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:

• 

  2000 Mazda Protege -- DX - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By CDAVE - June 19 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been with us for two years now and there have been no major required repairs. The typical maintenance schedule was maintained however. It has been a reliable vehicle.

• 

  great car - IF IT STARTS! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Kevin - June 19 - 9:30 am

  Warning: if you are thinking of buying this car be warned: it will not restart if it is turned off cold. This is a widespread problem, and Mazda is fully aware but refuses to do anything about it (it is a problem with the rotary in that to start the engine needs a burst of gas, and until its burned off, e.g.: warmed up, the car WILL NOT RESTART and must be towed). Otherwise: a great car. Fast. Great handling. Wonderful design. But very bad gas mileage! But I could live with that, IF I COULD BE ASSURED THE CAR WOULD START. Its already left me stranded once, and Mazda will only pay to fix it once, and then youre on your own. Shame on Mazda

• 

  Fun car, minor annoyances - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Craig - June 19 - 8:56 am

  This is a fun car to drive, quick and handles well. Has a solid build feel and lots of bells and whistles. Having said that i am already thinking of getting rid of it, heres why: I am tall, 66" and with the sunroof the car is for a 65" tall person. The steering wheel does not have a comfy place for your hand on long drives. There is no remote truck release. I bought this instead of a Civic for fun factor and it is fun. I get 30 mpg average which is also great considering the way I drive. Leather is cheap almost like plastic, but the heated seats are great; heated mirrors would have been nice, but you cant have it all.

• 

  Zoom Clang Clang Chug - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By stantonb1 - June 17 - 1:27 pm

  I have all ready established a series of form comments under A/C problems. It appears that the extremely loud banging that I experience when I first turn on the A/C in the morning is normal or at least that is what Mazda field engineers told Reedman Toll when they were going over my car. When I wanted to further discuss the problem with Stephanie a Mazda field representative at the "800" Mazda number provided it was fine for her to record the conversation, but she immediately hung up when advised I would be recording too. To state that I am discussed with the manner in which Mazda is treating me as a customer is an understatement. Recommend Mazda, not me not a chance; not there for you!!

• 

  Should have bought a Civic - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By canadiancarguy - June 16 - 9:30 pm

  We bought a 2.0 ES GT with a 5 spd brand new back in 01. The car was the best value in its class (for Japanese makes). Engine has always sounded rattley at start up, though this hasnt caused a real problem yet. The EGR valve needed replacement at about 60,000 kms. Now at 75,000 kms the alternator failed. These two problems dont bother me as much as the corrosion problems I have had with this car. I live in Toronto, and they use road salt heavily, but it is still no excuse for the amount of rust this thing has on it for its age. Every piece of metal attached to this car is rusty , body panels or any mechanical part. Even the horn has failed due to corrosion. Mazda is still behind the rest.

• 

  Good Car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Kurt - June 16 - 7:00 am

  I have had my 5 speed for 5 years and absolutely love it. Pros: Decent gas mileage, (not as good as a Corola, but more fun to drive) Fun to drive, responsive handling, good road feel comfortable seat. Good shifter. Very reliable, (just brakes and tires are the only parts replaced. Con. Noisy to ride in.

• 

  I expected more. - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kathleen Irwin - June 15 - 5:56 am

  I had owned Honda Accords for 12 years but then, I fell in love with the Mazda6 body style! I have driven it for 1 year now and although I still love the outside of the car, I am unhappy with the quality of the inside. I have had the dealer replace all the seat bottoms because, they ALL began to wear where there is wire under the cloth. This is true in every Mazda6 out there! Push on the seam and you will feel it. Now the driver seat needs to be replaced where the seatbelt is rubbing through the fabric (I am short and have the seat pretty far forward). The gauges are hard to read due to the steering wheel, no matter how I adjust it.

