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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  Good so far - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Happy so far - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle to replace my 12 year old(180,000 mile) Mazda MPV and so far, I am happy with the purchase. Good looks and mechanically sound.More than sufficient power. Continental tires a bit noisy. Door armrests could be padded.

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  Expensive upkeep! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Protege LX_Owner - May 21 - 4:56 am

  I bought it when it had 12K miles and the car was practically new. I took good care of it; changed oil on time within 3-5k miles - depending on my driving habits, routine maintenance and BRAKES (more on that later) etc. Over the past 8 years of ownership, the car has been very reliable but with a cost! My service receipts so far have totaled up to about $3,800 to date - thats an equivalent to $45/mo or $542/year!! The costliest thing ever to take a toll on the receipts were the brakes; during the course, I have had eight (yes, thats 8!) brake pad replacements which included rotors and rear shoes every other alternate times. The upside: at 125K miles, the car still runs like new.

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  EXCELLENT!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eric Borenstein - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought it last month and i had no problems with this car.This car drives similar to a BMW,including the radio looks like a BMW,Its a really a fun car to drive!!

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  Mazda 3 high milage reliablity - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By ksmike - May 20 - 12:37 am

  I have a 2.0 liter, 5 speed manual that I bought new in 2008, which I use for commuting to work in a rural area. 175000 miles now and still get 34-38 mpg (depends on the tires and season). The only part replaced was a new power steering pump was replaced as a recall. Other than that, changed tires every 40,000 miles (you have to have frequent tire rotations due to positive camber), oil changes every 5000 miles, coolant flush. I have not even changed sparkplugs, needed an alignment, or even needed to have the brake pads replaced.

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  No Valet Protection! Beware of the Small Things - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By condor2fly - May 18 - 10:04 am

  I have deep buyers remorse. I agree with most of fawning reviews concerning the cars style and how it drives. But oh how I wished Id examined it more carefully for practical lifestyle needs, when I went for that test drive. Subsequently, I was bummed to discover the only way to open and then lock the doors and trunk is to dig my key set with the key fob out of my pocket, rather than pushing a little button. A couple days later I was shocked and mortified to discover that I cannot secure my identity papers or anything in the glove box or the trunk, because theres no valet system whatever--not even a key. I live in Los Angeles, and now I cannot valet, without removing a bunch of things?

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  I want to love this van, BUT - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By donP - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I did alot of research before purchasing this van. Initially,I loved the van-this was our first van purchase and we loved the flexibility in seating, comfort, space, styling, etc. I waited until we drove 5,000 miles before writing this review. There are two strange noises when I apply the brakes-one is an occasional popping sound from the front and another noise from the rear. The dealer thought it might be the tires making that sound (yea-right). I will be taking it in next week. I wouldnt feel comfortable recommending this van until I see how it performs over an extended period of time e.g. after three years.

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  Easy choice - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - May 16 - 4:40 pm

  The Mazda3 is hands down the best car to buy out of all the compacts if youre looking for value and maybe a little respect on the road. I test drove every car in this class trying to find a car that wouldnt bust my bank and was still fun to drive. Nothing compared to the Mazda 3 when it comes to the fun to drive factor and the amount of options for the price. If you like driving a manual transmission make sure you test drive this car. Nothing else compares when it comes to 5 speed manuals at this price. Ive been nothing but impressed with my Mazda 3 so far. Mazda has done a great job of reinventing themselves.

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  Very disappointed - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By JOSEPHINE - May 15 - 12:10 pm

  Two weeks after I bought this car I started experiencing hard starting and a loud clicking sound in the passenger/driver door. I took it to Mazda service center and they confirmed my concerns. They serviced this car 3 times for the same issue and up to now they havent resolved the problem. First they said it was the battery, then second it was the software that needs to be updated. The third time the technician cannot fix the problem and they have to involve the manufacturers engineer. Very disappointing since this car is supposed to be brand new. Almost everyday the car has difficulty starting. As for the door clicking noise no parts available to replace it until ?????

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  Average at best - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By kph1983 - May 14 - 2:03 am

  Just sold 2012 CX9 after three years (35,000 miles). Decent SUV for price. Pros: Appearance, good performance/handling, interior space. The CX9 looks sporty and handles/accelerates well for a large vehicle. Large interior space with decent room in the third row. Cons: Gas mileage, ride comfort, cabin noise, The CX9 does not get anywhere near the advertised gas mileage. 18.5 combined driving and 21.5 on strictly highway trips. Not a very comfortable ride if you are in the car for longer than 1 hour. Suspension felt stiffer than other large SUVs and could feel all bumps on road. Car had small annoying rattles on both interior/exterior.

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  Best value I could find - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By moleman - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I basically agree with most of the other reviews: the PR5 is fun to drive (w/ 5 spd), especially around a city where you can dart around quickly, and the 6 CD changer w/ 6 speakers is so good it makes me love music even more. Mileage is OK, probably average for this size car. The seats are spacious and comfortable for all but the largest individuals, and the interior layout is quite pleasing. Previous car was 98 Civic w/ no options so I suppose Im more easily impressed than others.