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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  Gone the distance so far.... - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Melissa - February 18 - 10:16 am

  Original owner. Have replaced the oil pan when it cracked at 95K, one tail light has gone out 2 times. Get up and go is non-existent. It eventually gets to speed, but it loses power up hills that other car accelerate up. Tow package doesnt really allow you to tow safely the claimed weight. No major breakdowns, have replaced rotors at 100K, but that is bad info from the last people that changed my tires. Been through 2 sets of tires all around. Gas mileage has continually gone down through the years. That is greatest disappointment. Rear air not near cool enough. Needs bigger fan. My boys were still hot.

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  Mazda Miata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By steve7749 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  This car has replaced my Harley Electra Glide because it is safer, more comfortable in adverse weather, yet it rides low to the ground and you can still "feel the road" and let the wind blow in your hair!

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  Facing Same Problems As Many Others. - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Faultless - February 15 - 4:13 am

  I bought my Mazda6s Grand touring in Dec. of 07 used but still under factory 36k bumper to bumper with 33k miles on it. Ive now had the car for 5 weeks and its already back at the dealer with a blown engine. "Low oil conditions." Check your oil check it often these cars use it burn it I dont know they make oil disappear. The dealer tried to tell me the last person to do my oil change was to blame and I quickly responded with "well that would be you."

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  It needs more horsepower - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By pearly - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I like the minivan, its very cute and its like having a car!!!! and the rear windows go down which is a plus!!! the only thing that im gonna say about this van is that its slow especially up hills, and pick up on the highway is terrible, and the cup holders are just a nono! and could mazda had made bigger tires!!!!!!!!! But the kiddies love it

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  3 year 60000 mile test drive - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mzdvr - February 10 - 11:13 am

  Been driving this car for 3 yrs now and still think its the best car under $25,000. I havent had any mechanical problems. Had a brake job at 50,000 and new tires. I live in the city and get a combined 27 mpg. I have a gas gauge which commonly reports mpg in the middle to upper 30s on the highway. There is minimal wear on the car after 60k such as a small area of the stitching on the leather seat has come out, a few exterior issues due to things happening to it.

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  creaks, ticking, moans - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By kelleyartist - February 9 - 8:50 am

  MY TRIBUTE is a creaking, ticking mess!! These sounds come from all the doors, all the time, except on the freeway. I have a 2005 with 8000 miles and the dealer has determined that the sounds, which are constant and getting louder, are "flex" noise and most Tributes have it. The Factory Rep drove it and determined the same, and Mazda will do nothing to help me. They cannot fix it, and they consider it standard. Anyone else who hears it considers it a defect, and the car a lemon. I have read many other reports from consumers with similar complaint. It is appaling that Mazda passes off a brand new vehicle as "normal" that sounds like a old wooden boat. I will pursue this with Mazda

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  Outstanding "Sport" Sedan, Practical! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Adam - February 9 - 3:06 am

  I bought this car with 2 years left to go in the Army, and I was driving a LOT on weekends (highway) and abusing it during the week, hauling squad members around post. I have a little over 70,000 miles on it, and have just changed the original tires at 65k miles. Everything else is original (including brakes, which look to have about 10,000 miles left on them). The first two years was a lot of highway driving, the last year and a half was normal mixed driving. Its held up extremely well to a hard life of icy winters and scorching summers (Missouri, Florida, and Louisiana). This has been the perfect balance of a "fun to drive" vehicle with a "practical" vehicle.

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  Nice Ride but Comp. System is off - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Express - January 30 - 1:33 am

  Ive purchased my Madza CX-7 three months ago and the transmission and tire warning lights came on three times already. You wouldnt think warning lights will come up this soon after a new car purchase. Yet again, I need to take it back to the dealership for a check-up. Something is wacky with the computer system.

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  Bang for the Buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jim D - January 29 - 4:23 pm

  Bought this car used with 20k miles on it, got a screaming deal - the market seems to be flooded with them right now. There are a few peeves with the car in terms of build quality compared with my older, Japan-built Mazda, but hey, if you need a station wagon and are on a limited budget this car is a heck of a choice and a lot of fun to drive. Handles like its on rails, gets up and goes and turns heads. Before you settle for a Passat or waste your money on an Audi or Beemer, take the time to drive one. Zoom-zoom!

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  Not as good as my 2009 CX 9 - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By stopresisting - January 28 - 12:07 pm

  I came from a 2009 Mazda CX 9 Sport AWD which I absolutely loved. Not a single problem with the 09. I knew that the 13 was almost identical to the previous model year 9s but with more technological safety features. I had to have a rear view back up camera. The Blind Side Monitoring system is wonderful. Although the New Grand Touring (GT) came with 20 inch wheels, I didnt really feel a big difference in ride quality. The wheels are stylish but not chrome. As another reviewer stated, the sheetmetal is not as it was in previous years and easily prone to dings. The newer models glove box has no locking mechanism and the coin storage drawer is gone.