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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  Safety Hazard - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By AndyM - September 13 - 3:53 am

  Less than 2 years old and the power steering failed with my wife and child in the car, rotors were replaced once as they were severely warped that affect stopping and are shuddering again, this is a piece of junk. Service costs are crazy and Mazda Customer Service is pointless - Ill never buy another Mazda. Im off to get a Ford or Chrysler

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  It was nice in the beginning beginni.... - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By sridout - September 4 - 9:23 pm

  I just turned mine back to the dealership after 100000km. I need to say in the beginning it was really nice, in the end I couldnt wait to get rid of it. I replaced all of the shocks once. I was about to replace my 2nd set of rotors and I am not heavy on the brakes. The dash board cover around the radio scratched easily. Car hung up on snow. Tires wore fast and where expensive to replace. The locks on the sliding doors were replaced twice. Rims sat outside the tires so if you touched the curb you grind the rims. Over all build quality was lacking. The best thing about the car was the stereo.

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  tributes are terrible - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Gary Moore - August 23 - 1:46 am

  Here is a car that after 96,000 miles (50,000 of which were highway), now requires a valve compression job ($2100) in addition to spark plug and coil replacements ($750). To me that is unacceptable and has convinced me along with the other problems weve had (several times for the emissions light, stalling while simply driving down the road) NEVER to buy another Mazda product again.

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  2008 Mazda Tribute - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Kiwi - August 22 - 5:10 pm

  The CD player has broken and the window seems that it does not fit into the window frame. In addition, I dont understand why Mazda does not provide manual for audio system. It is not easy to grasp gear handle as console box obstructs my right elbow.

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  Horrible GAS MILEAGE - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By George - July 23 - 2:56 am

  Buy this car only if you do not care about gas mileage. It is a gas hog! I get just 17 MPG with 50% highway driving. The service manager says this is common for the CX7! Combined with the small gas tank and high cost of premium gas, you can look forward to many pricey stops at you gas station when you buy a CX7.

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  Poor MPG - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By John - July 14 - 10:53 am

  I bought this car with 53000Miles on this car in 2008 and ever since its had all four brakes(Everything) replaced,4 stabilizer bars,5 struts,belts twice,timing belt,Sparkplugs and wires,4 tires at $280 each and I rust proof and do oil changes with synthetic every 3000 Miles and am getting 14MPG and the A/C barely works and the fan makes loud noises and have gone way over what I thought was a reliable car that should at least get 20 MPG. I forgot the car is bad too because if you drive alot you will be very tired od hitting potholes and trying to merge onto highways with the automatic.

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  Buying this car was a mistake - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By agalloway4 - June 30 - 10:00 am

  My car is not 1 year old yet. The doors open on their own. They will also lock you in, so that you have to crawl thru another door. It will accelerate itself while in cruise control. They doors are not sealed properly. The tires are going flat because the car was not balanced correctly and can not be fixed. I know of 2 other people with this problem, therefore I am not alone.

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  CX-5 PROBLEMS - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By ubaldovarela - June 20 - 11:06 am

  I had this car for 3 month 10,000 miles So far many problems showing up Excessive gas consumption is not as dealers told me from 11.0l/km to 11.0km/h in the city without AC an only driver In emergency situation you can go over 160km/h only down hill you can get 180km/h although limit in the car is 190km/h The battery will discharge after couple hrs. when youre in music and you will need AAA to restart your car A lot of noises inside of the car seems like old car and the noise of the engine is like a oil issue The blind spot monitor is not good to trust because sometimes can not detect a big truck in one side of you or sometimes stay active all time without cars in the sides & more.

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  never again Mazda - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By mzdahtr - June 14 - 4:51 pm

  Poor, Poor Mazda. I suggest you Zoom,Zoom past this vehicle. Suspension is terrible, kills tires with no fix that you can afford to do. Plan on tire replacement every 18mo no matter the miles driven, Tire mfrs will not honor their guarantee on this vehicle. A/C quit cant figure it out i was told it was within the computer. Turn the wheel and you can hear popcorn popping. Terrible. This car is a Ford underneath. I guess it is a good thing Mazda is moving to Mexico. I wonder why Ford kicked them out of their facillities? Good Move.

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  Check Engine Light Problem - NO FIX - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By AVOID THIS LEMON - March 30 - 3:26 am

  I purchased this lemon a little over two years ago and dont drive it much. It only has 8500 miles and will be going into the shop for the FOURTH time for a check engine light problem that seems to be impossible to fix. If you enjoy visiting your dealership every 2000mi, this is the vehicle for you. Run, dont walk, away from your Mazda dealer.