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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  I bought a lemon - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Guy Prudhomme - March 11 - 2:36 pm

  Everything is wrong with this car. bad windshield sealant, engine and transmission issues, Driver seat needs to be replaced, rear hatch piston replaced, rusty wiper arm need to be replaced, driver door handle was replaced, transmission oil needed to be replaced (black)2 weeks ago, remote starter will no function below -15, oil pan leak, replaced suspension bushing and one transmission mount etc.

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  Ugh, this stupid car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Hannah - March 11 - 2:50 am

  Ok, Im 16; got this car for my birthday, have guarded it with my life and taken excellent care of it. But no matter what it always stops running -- has been towed twice because it quit in my drive way. So many recalls its not even funny, airbags went bad, along with its computer. Oh and it rattles so bad. Its currently for sale because I want a vehicle that will start anytime.

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  Not as good as I first thought - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Not happy - March 7 - 1:30 am

  Have had the car for over a month now. Pros: Excellent build quality, stylish interior and exterior, many cool features (Bluetooth, Blind spot monitoring, auxiliary jack, Info display, etc), smooth even at high speeds, fun to drive. Con: Biggest problem: Most uncomfortable seats I have ever sat in. If I drive longer than 20 minutes or so, my back and legs start hurting. I have tried every setting possible, without success. If comfort is important to you, stay away from the 6 (maybe GT model is better).

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  How Do I hate thee? - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By TCooke - February 28 - 10:00 pm

  Hate this car. With less than 3K on it the left front strut busted & now with 22k I am about to take it in for same strut #4! Dealer insists no issue causing this to happen, whatever! Have had oil pan seal replaced, rear interior lites repaired, exhaust mounts had to be lubed & needs again - rattling/squeak, steering shaft had to be lubed, squeaky seat fixed by removing a clip, passenger front window motor replaced. Most repairs before 15k! Not to mention that its 150 miles round trip to dealer, eating up time & warranty miles! Car has not held value at all, Im way upside down but I will trade before warranty is out, cant afford repeated repairs out of warranty. turning radius is terrible

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  Mazda3 skyactiv - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By rxb3 - February 28 - 4:28 am

  Traded my 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT with 200k on it. Great car and it got me 30mpg! The only reason I got the Mazda3 sedan was for the 39mpg (manual trans). So far, with 3k miles, I have been avg 38.2. Thats better than my last car but... Pros: when in the right gear, it has some get up and go (for a 4cycl) Bluetooth is great. Works very well with iphone, hands free calls that are voice controlled are great, and streaming music. Handles well, seems sporty Of course the MPG is the real sell. Cons: the seats are horrible! I commute 1hr20min each way every day. 78miles each way every day adds up. This is a huge deal for me. The savings in gas is great but the seats suck!

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  beware of jim ellis mazda dealers - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By exasperated - February 24 - 2:00 am

  While the tribute is overall a good car, I have had numerous negative experiences with Mazda in the week since I purchased my car. First, the dealer has been inept - offering me a percentage rate, signing the contract, and then calling me after Ive already taken possession of the car and trying to re-negotiate my contract. Second, the day after I brought my car home it began malfunctioning, and the dealer has yet to correct the problems. Third, there is no automatic door unlock on the passenger door - pain for passengers and drivers alike. Overall, pretty good car but sketchy dealers - beware. If it seems like a good deal, read the fine print.

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  Mazda 626 - not worth the money - 2002 Mazda 626
  By kristywahoo1 - February 7 - 10:13 pm

  I bought my Mazda 626 because Ive always thought of Mazda as a company like Toyota or Honda - a company that stands behind its quality cars. I was wrong. I bought my 626 a year ago, and already it needs a transmission. The interior is spacious and borderline elegant, and the exterior is solid and the exterior, sturdy. Mine is only 3 years old, and had a full inspect upon purchase. The car jerks when shifting gears, and its unreliable. Mazda used the same transmission as the 2002 Ford Probe that year, which also was faulty. Beware....Mazda will not take responsibility and provide and extended warranty. They apparently dont want to pay for their mistakes, so their customers have to

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  Nice to drive, yet very unsafe - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By AimeeW - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I have the DX 2WD/ 4cyl standard Tribute and it has been a reliable car in general but it is absolutely horrible in the rain/snow. It handles extremely poor in these conditions. When it rains, I hydroplane often and it skids on any road that is slightly slick while braking. I am looking to trade this vehicle in because of this but now I see that it has depreciated terribly as well.

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  Mazda 3 Sport GX - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By vincentf - February 5 - 11:29 am

  Well when I first got this car I was super excited, because I got a great deal and I was sick of driving my corolla for the past 7 years before that. Everything was fine first couple of month and then things started to annoy me. I started having very bad condensation problem on the inside of the car. Went to multiple dealerships and they couldnt fix the problem they suggested I always keep my AC on which i thought was stupid. Next thing is the squeeky breaks as well as my squeeky driver seat when in a certain position. Last thing was I had to replecase one of the belts after 28k and it wasnt covered by warranty i had to dish out $120.

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  Beware of Tranny - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By coreyandj - February 2 - 3:53 am

  I had this car about 1 year before tranny went out, and had it replaced. Mazda did help out though so I give them props. They paid for the tranny, and I paid for the labor. It was only 1,000 miles over warranty at the time. This cars interior and exterior is awesome, best bang for the buck. It really is a dog of the line, but 3rd gear and up performs ok. The rubber around the lights peels off. The paint has a defect in the side mirrors which causes them to chip off really bad. You can usually take them to Mazda and have it replaced for free. Oh, and the gas mileage of this car is horrid; check the forums. Everyone is complaining that their cars are getting nowhere near MPG that Mazda states.