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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  New clutch at 20k miles - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By chris_1 - January 8 - 12:00 pm

  I first took my car in to the dealer when I noticed the clutch slipping after I shifted or when I accelerated at freeway speeds. Now, after 16 days, I finally have my 2011 Mazda 3 back with a completely new clutch assembly. Mazda paid 50%, not including the rental car. My final bill: $700 (not including the rental car cost for this time). They replaced not only the clutch disc, but the flywheel and associated bearings and parts. Apparently they consider replacing the clutch at 2 years / 20k miles to be "normal wear and tear" and not under warranty. In my opinion, the fact that it wore out so quickly, in itself, means it was defective.

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  Average at Best - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Steve Bylinowski - January 6 - 7:43 pm

  I leased this car in early 2008. I got a good lease deal with no money down but the car didnt perform in the winter. If you live in area where it snows, forget it! I couldnt get up the small hill outside of my house! Everything else about the car is average, not terrible, not great. Also, they nickel and dime you when you turn it back in, beware. I would not get another Mazda.

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  Do Not Buy This Van! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Christy - December 23 - 11:36 pm

  This is the worst experience I have ever had with a vehicle. Purchased used. One owner lease. Good price and had all I wanted. Well the engine started coughing. 2 coils replaced, transmission, fan cooling system, and then another enginge. That engine was coughing. Another lower mileage engine around 40,000 installed. Now that engine is coughing since it now has around 75,000 miles on it, the engine not odometer. New driver window motor, 4 o2 censons, and a new cadallidic converter. I have put more money in this van than its worth. Mazda is not coming clean on the engine problems and they should be recalled. Shame on you! Just paid off my van and cant afford another vehicle or more repairs!

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  Very disappointed - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kimberlyr1 - December 15 - 1:06 pm

  I bought my car in Oct 2013, and it was ok for about 5 months. I switched from a Toyota Highlander (which I absolutely LOVED) to save on gas. While I realized gas savings over the Highlander, I am not getting the gas mileage they promised. I average 26 mpg tops! On top of that, my vehicle had to be at the service center on 3 occasions, all for the same problem. My push button start would not work correctly. They still havent fully fixed the problem. The other problems are road noise and no interior storage, and not enough cup holders, which made for a very long trip with my kids. All in all, while it has saved some $ on gas, I dont think I would not buy another Mazda again.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By CP - December 12 - 1:26 pm

  Great at first then around 5000 miles, check engine light came on for recall that I was never made aware of. At 12500 miles turbo blew leaving my family stranded. Took 3 weeks to get fixed then 1 week later power windows dont work correctly. Now has 13000 miles and passenger side front tire is balding on the inside. Dealer told me that this is not uncommon for this vehicle to need new tires by 15000 miles which is not covered by warranty. Have had vehicle for 11 months now and is worth more than $10,000 less than paid for it. Lots of engine noise, you need the Bose stereo.

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  Great car for the most part - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By bond_fanatic18 - December 9 - 7:31 am

  My dad bought a gold 01 Protege brand new when I was a kid. It was never driven much, mainly used as a backup car. When I got my licence it was my ride to high school and in general as I hated driving my mothers van. I drove it for a year before my dad traded it for a 2012 Honda CR-V. It did its job fine, got me to school and back without fuss, was fun to drive with the 5-speed and great on gas. The only problem I had was the alternator crapping out in the middle of the freeway and I had to have it towed. Apart from that it was pretty reliable. Id recommend it, just watch out for rust problems and keep it to a meticulous maintenance schedule. Also not the best car to learn stick on.

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  Great Styling...Poor Performance - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By UnR1 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought the RX8 strictly fsor its styling...the performance is not nearly as good as its competitors (350z, evo, g35, etc...) Mazda recently admitted that the real HP figures are 238...not 250. And from actual dyno results, it looks like it may be less. I love the styling though, looks awesome!

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  Weak Attempt - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By btucker22 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I purchased an RX-8 fully anticipating a real sports car. little did i know that not to long after i took delivery, my car lost horsepower, what was once quoted as a 5.9 0-60 car is now a 7.2 0- 60 as tested by mazdaspeed. Very dissapointed.

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  2004 Mazda RX8=problems,problems,problem - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By boxermom - November 15 - 10:00 am

  owned car 2 weeks, 642 mi. had to replace motor. 2 weeks later had to replace latch on fuse box (broken). 6 mo. later had to replace air conditioning unit after being repaird once. 1 month later had to replace broken driver side sun visor. This car has been in the dealership garage more than it has been in my own. Would not recommend this auto to anyone looking for a dependable sports car.

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  Mazda5 Sport; The jury is still out - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By PFZ - November 9 - 12:56 am

  Bought "Zoom-zoom" 10 days ago to replace a 1992 Mitsubishi Expo 2.4 which died a natural mechanical death. The Expo beat this Zoom-zoom hands down for roominess, steering, visibility. Zoom-zooms SMALL third side window prevents decent rear visibility for backing up. From the front seats the front of the car is out of sight, the shifting console lights are misplaced, the steering wheel covers the top third of the speed indicator dial, the key is built into remote control case. The outside trim is too close to the ground. The lack of separate bumpers look like an attempt at profiteering. My ratings reflect lack of trust rather than long standing observations.