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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  Poor - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Unhappy customer - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Horrible gas milage. I drive slow and easy, and went through gas like it was water. Bought it bacause of the supposed great gas milage. My Ford F250 4x4 gets 10 times better fuel milage. Very poor mini van. Sold it a few months after I bought it.

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  zoom zoom boom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sid/buddy - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Had the car 38 days cell went bad. waited 96 days and they still had not got the part I am in the process of lemoning the vehicle.

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  Clutch Issue - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Raquel - February 2 - 3:20 pm

  I purchased a 2010 mazda 3 hatchback on 5/31/09. Car was driven for only two days and had problems w/ the clutch disc. Dealer repaired the issue then drove the car the next day. Car just stopped in the middle of the road and will not move, this time dealer ended up changing the clutch and transmission.To make the long story short I opted for a collateral exchange with the same model and specification as the 1st car I purchased.I got a 2nd car,after driving it for 2 weeks, car broke down again bec of the burnt clutch.I have driven a manual stick shift car for almost 20 years and this problem never happened to my Accord and Acura.I opted for lawyer representation bec Mazda wont fix the issue

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  Got Rid of It - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Deb - February 1 - 3:30 am

  This vehicle looks great on the outside, but is the most uncomfortable vehicle I have ever owned. Some features are over thought out. If the gas cap is loose the computer gives an error message and the message will not go away by correcting the problem and tightening the cap. No, you must go to the dealership to have it reset. It constantly gave me error messages when nothing was wrong according to the dealer. Minor things are missing, like a light by the mirrors on the visor, and setting the clock was nearly impossible. The dealer did not know how and I accidentally set it. The ride is very choppy, I felt every little dimple in the road. I could not wait to get rid of this vehicle!

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  Piece of Junk - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By mtaquila82 - January 31 - 8:13 am

  Bought this car for my wife last January. She liked the styling and the performance over her Explorer. Big mistake. Have had it in the shop several times for stupid problems like wheels locking up while driving, windows not working, and the passenger side airbag light staying on (meaning the airbag is off) even when an adult is in the seat. Gas mileage is atrocious for a 4 cylinder. I dont have an issue with 18 mpg, but a 4 cylinder... lets be serious, especially with premium gas. Sticker on the car said 24 mpg on the highway, obviously they meant a downhill highway when you are driving with a fierce tailwind. Seats are incredibly uncomfortable & terrible resale value. Dont buy it!

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  Mazda 626 Problems - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Michael - January 30 - 9:20 am

  New 1998 Mazda 626 replaced a 626 that was totaled. Been nothing but problems. Im an engineer, change oil religiously, chk tires etc. Auto transmission failure at 66K miles. Seems there was a design flaw in the tranny Mazda never fixed. After discovering this I didnt want Mazda parts used so I went to guaranteed for life tranny shop. Rebuilt transmission still running strong. Mazda refused to help with the costs as I used non-Mazda parts. Nothing but electrical problems. Factory car alarm goes off without any reason, windshield wipers slow. Turn sig. blinkers are fast then slow. Engine runs good but rest of car is a mess. After owning 4 Mazdas Ive not bought another and will not.

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  Warning - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By ziggy - January 16 - 11:03 pm

  I have unintentionally redlined this vehicle many times as the engine as far as I can tell does not sound like it is over revving even when the rpms are in the redline This forces me to inconveniently keep my eye on the tach more often than in a car with a conventional engine. I do not get the advertised fuel economy which was low in the first place when compared to a car with a conventional engine for the same h.p.

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  Not very happy - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Pauline - December 31 - 10:50 pm

  Had to replace 2 coils? # 4 and #6, at 275.00 each time! Brakes went fast and had calibers sticking. Several electronic issues, and some aesthetics like air conditioner flows right into the steering wheel, and it is a weak cool air system. Electric doors dont shut at the most inappropriate times.

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  I must have got a lemon - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Snoop - December 28 - 5:03 pm

  This vehicle has been in and out of the shop though they dont want to fix it when it gets there. Finally found a factory defect after 4 attempts. Still having the same problem. Dealerships dont want to fix the car unless its dead on the water.

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  The is an inferior vehicle, it is NOT a mini minivan - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By spine123 - December 23 - 11:32 am

  This IS an inexpensive, cheaply made & poorly designed SMALL car with sliding rear doors, NOT a mini minivan. If you do research, you will find that Mazda has a big mechanical problem with the rear-end camber that Mazda either will not or can not repair on the Mazda5 (as I experienced with too many trips to 2 Mazda dealerships). It leads to a horrible vibration, poor ride, LOUD noise, & premature tire wear. While the car handles relatively well, the engine is grossly underpowered for this small car. The 3 rows are nice but the front seats are very uncomfortable with very little leg room for the average adult. There is little interior storage. This is a poorly built car. DO NOT BUY!