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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  Piece of junk never buy a 626 - 2001 Mazda 626
  By miami3055 - December 12 - 12:10 pm

  Ok where do I start I bought the car for 4500 and I have put that much into repairing the darn thing. Tranny went out at 117,000 water pump and timing belt at 118,000 2 radiator resivours had bad seals and coolant leaked through. Brakes needed to be done @ 115,000. The car just fell apart right after I bought it and I would never even consider Mazda again for a future car in any model at all. They are cheeply made and also the tranny is a Ford tranny. Umm Mazda car with Ford tranny? tranny has been known to fail in these cars but Mazda says nothing about it and has no recalls on it. Ford and Mazda will never receive any future purchases from me ever

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  Do not buy this car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jbshagg - December 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. if you truly read up you will find that most other owners complain about the axles, brakes, rotors, and loadness when driving on the highway. I have it in the shop AT LEAST twice a year. It is great on gas but too light in the snow in rain. I feel unsafe in the car, and want to trade, but currently owe more on it than it is worth.

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  I just cant wait to get rid of it!!!!!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Really not liking it - November 23 - 4:23 am

  So we have now had this car for a little over a year and i would honestly say that i have had nothing but problems.After two months of purchase we hit a stick in the middle of the road and ended up with a whole the size of a softball in the gas tank and that was not covered by warranty. We have had to purchase several gas caps costing $65 each and a new gas intake. I also have had water spraying out the vents with the air conditioner on.This should not happen when you buy a new car all we have done is put more money in to this car then its worth and to top it off its such a hard car to try and trade in for a better car the dealerships DONT WANT IT. I will never purchase a Mazda AGAIN ~!!!

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  Cheaply-Made Piece of Garbage! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jenny Ondioline - November 19 - 6:53 pm

  Lets see, first off the remote locking system lasted, at most, for 6 months. It no longer works properly and the dealership had no idea of how to fix it. Secondly the tire wear -- which so many people have already described. Cars a little over 4 years old and needs its second set of replacement tires. Thirdly, the AC and air vents mysteriously blow hot air at me no matter what settings I use. Fourth, I hit a pothole and blew the transmission system, which was fortunately covered by Mazda. However it took Cooley 3 weeks to fix it. They went to put the new transmission into the car, and dropped it. Had to order a new one. Piece of crap from a shoddy dealer. VERY disappointed. Never again!

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  Is mine a lemon?! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By DBB - November 18 - 10:00 am

  About 25% of what weve paid Mazda has gone to the service dept. They recalled something we had fixed over a year ago and we are still trying to get our rebate. The SUV does not come with brake squeelers. And I had it in the shop just 8K miles ago and the brakes were fine, only to find when I took it in for its "every 5K mile maintenance" that the brake pads were so worn that I had to buy new roters. Needless to say, I tell everyone I know who is buying an SUV to consider something else.

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  A Ford by any other name is still a Ford - 1998 Mazda 626
  By AFordInSheepsKimono - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Mazda 626 for 4 1/2 years now and I have learned one major lesson in what cars not to buy. I am currently on my 3rd, yep, thats right 3rd transmission. First went at 17,000 (with a FULL replacement of the transmission required, luckily under warranty). The second went at 91,000 and if you like dropping $2600 on a whim then by all means buy a Mazda 626, in fact, you can buy mine. And with its unique color its sure to be a top seller! Easy to spot, its yellow and has the big Sunkist sticker on the door! Some good advice? If anyone recommends to you to buy a FORD, turn around and run as fast as you possibly can.

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  From new to now problems continue - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By gz408 - October 14 - 5:58 pm

  -4K miles Transmission cooler leaking (replaced under warranty) -8K miles Hard shifting (serviced under warranty) -22K miles transmission stuck in 2nd gear (covered under warranty) -24K miles replaced front brakes and rotors (pulsating and noisy) -Window regulator failure -26K L+R Tie rod end replacement (warranty) -35K engine knocking/tapping (warranty) -35K Serpentine belt tensioner failure (warranty) -46K Transmission shifting hard (not fixed yet) This vehicle is horribly built. Interior is noisy from all the cheap plastics. Suspension and ride quality is really bad too. I would not recommend purchasing this, youre better off with a Kia!!

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  Lemon - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Rusty Wells - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Automatic transmission had been a little rough (slight jerking) since day I bought the vehichle. Had the dealer check it out numerous times but said this was normal. After about 87,000 miles the entire transmission had to be replaced at considerable expense. Neither the Dealer nor the Manufacturor would not reimburse me, let alone share in the cost.

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  Do Yourself A Favor and Buy Something Else! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Stella Gee - August 22 - 2:36 am

  Purchased new in March 2007. Constant CELs (check engine lights) from the beginning. I dont drive it much. Has less than 70,000 miles on it almost 10 years later. Just spent $2k repairing timing chain and oil control valve. Has needed prior expensive repairs related to the turbo engine. This is an old car but kept in the garage with VERY low miles. The oil is changed frequently, the maintenance is kept up. It should be a VERY good car at this point but it isnt. You will find yourself with expensive repairs if you buy this car. Researched online and many owners had a blown engine at 60-100K miles. Mazda stopped making them for a good reason. On top of that, whatever the advertised MPG is, is a lie. I get about 250 miles from a full tank of gas. Thats about 16 MPG regardless of freeway or street driving. Yes, its cute but the reality of owning it isnt.

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  Another Transmission Failure - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Very Unhappy Camper - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This is without a doubt the worst car I have ever owned. 0-60 in approximately 2 minutes. Transmission failed with less than 100,000 miles (previous car was Honda Accord with 238,000 miles at trade-in, never a problem). Wish I had read all of these reviews prior to purchasing this car. Will probably trade for another Accord if I am able to get rid of this piece of junk.