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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  Be careful!! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Ian - September 30 - 5:46 am

  Many, many problems! A lot of what Ive already read - Ignition coils (all 6), sliding door - sticks and doesnt operate properly, and now the tranny - its in the shop right now. I actually have filled almost 10 pages of a notebook because our experience has been so surreal. I even bought the extended Mazda Canada warranty, only to find out time and time again that nothing was covered.

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  Bye Bye Hummer - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By bedhead - September 29 - 2:10 pm

  I drove a 2007 Hummer H3 for about a year before I decided to look at some other options. I cant believe I wasted a year of car payments on the Hummer. After driving the Grand Touring model I was sold. The ride is superb and the features are great. I thought I would miss the Hummer but I was wrong!!

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  2008 GT CX-7 AWD - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By ZoomZoom - September 29 - 3:50 am

  I did not rate reliability since I have only owned the SUV for 1 month or less. The sport tuned drive train/suspension is awesome, really grabs the road. The pick-up (horsepower) is awesome. I got the 6 disc CD, Bose system, which is wonderful. My husband owns a Murano and this SUV blows it away from stand-still starts, but that might be because of the CVT in the Murano. The CX-7 is a bit louder with regards to road noise compared to the Nissan, but much more fun to drive/sportier. Dont be afraid of the 4 cylinder, it rocks. Of course it is going to be louder than most v6 engines due to the turbo. All in all I am very pleased.

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  Zoom Zoom (Not!) - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By rdw - September 26 - 11:33 am

  I knew when we bought the MPV that it was not going to be a high performance vehicle. It does just fine on the coastal plains of NC but the mountains of VA and WV are a challenge for its little Ford-build 2.5 litre engine. Otherwise the MPV is a quality car and is reliable. It is very comfortable - you can drive 500 miles without tiring. It is a nice car but it doesnt compare to the Honda or Toyota in value (its a lot smaller). I think the MPVs MSRP is about $2,500 too high. Mazdas end-of-year rebates on the MPV make it competitive and Im thinking about buying a 2004 model.

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  Used to love her... - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By niccorcal - September 24 - 7:56 am

  We purchased my 06 Tribute brand new in 05 with only 17 miles on it. We couldnt stop raving about how nice it was and how we had never had any issues with it. That was until the transmission gave out ONE month after the warranty expired. It only has 33,000 miles on it & Mazda Corp. refuses to help me out. I couldnt produce sufficient paperwork proving that Ive had oil changes showing that weve been maintaining it. After two weeks of waiting for Mazdas response its now at a local garage getting a new transmission on MY dollar. I have two Mazdas, long time customer, I will never buy another Mazda again.

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  Buyer Beware of Mazda - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By turpster - September 24 - 2:10 am

  I have owned 2 Mazdas and probably will not again. Neither were vere good. The MPV at 35,000mi. needed the transmission flushed which was not a Mazda recommended service. The Mazda rep said even though the flush wasnt listed in the manual they recommended it be done or the warranty would be voided. 50,000mi. PCV hose replaced under warranty. The vehicle had always seemed not to run smoothly before and after hose replacement. The transmission is a myriad of issues in how it operates and its quirks. The final was the new hose failing again and something else causing the motor to run very rough and at half power. At "68,900mi." we clunkered it for a Honda. How about that for value retention?

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  Mazda 3i Touring - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nadia - September 23 - 9:13 am

  I purchased this car about 3 weeks ago. I really like the vehicle. It has numerous options at a great price. Only two complaints; one is that the muffler had surface rust on it. I thought that was odd for a 2006 with 5 miles on it. Also, due to some bad luck in the past for a family member, I had the battery tested prior to driving off the lot. Guess what? The battery failed the test! I would have been stranded somewhere for sure after a couple days/weeks. So I had to have the battery replaced before I actually took the car home. I found that quite disturbing. Most people probably dont ever think of doing such a thing but look at what happened. No a bad idea for others to try.

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  Transmission Problems on a 99 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Unhappy Mazda Driver - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I should have been a smart buyer...I thought I was when I first fell in love with my 96 626. I loved that car...but it was a lease and I wanted to try the newer 626, so I bought the 99. Why at 60,000 miles I had to get a new transmission! 1,500 dollars!!! OUCH! With the way the economy is going...I had to use all I had and some...just finished paying on the stupid thing. My brain just could not understand why I was getting a new transmission...to what should have been a decent and new car and great condition. Oh well...now I know...and hopefully you will too before you think about purchasing a 626. Hopefully, theyre making them better!

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  I Liked It - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By Mojo - September 19 - 6:50 pm

  I havent had many problems. I had to get the ball joints on the front replaced and new rotors. I cemetric pabs on when I changed the rotors and new tires. I also have a hard shell cab on it. I avg my miles almost every time I get gas and it comes out to 19mpg combined which is fine with me, I knew when buying a truck I wouldnt get great gas mileage. I want a GMC Sierra 1500 ext cab now only b/c its bigger. I wouldnt mind keeping this as a daily driver though.

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  Solid, Economical Car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Shoegirl - September 17 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car, no problems, good gas mileage.