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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  Fell in love....now HATE - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By jerseygirl - July 1 - 12:30 am

  This was my second car ever and I was completely in love until the cars issues began! It killed me to see this car break so much because it was my baby. Turbo went twice, tires had to be changed at 20000 miles, navigation only works when it wants to, the engine ticks VERY loudly, squeaks like a 30 year old car, battery just went due to bad starter (still fighting dealership over that), the gas mileage is terrible!,the paint scratches very easily, and the abs has failed more then once. This car could be a awesome car if they fixed the problems! I loved it so much when I bought it!

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  Expect the worst and it will happen - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By lowinpro - June 5 - 1:53 pm

  Weve owned this MPV for a few years, got it for less than blue book from a private party. Recently (at about 80k miles) some things started going wrong - both manifolds, water pump, oil pump, timing chain, pcv, and many electrical problems. Both the passenger front door and one sliding door have electrical/mechanical malfunctions (one only opens from the inside, the other only from the outside). In short, a wide variety of mechanical, electrical, and engine problems that are very expensive to repair - about double the actual value of the vehicle at this point. None of them fall under "routine maintenance." Advice: steer clear of Mazda vans of this vintage.

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  Fooled by the looks - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By jdagosta - April 18 - 4:30 am

  What a shocker. Our last four new car purchases had been Toyotas. We were lured in by the sporty look of the CX-5, and claims that its reliability was comparable toToyotas. The salesman hyped the CX -5s maintenance free transmission. About a week after our purchase, the transmission failed completely and required replacement. No support, no apologies, from the dealer. We wont be fooled again. Back to Toyota

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  dwwmazda - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By dadono1 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased car with 28k miles - excellent condition in July 2002. A/C blower motor has died, fuel gauge shows full while low fuel warning light is on and transmission cannot make up its mind how to and what gear to shift to in stop and go driving.

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  Run Far Far Away... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By gregtheowner - April 2 - 7:00 am

  I bought my 2004 Mazda RX8 in 2004 - brand new with 4 miles on it. I treated this car like royalty: and it didnt matter. Engine was replaced at 20k for warranty - THEN the engine failed again just 2k outside of warranty - I paid $7,000 for repairs; The spark plugs cost $100 a piece, Tires are $200. MUST have premium gas (At premium prices) and MPG is horrible. $5 in gas wont get you out of your neighborhood. Now -2012 - I finally got rid of it. PROBLEMS from day one til the last day. Car shuts off at red lights, when its too cold, and when its too hot. MUST warm-up engine for 15 min. before driving anywhere - I can go on for days but my space here is limited. DO NOT BUY a 2004 Mazda RX8

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  Horrible Car - 2002 Mazda 626
  By angelcls1 - March 5 - 10:00 am

  At first I love my 626 I had no problems and it ran fine. I made sure I took care of getting my oil changed and any other items I needed to keep may car running. At my years date all of a sudden the car went down hill. Brakes and tranimission both went out and as you know niether are under warranty. Beware before you Buy!!!

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  BEWARE of TRANSMISSION COOLER Problems - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Michelle - February 5 - 2:36 pm

  We have constantly had problems with our tribute. The transmission cooler leaks. Actually I believ the component is recalled. We had it fixed once but the problem is still there. Beware if you plan to buy a Mazda tribute. If you live in the northwest territories make sure you can service the truck in the northwest territories. I have had to drive to grand praire Alberta so they can service the truck and look at the tranny leak. They said it was fine but the leak is still there. Mazda Canada said that I would have to always drive to grand praire to get it serviced escpecially if it was a warranty part. We payed from our own pockets $700.00. Mazda Canada reinbursed us $94.00. Beware

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  Stay Away from this SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By nurseangel - February 5 - 4:30 am

  Wow, I am not really shocked at all the complaints but i am glad to see that i am not the only one in distress, I bought this junk brand new in 2007 and now it sits in my back yard not running at all. My timing chain broke at 56,00 miles, YES, and when it broke so did my engine. I always had thoughts that this car was junk because I would hear a rattle from time to time after acceleration and then a puff of smoke and check engine light stayed on, ac is horrible for back passengers, horrible, There needs to be a recall on this SUV nothing but junk and know I have a to pay for a car thats need 10,000 worth of work, I had this car serviced every 6000 miles now look, JUNK JUNK JUNK stay away

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  Nothing but Problems - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Gaetano - February 4 - 2:33 pm

  My wife and I purchased the CX-7 in November 2007. The vehicle has been in the shop more than 40 days. It is an electrical nightmare! Problems range from parking lights that do not turn off to windows that will not work. The car has a stiff ride, poor rear visibility, and a cheap looking interior. MPG is horrible averaging about 15. I believe that its sibling, the CX-9, won car of the year for 2007, however the CX-7 is anything but!

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  the car that shutter. confirmed by mazda - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By some_guy1 - December 31 - 5:13 am

  The car is scary to drive. there is a shutter that mazda said should be there. It feels like a little earth quake. I didnt notice it when i bought the car but the first time it happened i got scared. On top of that the car slams into gear and has such a jerky transmission that i cant believe the car is not being investigated by the NTSB. as long as you dont mind a car that shakes and you hit your head because the throttle is all over the place this is the car for you. Me hindsight 2020 i wish i never got it. I cant be more disappointed with it.