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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  First Model Defect to Arise! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Traveling Consultant - February 5 - 6:20 am

  I have been a very happy motorist for the first 60,000 miles put on my Mazda CX-7. This is my third review for this car. My car averages between 19-21 mpg. I do lots of highway traveling and I usually travel 200+ mile trips. My OEM tires lasted for 28,000. My second set of tires (not factory but dealer recommended and cheaper) will probably be replaced at 80,000. Until 60,000 I had absolutely no issues with this car. About 60,000 the fuel sensor started coming up. I have identified I trigger this failure when stepping on the gas during exit ramp to highway acceleration events. There have been three such sensor failures, seems to be a recurring defect.

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  Just a 3 - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve - February 4 - 11:20 am

  Edmunds pushed me to buy a Mazda 3. I had intended to buy a Civic to use as a commuter car. Honestly, the car is what Edmunds said it was but it is still somewhat disappointing overall. Basically, the Mazda 3 lacks the zoom- zoom promised by Mazda. This is just a commuter car with poor fuel mileage. There are some nice aspects however such as attractive interior and exterior styling. But overall it is not worth the money. Its just a Mazda 3 after all.

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  Very Utilitarian, But Loud Tire eater - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By ronwho - February 2 - 8:05 pm

  We bought our 5 new. 4 years 66K later, wife has a love-hate relationship. It is very utilitarian and it has been very reliable. Weve only had to replace a broken strut. (Free with our MEPP extended warranty) It gets decent mileage- about 23-24 mpg. However, we have to replace tires every 18 to 20K. Low profile tires pop when you hit a big pothole (unavoidable in OK) with one bent wheel so far. Interior road noise is so loud that we have to yell to the back seat. I mean REALLY loud. The AC loses some cool when you accelerate hard and my wife will only run it on recirculate to get cold- but it does get cold. We are buying a CX-9 and giving 5 to teenager. Will see if 9 is better quality.

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  A "Sporty" sedan, not a Sports Sedan - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By damon - February 2 - 7:53 pm

  I am a "driver" who was fed up driving a turbo lagged 9-3 (1999) in traffic without a decent cupholder. Gave up the manual and purchased a 2003 6 v6 with an automatic. The modern looks inside and out sold me - I wouldnt consider an Accord, etc. because of how common they are. I think this should be on the list for anyone looking at sedans but people who highly value sports handling should consider something else. This car is a very comfortable daily driver with everything at your fingertips. The engine is a blast in the mid-range but with the automatic the low end is abysmal. Dont expect quick shifts with the automanual - its better just to hold gears in turns. Handling is sloppy at higher speeds.

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  Expensive to fix and maintain - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By carena - February 2 - 6:44 pm

  Just purchased this car for college aged daughter. Purchased from a private party in a state that does not require emission inspections (Ohio). Car drove like a dream; ext. and int. were in great shape for a 10 yr. old car. It had a reasonable amount of mileage (121,000). The owner mentioned the check engine light was on but their mechanic couldnt diagnose the problem. Needless to say, after purchasing the car, taking it to Pa for inspection...it failed miserably! $2300.00 later! change the catalytic converters; fix broken seal on transmission; change a light bulb (requires front bumper to be removed!). Pretty car....but way too expensive to maintain! Buy only if you have $$$ to fix.

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  Not in Snow ! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bullsnotcowboy - February 2 - 6:16 pm

  It is incredible in dry weather. Nice quick ride and rather cheap to own. Oil changes are awful as they have a plastic shield you have to remove first and Jiffy lube just cuts through it to get to the filter. I greased the 8 bolts so they do not rust up so quickly. Park this car when it snows - it is very dangerous. I cannot even get up a slight incline. completly useless. As much as I love driving it in good weather I will be forced to get rid of it as it is 100% useless on any little bit of snow.

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  Basic requirements - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By NOMOREMPV - February 1 - 2:00 am

  It has stylish and roomy features, which attract most consumers. Those are reasons led me make a no smart choice. In just 4 years, check engine lighting is on, so I put my van to dealer shop. They said the engine might be damaged and replaced immediately with new one or sell it. I assumed most recent car might have little problem in power train, even in engine. Also, before buying this car, I was informed van transmission has poor rating, but I thought it could be ignorable, but I realized the meaning of poor rating by auto specialists through this Mazda van.

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  really like my car..so far.... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By monk - January 31 - 5:36 pm

  I do enjoy my car thus far...It is a little on the under powered side coming from a 91 civic SI. I do however see some huge potential if I can spare some bucks...Plus it is a lot easier to get two kids in(as opposed to the SI). My only real complaint(other than the power issue) is the anti theft alarm which came stock on the model I bought..It is just to darn sensitive..My Motorcycle sets it off along with loud trucks and busses..The dealership says that they can do nothing about it as does mazda corp..Other than dealing with that.... buy this car...It is fun and DAMN good looking(for a 3 door oooops 5 door)

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  satisfied - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By multi ownwr - January 30 - 9:26 pm

  Ford reliability with a better warranty.

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  Mazda does well again. - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jimmy - January 30 - 5:20 am

  Mazda Tribute has done a great job on its compact car based performance SUV. Its certainly a SUV with a sports car soul. The 201-HP 3.0L V6 is powerful for exhilaration but not as much for towing. Measured 0-60MPH time was 7.48 seconds. The 4WD system works very well on snow, ice, and muddy dirt. The FWD system does show some very torquey steering, at least with the 6-cyl. The seats are sort of uncomfy, but only on long trips. Highway ride and performance is excellent. Handles bumps so-so. 7-speaker stereo works great. AC/heat works well. Reliability after 48k miles has been excellent except for some minor audio display twitches. Buy this car for a used car, and opt for the 6-cyl DOHC engine.