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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  Odd tire size spells trouble - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mich4 - May 7 - 1:16 am

  The car has unexpected power and can get on the freeway easily. There is more wind noise and road noise than we expected. The ride is also hard for a car, you can feel the cracks in the road. Maintenance is hard - the access hole for the oil filter is offset so it is very hard to get to without removing the entire bottom panel. The biggest issue I have is the odd size tires. We got a nail in the tire and the tire can not be repaired. There are NO replacement tires available for 30 DAYS and the spare should not be used above 50mph, not a safe speed on the freeway. I would be afraid to take this car on a trip or out of town for fear of beings stranded if I get a flat tire. BE CAREFUL!

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  stinkmobile - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By tom - May 6 - 7:03 pm

  Rotten egg smell all the time. Filed lemon law. Mazda dealer replaced all four cats. Still stinks. Tried different gas. No difference. Getting rid of this machine. Mazda not cooperating.

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  am ready to trade it in - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By rep62ar - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new and loved the look and feel. It was the right size for me - a small SUV. I am about to bring it in for my fourth round of warranty work, however, for four different problems. After dealing with the well documented stall problem, air bag light (will go in tomorrow for that) and problem starting/losing power when slowing down due to air intake valve among other problems, I am fed up. I cant even get my local dealership to give me a receipt for the last warranty work done. This car is not worth the hassle.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By fubo - April 30 - 11:01 am

  A piece of junk. Rust began to show all over a couple of years. All of the door jams and quarter panels near the wheels are rusted. Two years ago I had to have all 4 rims replaced because they were corroded. Luckily they were replaced under warranty. I asked Mazda for help this time around since the rust began to show when it was still under warranty but they refused, even though the dealership and the regional mgr for Mazda were "shocked" when they saw the rust and agreed this should not happen to a 4-5 year old car. Ive had a Ford and a Jeep, sold it after more than 10 years with no rust. Heat? Very weak. AC? At first I thought it broke down. Took it in, they said its normal.

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  Not the car for you if you live in a winter climate - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By mnmomdriver - April 28 - 3:17 am

  When I 1st got this car I loved it. Now that Ive driven it for 2 years I have had it. My biggest complaint is the seat belts. I have had to replace 2 seat belts because the reciever has just come apart. I would hate to be in an accident because I have no faith that my family would be safe. When I called Mazda they would not replace the 2nd one because it wasnt under warranty. They obviously dont care about safety. I also have issues with the tires & the snow. Even with the snow tires you cant get traction because of all the snow pack. I am also quite disappointed with the gas mileage. I was hoping to get at least 27 mpg but actually get about 21 mpg.

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  POOR RELIABILITY - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ANGEL PADILLA - April 21 - 2:00 am

  IVE HAD THIS MAZDA FOR LESS THAN 6 MONTHS AND UNDERNEATH THE DOOR SEALS IS RUSTING AWAY ON ALL FOUR DOORS, MAZDA CALLED IT A STAINING PROBLEM NO WAY IT IS POOR CRAFTMANSHIP OR DESIGN PROBLEM. IVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH NOISE IN THE SUSPENSION AND IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

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  Dont do it! - 1998 Mazda 626
  By never again!!! - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used about two years ago as a commuter car. It had about 36000 when I bought it. Now it has 78000 and the transmission is beginning to slip. After reading other reviews it appears as though my opinion of FORD quality has been reaffirmed, Fixed Or Repaired Daily. I am also geting a grinding noise from the driver side from tire. I had an older Mazda previous to this with no problems, but this car is awful. The Mitsubishi that I replaced had 170000 miles on it without ever getting the problems I am having with this car.

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  In the shop more than on the road - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Paul - March 31 - 3:23 am

  I bought my RX-8 in 2004 and I had more problems with this car than any other I have ever owned. Besides the fact that it needs to be serviced every 3,500 miles, it was in the shop a lot more than that. From fuel line problems to the electrical system (reflashing the engine computer), you name it, this car cost me time and money than you wouldnt normally expect from a Japanese car. Fun car to drive, a little underpowered, but gas mileage is horrendous and the service record was no better. I would never buy another Mazda again.

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  Need More Features for a $45K SUV - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Mink70 - March 21 - 8:58 pm

  Considered this car for my wife and as a second car for trips. Agree with another reviewer that Mazda has produced a very good midsize SUV but has failed to add features that make the top trim models worth the $45K+ price. With a few changes, Mazda could hit it out of the park with the CX-9. The seat bottoms and back could could be a bit wider by falattening the side bolsters without widening the compartment. Cant understand why passenger seat is only 4-way on a SUV of this price. Need to have power 10--way driver and 8-way passenger adjustments. Heated and cooler front seats would be a selling point. There also is no heated steering wheel. Interior and exterior color combinations are limited in Grand Touring (no silver with light interior) and theres only one interior color for the Signature, whose leather is of high quality but a tacky color compared to its European competition. No front park assist (beeper) or surround camera like Japanese and Korean mfgs. On the other hand, access to 3rd seat is better than most in its class, the AC is excellent, the infotainment system is the best of breed, and overall handling and comfort is superior. Mazda may have limited its trim because the 2016 CX-9 is the first generation of this new model. Hopefully, the company will produce enough upgrades to actully justify its being considered an upscale midsize SUV.

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  Puff Ball - 1999 Mazda 626
  By rosco - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Not enough power. Poor transmisson.