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:

• 

  Small Small Small - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Ed - October 22 - 3:01 am

  Not much bang for the buck, We settle on a Jeep latitude for less money and a better warranty with more room, Extra electronic gadgets, 4 wheel drive on the fly My Daughter loves her new jeep

• 

  Mixed Feelings - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kenshin - October 12 - 10:52 pm

  Purchased : December 2013 Build quality may be an issue... Week 2 : the passenger seat trim vibrating noise, probably due to contact when exiting vehicle. Fixed by dealer. Week 3 : front windows vibrating noise when opened slightly. Not bothersome enough to take to dealer, but disappointing nonetheless. Week 4 : right sun visor vibration noise, goes away if opened then reclosed. Week 6 : upper right corner of center console screen intermittent rubbing noise. Since the beginning, theres also been a ceiling vibration noise if only the rear windows are open. Apparently, this kind of wind harmonics problem is common for many cars. Again, more disappointment.

• 

  Clear headed - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By JIBMRJ4W - October 9 - 1:46 pm

  This car drove nicely on flat normal freeways. Decent mileage. When driving back from Lake Tahoe on I 80, we experienced an unusual problem. The force exerted by this car, when going down hill on I 80, at or > 60 mph, was quite strong when turning toward the right, ~ 20 to 35 degrees. It felt as though you were going to be pushed out the door of the car. I slowed down and the sensation went away. Thereafter I drove this car at ~ 55 mph when going down hill from Tahoe Our agent said there was no accident with this car, therefore it suggest a stabilizer type problem for this car.

• 

  Lemon? - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By kahuna - September 25 - 1:50 am

  I bought my Millenia new in 2002. Had problems with it from beginning. It is the white with gold bottom. Loved all the extras for the price. Very loud interior road noise. So bad you cant talk on cell. Engine light problems early on, caused by Mazda requiring premium fuel--which they later revised--but not until they had to work on the engine 5 times! Very tough dealing with Mazda. I read other reviews about how quiet theirs are. I wonder if were talking about the same car. I even bought new tires that are supposed to be known for their quiet ride. When those didnt help, I realized it was the car. Im glad all the others are satisfied. It was a lot of car for the price, but a lemon!

• 

  Dont Buy It - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By 02 Mazda Lx - September 6 - 12:16 pm

  We first saw the Mazda MPV at the 2001 LA Car Show. I fell in love with third row fold and sporty design. My wife and I have two boys and the car was perfect for our needs. Then the nightmare began. We have had the transmission flashed two times because of shift problems. The PCV pipe cracked and caused idle problems. The brake rotors went out of balance and shook the car like helicopter was above us. Now at 72K the transmission failed. