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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  love the car but ive had problems! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By paula - December 1 - 4:50 am

  I love my Mazda CX-7, but ive had a ton of problems with it. Ive had to replace the Air Conditioner, Turbo, Power train belt and a few censors. I was told there is a problem with the turbo and pvc? system but they dont have a fix for the pvc system. Mazdas are known for bad turbos and A/C ... so think twice before you buy a Mazda. I love this car, but my next car will not be a Mazda!

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  Most fun I have ever had driving 500 mi. - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By Tryce - November 26 - 8:50 pm

  Been waiting for this car since it came out in 04. Reliability issues always made me stay away and it seems Mazda has fixed most of those, so I decided to take the dive when I found one for a great deal in the color and model I wanted. Black R3. Best car I have ever driven, and I have driven a BMW M3. Dont get me wrong, it is nowhere as fast but the handling is superb. When you are on a curve that is posted for 35 and you are going 70 with no hint of body roll, that is awesome handling. I do not encourage breaking the law, btw. Low end torque bad, but once you get into the high rpm in 3rd gear, it feels like a turbo kicks in. Awesome car, not sure on reliability yet, though.

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  Happy with my crossover choice! - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By tad2040 - November 23 - 4:13 am

  Before I bought the CX5 I did hours of research into crossover vehicles and Im very happy to have chosen this one. Ive been driving it for about 3 months now and couldnt be happier with it. The sleek exterior of the car is what initially caught my eye. The car is very easy and fun to drive. Even though its a crossover it handles like a sedan. The gas mileage has been great on my wallet and it picks up speed nicely. Im about 2500 miles into the car and havent noticed any problems at all. I previously drove a Honda and I have full faith in Mazda that it will be just as reliable. Im extremely happy with my choice!

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  Shopped for a New 10, Bought an 08 - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By TomF - November 19 - 3:20 pm

  I got interested in the new 2010 Mazda 3, but test-drove the car and didnt like the interior or rear-quarter blind spots at all. Got interested in the old-generation ("leftover") 08 and 09 Mazda 3s still on the lot, drove one, and liked it much better -- especially on the inside. Made a great deal on a loaded 08. I think this is the class of the small-Asian-sedan segment -- more distinctive than the Corolla or Civic and streets ahead of the Sentra in terms of comfort, performance and amenities. Its roomy up front (not so much in back), quick off the line, great in the corners, and styled like a bargain-basement BMW. Worthy competitor to Jetta at less cost, better build quality.

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  Engine problems - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By bmjdlj - November 19 - 11:23 am

  I saw no review about the VVT problem that is part of the CX7. This can be a very serious problem. To having the entire engine replaced. Symptoms: engine makes ticking/clacking noise when running and loud snap upon start up. My first trip to dealership was brushed off. Second trip, doing repairs.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Disappointed - November 19 - 9:16 am

  My CX-7 has been a huge disappointment. I knew about the gas but did not realize I could ONLY use premium if I did not want the engine to knock. Cheap interior and no temp gauge. Have had it in the shop a lot and now with less than 14000 miles I am having to buy an expensive special order set of tires. No more Mazdas for me.

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  Great Purchase! - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Trafficguy - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 626 used with 61k already on it.I have had the timing chain replaced, belts, rotors, brakes and maintenance on a regular basis. i keep reading about the transmissions (mine is the automatic) and I consider myself blessed at not having any trouble with it and I am at 101k and still going. I do suggest that anyone owning the automatic get the transmission fluid pumped out and replaced on occasion to increase the life of the automatic as I do, it seems to help.

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  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By jennysay - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The good news is, its a head-turner. The bad news is, its a head-turner. First two traffic tickets in the last 10 years came in the same week. (the cops didnt seem to notice me in a Tahoe) Love the car, yet disappointed with the gas mileage.

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  Just a test drive...... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By bearcatsvc - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The test drive was very nice. The dealer was a little pushy. I have just begun to search for a new car and this one might be it. The Mazda Symbol on the front and rear of the car is absolutly huge, tone it down Mazda. Radio was kind of weak, the shift were not as crisp as in the 6 but the clutchs pick up position was better. The handling was sweet tight but not quite as good as the out going protege. It better than the protege in someways, more of the same in others.

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  Re-review after several years - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeff in Durham NC - November 18 - 8:03 pm

  Unhappy originally due to build quality and still annoyed by intermittent rattles in dash. Also thought the ride was too harsh; replaced the original Michelins (lasted only 33k miles!) with Hankooks and it was like getting a new car...still handles well but doesnt jar your teeth loose on every pothole. About 58K miles now and have done front brakes, tires, a battery and oil changes every 3k and this thing just runs like a champ. Still looks good and since theyre not going to offer the new 6 in a wagon, Im going to hang onto this thing - nothing else out there tempts me yet. First car Ive had that I like more as time goes on. Normally by now Id be itching to trade.