on this truck... I got Auto with AC. Its got tons of room way more then a toyota. Ive had this truck for over 5K miles and no problems except the tires it came with were crap had them road balanced and basically unbalanceable. Mazda service SUCKS... I dont think Ill ever buy another Mazda... But, for the price, and seeing how Ill probably get a new one in 3-5 years. I think it will hold its value for a long time to come.

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  Problems - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By lallabear - February 16 - 10:43 am

  I expected the car to last with proper maintenance. However, even with proper maintenance Ive replaced the engine coil and now the a/c has gone out as well. It is also starting to make a strange sound when accelerating. (I havent had this checked out yet, just started). It was a fun economical car to drive until 60,000 miles.

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  So far so good - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Doug Paradore - February 16 - 9:20 am

  I have owned a Tribute for one year now with absolutely no issues. Im very satisfied with the vehicle so far. Great pep, great stereo, comfortable and roomy, great in snow, good handling and road vision, excellent braking. Could use more illumination in cabin for things like the key ignition, cruise control on steering wheels and reading lamps would be preferred in front instead of having to reach behind. And of course the gear shifter is too long. But since the car is such a pleasure to drive and own, these small things are easily overlooked. Buy one now! I also considered and test drove the Highlander, Pilot, & Forester. Believe me this is the best choice of all of them.

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  Common Sense SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By cincybucks - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Living in snow country, I wanted a 4WD vehicle that was safe for my family to drive, comfortable for me to drive (6ft.plus), but didnt require a gas tank I needed a home quity loan to fill regularly and still make it 5-6 hours to grandmas house. This is it. While specs dont indicate the facts, it sure seems larger than a Honda CRV which I also considered. Neighbors comments are - "...it sure looks like a regular SUV", meaning big.

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  Transmission quirks - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Dee A. - February 10 - 7:26 am

  Van is excellent except for the transmission. It jerks shifting from 2nd to 3rd especially on a stop and go traffic. Brakes are noisy first thing in the morning, disappears after it warms up. Had the TCM reflashed 3 times to correct the transmission jerk to no avail until second dealer replaced it with a brand new TCM. Still jerks a little bit but not as pronounced. Have to learn to live with it. But will go back to Toyota or Honda next time.

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  This wasnt written just after purchased - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By kdresch - February 10 - 5:33 am

  Unlike most reviews that are written just after the car was purchased and are 100% positive because you are so excited, this one is being written four months after purchase, after you get to know the car and its positives and negatives. Hope it helps you. After driving BMW 3 series cars since 1982 I have to say Im overall impressed with my Mazda 3 hatchback. It beats my old, aging, E36 Bimmer hands down. The suspension is downright TIGHT, the control is superb. Acceleration with my 6 speed manual transmission is super quick. To me the turbo is overkill.

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  Very reliable, very average - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By orniflect - February 9 - 8:23 am

  I own the stick shift model. 90% highway miles for its entire life (175k miles so far). Averaging 32-33 mpg for entire life. Its aging as expected - can definitely tell its not immortal; little things breaking, but nothing big yet. Would you believe that I didnt have to replace the front disc rotors until over 90k miles on it? Pretty wild - I really wasnt stretching into unsafe-ness. replacement rotors lasted "only" 60k miles. Clutch still tight, zero oil consumed, and Im not particularly diligent with changes (avg ~5k miles). Other than the exhaust heat shield getting loose more than once - 2 or 3 welding jobs over time to stop the noise, no odd/out of place troubles.

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  Second review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By CRJ Driver - February 8 - 6:43 pm

  Bought it new. Have 19000 miles. Rear engine mount had to be replaced under warranty and a TSB performed on the drivers side front end. New tires about a month ago. Other than that, nothing but oil changes every 2500 miles which is about every 4 months at $21.95 (dealer with coupon) This engine loves the freeway! 420 miles on a tank of gas. Good visibility all the way around, seats offer good support, good ergonomics, weak A/C (blows cold but fan lacks speed, must run at 4 to get some air but then its too loud). Mostly happy with it. Good platform, rev it up and you will be rewarded. For "coat hangar in the mouth" smile though, try the Speed3.