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:

• 

  Do Not Buy This Vehicle - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By cebieb - November 18 - 3:10 pm

  My 2010 Mazda CX-7 blew the turbocharger at 5,600 miles. It took more than a week to repair, and it hasnt run right since. I traded it in, because of concerns for my safety. Its a nicely styled, beautifully appointed car, but after I bought it, I discovered that problems with the turbocharger are relatively common. It also doesnt hold resale value. It was difficult to trade it in, and the whole thing cost me about $9,000.

• 

  New 2006 Mazda 6 needs new motor - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By jefles - November 9 - 1:20 pm

  The car started a tapping noise from the motor at 2000 miles. The dealer tried to say it was normal. The dealer has now ordered a new engine from Mazda due to defects at 6000 miles. Buy Honda or Toyota.

• 

  Short Block Replacement@4800 miles - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jack - November 5 - 7:50 pm

  Noticed high (2.5 quarts in 3500 mi.). Spent 1000 more miles convincing the dealer that there REALLY was a problem. Dealer finally tested cylinders for leakdown and then changed the short block due to a scored cylinder wall due to an improperoy installed ring. During the repair, the front of the car was damaged and the transmission linkage was improperly reassembled. After the transmission linkage repair, the transmission still doesnt shift as well as it did when delivered.

• 

  Doom, Doom, Doom! Please Do not buy a Mazda! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By mazdausasux - October 4 - 5:09 am

  I am one of the many 2007 Mazda cx-7 owners who has serviced my vehicle according to the manual. The turbo, drive chain, and A/C failed...Mazda USA claims that sludge caused the failure. Mazda will not honor their warranty. I have every receipt for service. The dealer is supporting my claim that I have maintained the vehicle but Mazda USA will not stand behind their product. Mazda USA even went as far as to insinuate that I may have paid for oil changes that were never performed. Would one of Americas largest retailer do this??? I think Mazda has a long history of oil related issues and will do and say anything to avoid doing whats right. DO NOT BUY A MAZDA!

• 

  mazda99 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By missy01 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  It was a well running car until it reached 70,000 miles. Lots of problems after this point. I did not abuse this car, I had the oil changed and the car checked every 3,000 miles. Had to replace transmission. Every year the coolant bottle cracks, replaced twice under warranty and every year there after. Would recommend to lease this car, not to buy it-too many problems.

• 

  Unreliable Lemon - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By BuyHonda - September 24 - 9:23 pm

  The look and feel of the car is great. When it comes to performance and reliability, it broke down twice in the first two months of ownership and within the first 3000 miles. The car jerked and bucked and was inoperable both times and had to be towed to the dealership for diagnostics and repairs. On both occasions, the actuator throttle assembly went bad and had to be replaced. After the second breakdown and over six weeks of the car being in the repair shop, I exercised my lemon law rights as a consumer and got a full refund. This time, I purchased the much more reliable Honda Civic.

• 

  Love it, but it has issues - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Christin - September 11 - 5:36 pm

  Well, after 16,000 miles I just got my car back from a few days in the shop. It had to have 3 recalls done on it (which I never got anything about recalls), and had to have the actuator replaced. It made this awful noise when you started the car after it had been sitting for a while. The look of the car is great! I love how it drives, but HATE the gas mileage especially only using premium gas!! We have not had issues with it at all till now, so overall for me it is a good car. I do dislike that the only cupholders in the back seat are in the fold down armrest in the middle, so if you have 3 people back there, there are no cupholders.

• 

  Melting Tail Lights - If youre out of warranty - Youre Out of Luck - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By gregsmazda6 - September 9 - 1:56 am

  I bought a used 2010 Mazda 6 with about 44,000 miles on it. By about 48,000 miles, I noticed the tail light lenses were melting. It has stock bulbs. Dealership never saw this before (of course) but was willing to charge $350 for new tail lights. I tried going the route of "Tail Lights shouldnt melt in a year". I say they happen only after 3/36,000 warranties. Several iterations up the Mazda Corporate ladder - proved fruitless. Out-of-Warranty, Out-of-Luck. Only when I went to the NHTSA, I found (service bulletin) SB-10033969-2790), 2009/10 "Mazda 6 might experience heat deformation of the lens in warm climates" - Why isnt Mazda Selling - ARE MELTING TAIL LIGHTS ACCEPTABLE to CUSTOMERS???

• 

  Zoom Zoom My Tail!! Bad Car - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By mkburgess828 - September 2 - 11:14 pm

  I posted about 2 months ago because the Tranny went out! This has been the most terrible vehicle that I have ever owned! In addition to the transmission going out at about 108k now my engine is shot. The vehicle has a 112k on it now. Its the 2.3 4 cylinder 2x4. Very Slow, very little performance at all. They look sharp but without doubt a true money pit disaster. I drive my car very easy and perform routine maintanence ahead of time!! All out just a bad vehicle!!!

• 

  Drag a wagon - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Robert Garvey - August 31 - 3:56 pm

  After being lied to about the invoice price which resulted in paying 26,500.00 we did not get the features we wanted. It took three weeks to get delivery because they claimed it arrived at the dealer with "slashes (keyed)" over the front panel. Then it had to have the windshield replaced because a rock hit it while driving it back to the dealership.by then we were no longer eligable for the $2,000.00 rebate. After receiving delivery, it still has a small dent in the chrome on the hood. It rides like a childs wagon being pulled down the street. It hits every imperfection in the road like a speed bump. It makes it impossible to try and make notes or write in the rear seat.