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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  Ex Tribute Lover - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By ExTributeLover - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I loved my 2001 Tribute then I made the mistake of trading it on a 2005. The Gear Shifter now takes of most of the space in the front. The heater/air controls now have little light-up buttons that cannot be seen in daylight. NO WAY TO TUNE THE RADIO, NO CASSETTE PLAYER. Cheap looking plastic on dash board in. NOT the fun to drive suv that the 2001 was, AND IT EATS UP GAS, 14-16MPG. Even with top pkgs chosen, you DONT get many extras like: WHEEL LOCKS, BUG DFLCTRS, A/W MATS. The 2005 Tribute is an OVERPRICED GAS GUSSLER that lost its zest for life.

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  Mazda Builds CRAP!!!!!! Buyer Beware - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By jimjaq1 - September 7 - 6:43 pm

  Mazdas design engineers have the heads in a very dark hole. The turbo charger they put in the vehicle does not lubricate itself and fails quickly. At 70K the timing belt has stretched and failed causing a complete rebuild of the engine (BTW, Mazda wont cover any of that, wait until you get to deal with their warranty people). Mazda has design a vehicle that is very noisy inside, bad visibility from anywhere inside the car, terrible air-conditioning, the car rides like a stage coach, and worst of all Mazda does not back its warranties and hides from its responsibilities concerning its products....buyer beware

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  Beloved CX-7 Went Up In Flames - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By alk76 - August 23 - 8:57 am

  I loved my Mazda from day one. In July 2007, I leased my CX-7. In July 2010, because I loved it so much, I financed the rest and kept it. I have proof of all my oil changes and maintenance to the vehicle. I paid it off nearly one year early with some of my retirement savings so I could enjoy not having a monthly payment for the first time in my life. I also put brand new tires on before the winter season and another 3k to replace the cracked transfer case, leaking oil cooler and loose ball joint (as recommended by Mazda).

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  The worst car I ever had! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mike - April 1 - 11:41 pm

  I bought the brand new 2016 MX-5 Club manual based on my several test drives. In about 2 weeks, the vehicle developed a terrible rattle with the top up. Several trips to the dealer (awful experience) resulted in more noise and vibrations. The car felt used with only 700 miles on the odometer. This is not a car foe people who value quality and craftsmanship, this is a joke. I sold it at a huge loss in a about a month and I will NEVER shop Mazda again.

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  Quite possibly the worst car I have ever owned - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Chris Wieber - March 19 - 8:59 am

  The title says it all. While its roomy, comfortable, and somewhat sporty (which is what prompted me to purchase it in the first place), that cant make up for the absolute nightmare that the car has been to own. First of all, the mileage is abysmal, and youre going to have to multiply that by the fact that you need premium gas to run this thing, as its a 4-cylinder turbo. The absolute most damning thing is the reliability. There is none. I have poured so much money into this car, I could have bought another one by now. The timing chain will wear on you. Its a known issue. Its supposed to last the life of the vehicle, but Mazda dun goofed and now its the #1 repair on this vehicle (according to my mechanic, whose kids are now able to attend an Ivy league university, courtesy of incompetent Mazda engineers and clueless marks like myself). Every other month theres a problem with it... and I have NOT been ignoring the maintenance schedule. Also be aware there are several recalls currently on this vehicle (including in the "may cause serious injury or death" category), but of course the parts are on backorder and theres nothing they can do at the moment. Im not even going to try and sell it, as this is a fate I wouldnt wish on my worst enemy. If you happen to be driving through the breathtaking vistas of the Grand Canyon, and you see a guy set fire to a burgundy Mazda CX-7 and push it in, youve found me.

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  I wish I hadnt bought the Protege! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By japan76 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Since day one, I have had nothing but problems with my Protege. A wheel bearing was the first problem as I drove the car off the lot the day I picked it up. I went a mile before I turned around back to the dealership. In the shop for two days waiting for a part. A month later, my interior lights stayed on even when the engine was turned off. Spent one week at the selling dealership to rewire car. Last month it was the oil leak of oil leaks. Seal had to be replaced. Thats it, now I am going to force the dealership to buy the lemon back. Have contacted an attorney that handles problems of this nature.

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  MAZDA CX-7 68K MILES ALREADY NEED A NEW ENGINE!!!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By SHERRY P - June 2 - 8:32 pm

  ******* READ!! I have a Mazda CX-7 with only 68k miles on it. its garaged, been extremely taking care of. Not a scratch on it, and while driving it on the highway a few days ago it seized up and shut down. steering wheel locked up and thank god i pulled over when i did! anyways i NEED A NEW ENGINE!! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!!! it only has 68k miles on the damn thing!! I paid 28 grand for it in 2007 and its paid off. now this! Im a single mom who doesnt even have $20 in my pocket and now Mazda wants me to pay 10 grand for a new engine!! I CANT AFFORD THIS!!!! I googled this and looks like more and more people are having the same issue on them! YOU SHOULD OF HAD A RECALL ON THESE!!! BAD REVIEWS OF PEOPLE BUYING A NEW ENGINE UNDER 70K MILES!!!!!! CX-7 SUCK AND IM SO MAD!!! IM A BROKE MOMMA AND NEED HELP OR ADVICE FROM ANYONE LISTENING!!! THANKS!!

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  mine - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By squanto - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car fun to drive, dependable looks great.

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  dont buy this car - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By jay - March 25 - 1:26 pm

  don;t buy buy a mazda millenia , i got this car brand new and after 2 years i had the engine light on so every times is a new problem w this horrible car ,trams, censors, power doors , leaks, and all kind of problems i sold my mazda to junk for 300 cause i dint wanna pay more money , buy a honda or toyota ,

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  accident waiting to happen!! - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Red - August 21 - 3:47 am

  all important decisions re: which mode to go to (music, nav, phone, modes in general), are tucked into the console of the car...so you have to look DOWN to search and implement those decisions. personally: i want my eyes ON THE ROAD at all times, and that aspect was nothing short of idiotic and UNSAFE. went in there with this car as #1 choice; left dealership running towards Ford for the much safer Escape, and VW for their brilliant new 2018 Tiguan.