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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  Bad Transmission at 40,000 - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By kkout - December 15 - 7:56 pm

  This is my 2nd tribute. 1st had lots of problems dealership gave me a good deal to get a new one. Had no major problems till the transmission went out at 40,000. I just could not believe it. Yes it was covered under the warranty but I still feel that is not the point. I have never had problems with any past car till I bought a MAZDA. Never never again. I will be taking a loss on the vehicle but I will be getting rid of it now. Plus it has a faulty overhead light. Plus the skid protection is horrible. You skid plenty all over the place. And with more then an inch of snow your screwed cause without 4x4 it will not move at all.

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  Gas and Repairs - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Lamar Thomas - December 14 - 9:35 pm

  Break pads wear quickly, gas mileage very very poor and requires premium gas, turbo system and transmission unreliable with high repair cost. Often need front alignment. Backup camera view screen are poor. Rear seats uncomfortable. Windows and doors noise.

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  Mazda no go! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By leo - November 29 - 11:10 pm

  Since I have had this car for the last four months the dealer has had it one month out of the first 3 months. There is very little acceleration and it has been taken to the dealer. After Mazda had it for a week they called and said take it home, go through two full tanks of premium gas (thats all I use anyway ) and then if it still has no acceleration we will look further into it (in other words they do not quickly stand behind their car).

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  Brake Failure for No Reason at 28K Miles - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By electricstar - November 27 - 1:20 pm

  We own a 2009 Tribute, and thought it was a really good car, until yesterday, 3.5 years after we bought it. I was out with my kids, the car went "ping--." A red light indicates "brake." I thought my parking brake was on, but it wasnt. The display says "check brake system." I tried to brake, there was no traction. The car kept going. I stepped on the brake all the way, still no traction. I managed to roll the car back to our house. I called Madzda and Mazda refuses to take responsilities and wants me to pay for checkup just because the car is "out of warranty." If we got killed yesterday, whod pay for the checkup? Mazda refused to allow us to speak with management.

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  2008 Mazda 3 Sport GT = Problems - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By darkface23 - October 28 - 11:29 pm

  I cant believe any of these reviews Im reading, so I am moved to write my own TRUTHFUL review. I bought my 2008 Mazda 3 Sport GT new off the lot. I made that mistake once, and I wont make it again!

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  Loves to eat transmissions - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Teed off in Milwauke - October 7 - 4:46 pm

  Bought with 53K on it and it has 94K as of 1/30/06. Guess what -- will be replacing the transmission again for the 3rd time. Piece of junk and will never buy another Mazda.

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  Low quality Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By needquality - October 1 - 1:21 am

  I made the mistake and believed Edmunds when they talked up the Mazda3. I bought a 2009 Mazda3 with 10K miles. I am very sorry I did. The car is covered with very low quality materials. Some examples... The carpet and upholstery are of the lowest quality I have ever seen. The body panels are like aluminum foil. You do not want to lean on your car. The trunk latch is all plastic. The huge irritant I have now is the drivers seat. It squeaks horribly whenever I adjust my position even a little bit. Dealer cant fix and Mazda refuses to replace seat. I am looking for a after-market replacement. Do not buy any Mazda if you care about quality. Thanks, Edmunds, for nothing.

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  This is what I feel about my Mazda! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Terry Yu - September 19 - 10:00 am

  First This Car have a handsome looking that I think is one of the best looking SUV in the Maket. On the other hand, Fuel Economy for this car is not good, Use a lot of gas!!! For the Performent of this SUV is just ok! It is not I call V6! Anyway other than that this is not that bad. It just doent like my other SUV TOYOTA HIGHLANDER!

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  What car do these other people have? - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By vitden21 - September 1 - 10:01 am

  Have read other reviews of the CX5 and am wondering what Im missing. I purchased the Touring model with the Bose/moonroof package. The Bose system is pretty awful. All the sound seems to come out of the center speaker. The vocals sound tinny and no adjustment of the treble and bass seem to make much difference unless bass is turned all the way up and treble all the way down. And the interior is so cheaply made! The floor carpeting pulls away every time I try to remove the floor mats to vacuum.The driver side cloth covered armrest is already showing some sign of wear and Ive only had the vehicle for 30 days. Very disappointing. So is the bird chirping sound the engine started making.

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  What a LEMON! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ihatethiscar - August 17 - 1:03 pm

  My engine light keeps going on.The dealer fixed it three times and the engine light went off again. I think the car cant handle the cold. With 10 months & 4,000 miles, I should be ok. Car slides all over the road and wont stop on snow covered surface; mechanic blames 17 inch tires. Dont buy this lemon!