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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  Looks great and works bad - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By bob forman - June 7 - 9:00 am

  This call has been towed to the dealer at least 10 times. There is a definite flaw in the design of the engine.Its failure to start especially in cold weather is frustrating. Although the handling is superior to any car I have owned, for a sports car this car is way to sluggish. I do have an automatic transmission. I am sorry I did not get the Nissan Z instead of this rattle machine

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  Soccer mom has got some go! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By kirk - June 5 - 11:40 pm

  Im 12 so I thought Id give my Idea of this van. My mom found a brand new MPV; it was a 2003. So far we have found some cons on this. One positive is it has the power to pass a Ford Expedition or a Chevy Suburban and my dads Mercedes Benz for that matter. Some problems are that for what ever reason it sucks gas! The dealer cant seem to describe what the van does but it does this thing were when you put it in gear the tranny clunks, shaking the van. It doesnt really do that though, only when its hot.

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  Slip joint problem and pulsating brakes - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ariel - May 21 - 6:13 pm

  Purchased car Dec. 08, Feb 09 -to dealer for knocking noise when turning, car inspected, nothing found. Noise continued, May 09 to dealer for knocking noise when turning and pulsating brakes. Valiant grease to steering column shaft. Breaks inspected, no issue. Noted some improvement with turning noise. Returned 6/3 for both issues continued. Replaced steering column, excessive movement in the slip joint used for steering wheel adjustment. Informed had same problem with older Mazda 6 and grease worked, but not 09. Replace the front rotors for customer satisfaction and at 14,950 machined back rotors. Not impressed with the continuing issues only 6 mo. car. If continues will pursue lemon law.

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  2003 protege nightmare - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By scott - May 14 - 1:16 pm

  I bought this car with 15 miles on it. Ive put alot of miles on it. currently i have just under 141, 000. Ive had to have the front bearing replaced 4 times! on each side. ive had the alternator replaced twice. ive changes the oil tank because it actually rusted through, as well as the front exhaust at the intake manifold. ive changed both the oxygen sensor and the speed sensor. Ive also changed the radiator twice. this is a car ive changed the oil and other scheduled maintained every 3-4k miles on it! I can;t believe it got this good of a reliability rating on Edmunds because mine has been a nightmare. plus mine is currently rusting to crap.....what happened?

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  Tires / Fuel Economy / Reliability - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By 01bosox - May 11 - 11:00 am

  The tires cost $180 per tire and last 20k. this might be OK for a Porsche but this is a Mazda. I also get maybe 17 miles to the gallon. The car requires premium gas and lastly, the AC compressor has lots of problems and is dangerous when it breaks. Would not recommend this car. Reminds me of my Dodge Intrepid days

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  RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Sarah Cobbs - May 8 - 5:20 am

  This is a fun car to drive, and looks great, but is very unreliable. I constantly have service lights on. Whether its an engine light, a oil light, or a tire light, without fail there is always a problem. Also, this car does not like to remain idle. After about 30 seconds in dead stop traffic my entire car begins to shake. I actually had the car stall at a busy light due to this problem. Therefore, if you travel into a city on a daily basis and have to deal with traffic, I highly urge you NOT to purchase this vehicle.

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  My story - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By 02 whttrib - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been the worst new vehicle I have ever purchased. Many, many problems. It is very fun to drive and the V6 is a great performer, but it all comes at a very expensive cost of satisfaction, dealer trips, questionable cranking, stalling, and overall reliability. It feels extremely cheap.

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  Just didnt work for me. - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By herbww - April 29 - 7:29 pm

  I found the seats very hard and the front seat positions limited. When on medium to long drives I would get out of the car limping. The GPS never worked probably, but even if it had I found it difficult to use and read. The mileage wasnt near the rating for highway driving. The car is also a little under powered. The electronics all seemed a little off. The base car is probably very good value. I wrote to Mazda and didnt get a response. I finally just dumped the car after about 8 months of driving.

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  What a piece of ^%$^%$^&%! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By stissenko - April 26 - 5:30 pm

  I have a 2.3 AT version with currently 83K on it. TO begin is I should say it is the WORST car I have ever had (and I have owned quite a few). I have recently changed: all 4 shocks , bar links, rotors, caliper, leaking radiator, engine mount, heat shield, had to fix exhaust pipe! Unfortunately, it didnt solve all problems: I keep adjusting the breaks (obviously, I do not count new pads, since it is a maintenance), but the noise is still there. Right caliper is about to have to be changed (I am selling the car prior to that). I guess I am really tired of having the car at the shop ALL THE TIME, trying to understand whats wrong with it. If you want a car: DO NOT BUY!

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  Save Your Money - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Rozy - April 11 - 3:50 pm

  Buyer beware... save your money. This was the first car I bought new and was in love with it until the second day I had it and it wouldnt start. The car went back to the dealrship 5 times for this problem and they had no idea what was wrong, just started to change wires to play guess and check. My car shut down on the highway because the alternator went at 30,000 miles. Then my transmission went at 50,000 (no longer under warranty). Mazda wont do anything to rectify the piece of junk they sold me! They are not helpful and said these problems were my fault. 2 days old and broken... not my fault. This car is a heap of junk for all the problems it caused.