• 

  Perfect for a driver with the right circumstances - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Jonathan Baker - June 14 - 7:00 pm

  I bought my 2007 RX-8 Seven months ago. It had 62,000 miles on it and the engine had about 15,000. (At least half of the cars I looked at were on their second engine.) It is slightly modified with a cold air intake, aftermarket exhaust and 19” wheels with Hankook Ventus V12 Evo summer tires. I bought the car shortly after I started commuting to work by train minimizing the impact of the poor fuel mileage. Should I have to return to a lengthy commute here in Los Angeles, the car will be up for sale in an instant. My city mileage in the 17-18 range. I can’t give a useful hwy figure because all my non-city driving is blasting through mountain roads. That of course is where this car shines. It is spectacularly agile and balanced and there is nothing like having the throttle control of running in 2nd or 3rd gear at 6000- to 7000 rpm and still have a couple thousand more at your disposal. The car is completely neutral in the turns, and the Hankooks (which isn’t a brand I would normally consider) are the stickiest tires I’ve ever owned. So far, the car’s ability easily exceeds my talent. There is no question this is a sports car. You have to be engaged with it for the fun to happen. It won’t come from just a pressed throttle. With little in the way of torque, you have to work to access the power which is then quite rewarding. You sit low, both brakes and throttle respond quickly and effectively. The steering is no match for the non-assist rack I had in a Miata, but still surprisingly communicative given that it is electrically assisted. When not used as a toy, the car is benign if thirsty partner. I have put adults in the back though not for long distances. The usual rear seat occupant is an oversized backpack that carries work, lunch and gym items and the rear door makes it quite accessible, though things can get a bit involved in cramped parking situations. The navigation system just shows how much displays have improved in the past 10 years, and the database seems convinced I live in in Massachusetts, so I love the fact that I can make the screen disappear. I do find it a great companion in the mountains however, where seeing the shape of the next curve informs me of the appropriate approach speed and what gear to take it in. Like most RX-8 owners, I keep a quart of oil and funnel in the trunk, though thus far only use the better part of a quart every three fill ups. Don’t check your oil in the dark. As the dipstick receiver much like the engine itself, is very low back by the firewall and hard to aim for when you can’t see it. I was skeptical about the digital speed display at first, but rather like it now, especially as it allows the tach to be large and centered. The steering wheel has just the right amount of buttons and the dash controls are both easy to find and operate intuitively. Visibility is good, particularly though the wrap-around rear window. The taut leather seating surfaces do a good job of imitating vinyl, but still keep me in place in the mountains. The Bose stereo is adequate, though I wish for a simple auxiliary input. A previous owner installed an iPod connect cord which, though an adapter plugs into my iPhone 6. Unfortunately, the connection only works when it feels like it. As mentioned, my vehicle had a modest amount of modification. I don’t know how much of a significant difference the intake makes, but it sure looks good when the hood is open. Likewise, I’m not sure how effective the exhaust is beyond broadcasting to the world whenever I’m in the 6000 to 9000 rpm range. The just-short-of black 19” wheels look more bad-ass than is probably appropriate for this 50-something year old and the low profile tires definitely add some harshness to the ride, though as mentioned, they redeem themselves in my self-indulgent mountain excursions. It is those mountain drives that give this car a reason for being. Frankly, if you don’t have reasonable access to lightly traveled twisty roads, you won’t get to use it for what it’s best at and I’d recommend a different choice. The occasional freeway cloverleaf just isn’t enough.

• 

  Overall Quite Satisfied with a Few Noted Exceptions - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By Marc Edwards - June 9 - 1:08 am

  Bought in June 2014, 15k on it so far. Very fun to drive. Get as advertised mileage 25 city, approx. 32 hwy, and 27 combined.

• 

  Most fun car in its segment IMO - 2013 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By redlinez - June 7 - 4:36 am

  Well, I drove the now infamous Focus ST as well as the VW GTI and GLI and came back to the Speed3. The Focus was very slow to build boost and make power, felt very darty and followed every rut in the road. The newer GTI didnt have the magic that the MKV GTI possessed. It didnt have the instant torque feeling, maybe because I didnt floor it, very different throttle calibration possibly. The Jetta GLI was just too vanilla, it doesnt stand out in any real way other than the interior was pretty neat. The Speed3 entertains in normal driving like no other. Power comes on immediately, while the suspension is much more aggressive, its well dampened.