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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  Stay clear of this vehicle! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Jim Barnes - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had engine oil leaking problems since I bought this van in May 2003. I have learned recently that Mazda has issued an advisory that the particular V-6 used in the MPV had a faulty die that was miscasting engine block parts that cause seals to leak where the cam housing meets the block. This vehicle has been a service nightmare. Mazda is currently trying to fix the problem at their dealers. Catalytic converters and O2 sensors have also been faulty and have had to be replaced. I am currently applying for Lemon Law status with the State of Florida and have appealed for replacement by the dealer.

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  Dissapointing - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Diro - October 2 - 12:20 am

  I have had my Mazda 3 sedan for about 6 months. I wish I had bought something else but I needed a car so. The gps is sub par ( a tom tom is just as good) it needs a rear window wiper. Its under powered and hesitates at freeway speed when you need to accelerate quickly. The power Windows have already failed. The wheels seem to be wearing unevenly. All this mind you is a car less than a year old. Gas mileage is consistently lower than most estimates. Ok I live in California where I do mostly freeway driving. The ride is rough and somewhat noisy.

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  Mazda lemon - 1999 Mazda 626
  By BadgerXX3 - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Since the date of purchase this car was in the shop. Built on a sunny Friday afternoon. Problems with the Climate control system and a noisy back end. Transmission repair due to excessive vibration. Drive belts were also an issue. Left me stranded twice, I would not recommend the 626.

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  Get what you pay for - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By pegness - September 9 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is basically very good- nothing has happened in the past 2+ years. Transmission worries me, it seems to shift endlessly in rural driving. Very basic interior, but it is a cheaper SUV. Gas mileage is not what we thought-seems everyone has that opinion. Not wanting to spend 30K, it has been a good purchase. Next one, though, will be of superior quality.

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  Engine problems - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mary - August 22 - 12:16 pm

  Agree with other reviewers that battery was poor and had to be replaced early in the ownership. Also had problem with driver side rear door latch not closing in cold weather. Kept all service appointments with Mazda dealership, 80,000 km on car, and yet the engine literally fell out of the car while we were driving on the highway at 90km/h.... many parts scattered all over the highway and smoked pouring out. About 3 minute warning from the "check engine" light before this happened. Will not buy this car again.

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  wont buy another - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By mazda - August 21 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle if it wasnt in the shop all the time. Entire clutch system replaced, transmission and computer problems. This truck is great when it runs, inside and out. Has plenty of power, gas mileage is terrible (14 city). This is my fourth since 1994 and I will not buy another. Two were good and two were bad. 50% is not very good

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  91K and need new engine - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By L Reynolds - August 11 - 5:00 pm

  The 2004 Mazda MPV was reliable until about 65K when I started having trouble with numerous ignition coils. The last straw was last week - replaced all three rear coils - #3 kept misfiring and dealership recommended to replace them all. Then ck eng. light came on again and they cleaned fuel injectors. Light came on again, they turned it off because it said #3 coil again and it was just replaced. Last Friday started and it shook like a go cart - had it towed - now I am told the engine is blown. They want $7K to replace and $3300 for a rebuilt with 1 yr warranty. So frustrating - used to love this van but now am afraid of all its problems - dont know whether to fix - worth $500. now!

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  2007 CX-7 AWD Owner with 82K Miles !!!!!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By tony2am - August 5 - 6:45 am

  The car (black) looks really sharp when it is cleaned up! Here (remember 82K and I have not treated this car well "maintainance wise" AT ALL. If you own one, follow my reasoning below I will give you the low down. Bought my 2007 Sport with maybe 12K on it in Ohio and currently it has 82K.

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  buyer beware - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Dave - August 4 - 6:23 pm

  After owning this car for almost 2 years, our 626 has been a decent vehicle for my wife until now. Suddenly the transmission has gone out and had to be replaced. The tranny shop told us that they see a LOT of these Ford transmissions and said most dont make it to 100k miles. I have a Honda and a Mitsubishi that both have over 165k and have had no problems whatsoever. No late model car should have transmission problems this soon (our 626 has about 105k on it). I am now finding that this is fairly common with the 626, so keep that in mind if you are considering buying one. If you do still buy one, go for the V6.

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  Trouble - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By anne - July 27 - 9:16 am

  This is a beautiful car and has a very clever design (I think I was won over by the suicide doors). Not exactly comfortable in the back, but it works. However, this car has been in the shop more than my 65 bug was. The first 6 mo of owning this car was so frustrating with frequent recalls and the car would stall easily. Then we had about 12 months of bliss. Now, at the ripe old age of 2.5 yrs, the car has been in the shop 6 times in 5 months. It has left me stranded (and not because the car was not warmed up). The dealers cant find anything "wrong" with it. I plan to get rid of it in the next month or so b/c I just cant have such an unreliable car.