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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  Feel a little cheated with this one.... - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By trx284 - April 10 - 11:38 pm

  The car has a mix of good and bad features. Not a bad car overall, but probably not the best SUV in this category on the road (at least for me). It really depends upon what you value in a car. If you value exterior styling, good gas mileage, and a decent engine you will be happy with this purchase. If you value technology, ride quality, and comfort (interior components) you will likely be happier with the CRV or Escape.

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  Must Have Fallen Off the Truck! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jstandefer - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The overall design is very good. It is comfortable yet sporty, with a nice interior and a lot of nice touches such as the standard steering wheel audio controls. The 4-wheel disc brakes are excellent. Unfortunately, I have had a lot of problems with this particular car, everything from drivetrain to interior to the infamous "staining". Perhaps this car fell off the truck!

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  Good for first 4-5 years - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Nasar - April 8 - 3:03 am

  This is not a van you want to buy when you have other choices like Odyssey and Sienna. the plus point is it drives nice - more like a sedan. The first 4-5 years were almost trouble free with few niggles. From then on too many problems. Recently, it wont start and had to be towed and found out that the engine froze because there was no oil ! The oil is changed on time and there is no leak. How did the oil disappear in 3 months - is a mystery !!! in winters of Chicago, the sliding doors always get stuck and you cannot open it! If you are buying new one, sell it after three years. If you are buying old one, I will look elsewhere.

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  Transmission - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By YellowMazda6 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my car in May of 2003. I loved the car since I first saw it, and of course it was my favorite color, Yellow! I got the car and had problems 3 months later. And still to this day I am having problems. When I am coming to a stop, and the gears are shifting from 4th to 3rd and 3rd to 2nd, it shifts really hard to where it jolts the car. I have taken it to the dealership at least 4 times and there is nothing they can do for it. One technician told me the car is suppose to ride like that... Which I highly doubt! So now to this day, I am filing the Lemon Law.

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  Fuel Pump Sensor/computer is shot - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By phxbarb - March 30 - 7:38 am

  Everything has been fine until now. Nothing major. Yesterday driving along fine. Park. Go to store, come out. Starts, shakes, stops. Starts, shakes, moves a little, stops. Absolutely no warning anything wrong. Now a bill for $600 to get a sensor thing installed. What the?

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  Poor reliability and durability - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By ahmed - March 17 - 8:50 am

  I had Mazda 6 and it was doing well till it hit the 50 k mark and then it became a problem. Once it had 65K and it became beyond repair. If you are looking for a durable car for sure this is not for you.

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  Spiders may Block Fuel Tank Vent Line - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By stantonb1 - March 16 - 2:18 am

  Attention MAZDA / 2010-2012 owners Mazda North America Operations has issued a NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 14V114 stating that yes "Spiders may Block Fuel Tank Vent Line". I only have 13,000 miles on my CX-7 GT and believe me Mazda should be addressing the Turbo problem, AC problem and braking problem. Spiders, give me a break. As I said in my prior comment bought a 2013 Honda CR-V base am very pleased with it and just ordered a 2014 Honda CR-V EXL. I still love the styling of my CX-7, but that is about all. Drove CX-5 and extremely disappointed.

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  2004 6S - fun, but too many problems - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By DJW - March 11 - 10:50 am

  Love the exterior of 6s and owned 3 other Mazdas. The 6S is less than expected Mazda quality -- less than 1 year/12kms; blinker connection loose, pulled transmission to replace defective clutch disc, replaced defective windshield, fluttler noise when heater turns on - dealer cant fix it, recall on leaky emission, wire falling in leather seats, engine valves noisey, dealer tightened left front noisy axle. Turning radius is WIDE, gas mileage is terrible, Stick is loud when shifting gears, good brakes, good sound system, fun to drive - good pickup and handling. Should provide option for leather package without seat warmers - not needed in south.

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  Over-rated, Highlander better choice - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By BDW - February 21 - 7:53 am

  The transmission noise/uncertainty and lurching is a continuing source of annoyance. The visibility is just fair at best. The fuel economy isnt close to EPA estimates and its hard to get in and out w/o banging my head on the too low entry/roof. My favorite passenger isnt happy about ride comfort either. A very over-rated vehicle.

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  I pretty much hate this car... - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By watyf - February 20 - 12:26 pm

  I had to drive my 98 Civic today because the wife needed the Mazda, and I was literally relieved to not be driving this car. Mainly because its incredibly uncomfortable. The seats are rock-hard, the whole cabin is cramped, there is NO rear legroom if the front passengers are normal-sized, the steering wheel never stays straight (apparently "sporty handling" means "have to make constant adjustments to the steering wheel even when driving straight"), the headrests are awkward and stiff, and you feel EVERY bump in the road. The little things about this car, like cupholders that a cup gets lost in and a trunk that DOESNT pop open (unlike every other car Ive ever owned), just add to it.