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:

• 

  cnt wait for summmmmer - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By jenjen123 - November 8 - 7:17 pm

  I always loved my car but terrible terrible in the snow. Dont feel safe at all with even an inch on the ground. Slides all over n gets stuck constantly with barley nothing on the ground. Last winter spun out of control going barley 20mph almost totaling my car n this winter its been one aggravation after another. Any time i see even the slightest bit of snow fall i hope i have no where to go because i never felt so unsafe in any car. Think its time to trade in for a truck :(

• 

  3 months in... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By cblais19 - October 22 - 11:36 pm

  My wife fell in love with the darker blue Mazda 3 sedan, and my attempts to convince her to get a Civic came to no avail. We purchased the 2.5l sedan with the moonroof/Bose package. While this is most certainly a very fun to drive car, I found it lacking in areas especially when I did back to back test drives with it and a Civic EX. Seats are too narrow, the flares on either side that are supposed cradle you wind up digging into my shoulders. Im 5 10" and 180lbs, and these seats just dont work at all. Road noise is pronounced due to the low profile tires. And we already have rattles in a couple areas, one in the door after the first week. And one of those silly tires has a bulge already

• 

  Not a good over 120,000 vehichle - 2000 Mazda 626
  By dusnth - October 14 - 7:00 am

  My husband & I purchased this vehicle used with about 55,000 miles on it. Was very reliable with very few problems until it reached around 120,000 when we were constantly dealing with issues. From A/C issues that had to be fixed because they were needed for other systems, to main engine trouble, this car turned into a money pit with high miles. I noticed most reviews have been written with the cars still under 100,000 miles. If you are wanting a car that will last, get rid of your 626 before it hits 120,000. We wish we did. The repair man just told us it would be another $700 to fix the issues this time. We said forget it, and revived an older car we had. A much more reliable choice.

• 

  Unlucky - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Unlucky Owner - October 4 - 12:16 pm

  Ownweship experence, Wow where do I start, one alternator, four coils, new breaks all around,a front drive shaft and today a sensor costing 1200 before labor & taxes all before reaching 100,000K. Mazda claims there are no problems with the Tribute, but I say they need to look into it more closely. The SUV is just getting broke in at 97,000 what happened to having a product you could see 100,000 miles on.

• 

  my nightmare - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mj - October 4 - 8:46 am

  Several recalls which is normal for a new model. Had 13,000 miles on car and smoke started coming from exhaust pipes upon start up. Smelled like transmission was burning up. Been back to the dealer 5 times. First I was told I may have picked up plastic bag. Dealer cant find problem. It now developed coolant leak and Mazda suggested they replace radiator. Smoking occurs every 5 to 6 weeks and only once on initial start up. Anyone have a problem like this?

• 

  Not as well built at Acura/Honda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By neojamie - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I thought Id try a Mazda 3 as their styling was light years ahead of the Honda Civic. I was let down on 4 occasions already with the *@!# engine coming on every 200 miles or so and after replacing 4 major enjine parts like O2 sensor to Purge system it has made me decide never to buy a Mazda again. I have always purchased Hondas or Acuras and the quality and when they can catch up on the styling I am going back without a doubt!

• 

  My Junk 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lisas 6 - September 27 - 12:10 am

  Well, my problems began at around 900 miles. First it was the brakes. Ended up they had to be replaced at 7000 miles. Next the paint began coming off of the black strips running up the doors. Then, my transmission was leaking. Next, the back passenger speaker works only when volume is turned way up. I tried numerous times to get these problems worked out where I purchased, they never could "duplicate the problem." Finally went to another dealership. Some problems have been fixed and some havent. Brakes are making a popping noise, car is surging, interior lights flicker, and car has been at dealer since Feb. 27. Theres always a problem. I have contacted a lemon lawyer and they took my case.

• 

  my car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By diana romines - September 24 - 11:20 pm

  I bought my RX8 in February of 2004; since then I have a lot of fun driving it when its on the road. My car spends what I consider an excessive amount of time at the dealership getting worked on. I have had to have a new transmission put in it at about 20,000 miles and it is currently having the 2nd replacement engine put in. Since it crossed over approximately 15,000 miles it has had one thing after another go out, not to mention several recalls and the aggravation of having to take it to the dealer every 5,000 miles in between all the unscheduled service trips. I love my car, I have the only yellow RX8 around here and it really disappoints me that it doesnt hold up to what I expected from a Mazda.

• 

  Frustration with the Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Robyn Teigman - September 8 - 10:00 am

  i have had this car for almost three years and have had numerous problems with it from the day we purchased it. It is the second Mazda I have owned, the first being a 626 and I am finding similar types of problems. I have had leaks from the body, have had to replace all four tires, the sun roof and electric seats do not work intermittently, the lastest problem - when the car is cold it sounds as if my power steering is not working. I have had the car in for countless services. It is frustrating as I enjoy the ride and the comfort of the car, but do not trust it.

• 

  Disgusted - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By disgusted - August 13 - 11:03 pm

  Today 5/06/05 was the 7th time the vehicle has been in for service. At 50,000 miles it needed new brakes. It has been in for service 3 times for the transmission, only to be told each time that there is a new software download, which is what I was told today since I could not get it to go in reverse the last time I drove it. Now I have to take it in to the dealer again only this time the warranty has expired!