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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  2nd rating of 2008 CX7 - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Marlo - July 21 - 4:26 am

  This is my second rating of this vehicle and not much has changed. I purchased the 2008 CX7 Sport December 2007 and it came with some options. It currently has 45k miles and I drive it alot. I havent experienced any major problems with the vehicle. The CEL came on once about 6 months after purchase. The light came on again last week but it keeps coming on/going off. I replaced the tires around 36k miles. My complaint about this vehicle remains the same - the stiff suspension. I dont have any additional complaints to add and the vehicle suits my needs. Considering my experience with the vehicle so far (and if the ride wasnt so stiff,) I would probably purchase it again

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  Only the first week - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By DRR - July 20 - 5:40 pm

  Two days of ownership and the electrical system shut down on startup. Happened again the very next day, the keyless entry, radio and dashboard display shutdown completely. Electrical issue and the dealership will be checking it over in a couple of days. Great!

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  Thanks Wankel! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By kailua_chaos - July 19 - 5:26 am

  This is my second RX8 - my first fell victim to a drunk driver - Handles EXTREMELY well, except in water. A little iffy on gas mileage, except I noticed in mid to high RPM range, gets way better mileage. Great car to race from a stop despite most RWD performances. Very crowded engine bay so semi difficult to work on, but a simple design and easy to take care of. Overall this car is a very mutual car, what I mean is, if you treat it good, it will treat you just as good or better. Oil changes and refills can get annoying, but definitely worth the trouble Id say!

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  I like it - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By NYer - July 18 - 1:20 pm

  Its a nice looking car, fun to drive, roomy enough for 7 people. My problem is that I had to change all shocks and front tires after less than 33k miles.

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  Some work, but very reliable - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By satisfied owner - July 18 - 4:40 am

  Been very happy. Did all my own work, and yes, had to replace things, but to be expected with 210,000 kms. I find the car takes care of you if you take care of it. Brakes, battery, intake manifold gasket, alternator, engine mounts (front and back), as well as transmission pulse generator, front exhaust pipe, radiator were needed repairs. Regular maintenance (i.e., timing belt, even oil pan gasket, and trans gasket/filter) relatively easy for mechanical types. Apart from a bit of a combustion chamber carbon-buildup issue (think it is a flaky EGR valve), it is running beautifully, hitting 35 MPG on a recent trip.

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  Teething problems ? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Alan - July 17 - 2:03 pm

  Sport badge should be dropped as handling is rather poor. Believe it can be attributed to the electro hydraulic power assisted steering. Just doesnt suit my driving style, really disappointed !(have now covered 14000 miles) Steering creeking and growning for second time despite mod. Road noise excessive and distracting. Wheels tend to track the slightest rutts in the road surface. Air con lacking. Radio reception poor. Accessories extortionately priced. Drivers seat beginning to lose support and fabric baggy dispite me only being of average weight.

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  Great Minivan alternative - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By foodee - July 15 - 4:00 pm

  My husband is very anti-minivan while I love the minivans versatility and ease of entry/exit. This mini-minivan is a great compromise for us - it has the sliding doors and the height of the minivan without the "frumpy soccer mom" stereotype. It can take up to 6 passengers if you have little luggage (not much room behind the third row seats). Most of the time, we fold up the third row seats to have more cargo space. We also love the sporty exterior and the performance. It does not feel like a minivan. Even my minivan-phobic husband enjoys driving this space wagon.

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  A satisfying econobox: 90K miles of fun - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By astral - July 15 - 11:03 am

  Great interior for money. Easy to read gauges, sporty 3-spoke steering wheel. Easy to use HVAC controls. Radio is very easy to use, big volume knob, 6-CD in dash changer rocks. Road visibility excellent. The car Is very nimble and quick handing. Road feel is direct, the suspension is sporty, and while you can sense every bump, it doesnt rattle the bones. Excellent linear brakes, with a quick bite and an easy pedal. Confidence-inspiring. Engine is plenty quick, especially around town. A little slow at highway speed. Automatic tranny switches very easily and naturally: great feel. No problems with this car over 90K miles, only regular maintenance. Backseat roomy for class, good size trunk.

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  Cool Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bluetiger121 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  My only problem is the tranmission is very rough when switching gears especially in the mornings. I ahve the automatic. Other than that LOVE the car!

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  No Title - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Terri1191 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with it and would consider purchasing another one. Really wanted the Mazda SUV, but it wasnt available at the time. The only problems that I have are the power and gas mileage. It has a hard time making it up some of the hills in the area. And, the gas mileage is terrible. Other than that, I am pleased.