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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  Nice Vehicle But Some Issues - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Ironton215 - August 6 - 6:56 pm

  This is my first Mazda. I purchased it because it is a very nice looking vehicle and it fits my family, which includes three in car seats. After purchasing the CX-7 I noticed several things that have slightly reduced my opinion of the vehicle. The fuel economy is not very good and premium fuel is required. From the interior the engine noise and heat is very noticible. The transmission shifts oddly back and forth between fifth and sixth gear at times. Suspension is very stiff. Turbo lag. Many "nice to haves" missing - no bluetooth, no navigation software support between Mazda and Navteq, no extra functions such as MPG in the display, no iPod ability with nav. sys., etc. A-pillar blind spot!!

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  Has everything except storage - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By allana6 - August 5 - 3:16 pm

  This car is great, you get a lot for your money. It drives well, it handles the road, the interior room is great, the exterior looks great. I love this car, I have the blue mica with navi, bluetooth, roof rail etc, all the bells and whistles, the only thing lacking is storage. Little compartments are lacking, you end up putting everything in your cupholder and then having no place to put your cup. Aside from that, little things are not attached properly. something is always popping off and out of place, if its not the seat belt holder, its the cap for the lights on the trunk door. For a family car, you it should be built a little tougher. But all in all, a great buy, very pleased.

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  Still enjoying it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Shawn B - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new back in July of 05. We have had minor issues with it, but I still enjoy driving it. We brought it back to the dealership for a faulty lock, and bushing noise. The dealership did not fix either problem. Even with its issues I still like it. We recently picked up a used 2007 Odyssey and the thing is absolute garbage. I look forward to driving the Mazda now.

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  Its an ok SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Lissette - August 2 - 10:03 pm

  I bought my Mazda CX7 in 2007 and I regret it. Less than 1 year my Air compressor Blew. Then the AC after the year in January of 2009 It doesnt work now that the warranty is up, I have to pay. I took it to Mazda 1 wk after the Manufacturer Warranty was up, they said they couldnt help me. Oh by the way do not get the tire protection, its a waste of money they say that all mazda dearlers accept the assignment, NOT. I had to pay out of pocket. Couldnt do anything about it because dealership closed.

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  Blurry Window - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Theresa - August 2 - 1:10 pm

  My rear window is blurry as if there were plastic across it, and really can be noticed with ultra violet rays. My dealer agreed with me and checked on another vehicle and verified that was the same way. It is very annoying especially in heavy traffic when you constantly need to check through your rear view mirror. God bless you if you get migraines, it is actually painful. What about the safety factor, it is not a clear window. Where do I go from here, let me know your thoughts.

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  Great but expensive to upkeep! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By RetroDude - July 31 - 7:20 am

  I love and hate this car. I like the fact that it gives pretty good gas mileage for being a 3-speed auto trans. I also like the design of the car, its got lines and not too "rounded off" which made it unique in its class. What I hate about this car: noise level. You can practically hear almost anything even with the windows shut. The engine noise is almost unbearable especially when driving on the fwy, it tends to rev at an average of around 3,500 RPM/65MPH. Also, maintenance on the car isnt cheap. Parts for Mazdas are the highest compared others. To date, Ive spent more than $3,700 just on routine maintenance - but with 125,000 miles, it still runs like brand new.

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  30K MPY & 25 mpg - 2000 Mazda 626
  By tefdsf - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our Chestnut 5 spd ES for 1.5 years and put on 45,000 miles. (We have a 93 & a 97 in the family as well.) I thought it would get better mileage than the auto but apparently the final gear ratio on the Automatic OD must be higher, (about 3700 rpm at 75 mph; which it will do all day w/o complaint). No lack of punch off the line however and the tires show it. Feels heavier yet less solid in the curves than my 84 Saab 900 (which got 30.5 mpg) but is so much better

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  Mazda needs awd in auto transmission - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ty - July 26 - 10:10 pm

  Ive owned my Mazda 6 for 10 months and Im very impressed with the performance, style and comfort. My only discomfort is that I didnt add the Navigation system, and the radio is built in (which prevents you from adding an aftermarket CD/Navigation system.

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  I like my protege5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mitchell meyer - July 26 - 11:17 am

  have had it for over two years now its one of the best cars I have perched. have been looking for a 2003 with sunroof and red

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  Everythings Great but the Engine - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Randy T. - July 26 - 2:00 am

  The engine has a flat spot, hesitation, a momentary loss of power. It also seams to have a miss at highway speeds. It feels like Im driving into a 100 MPH headwind. One time the throttle stuck wide open! No codes came up on the computer, they said theyÂ’d re- program it. Mazda hasnÂ’t sent them the new software to do this yet. Ive put up with this problem for a month, now I have to wait another month before they get the update. I hope the throttle doesnt stick again, especially with my 6-year-old son in the car! IÂ’m not very impressed! I only get 20 MPG or about 220 miles per tank!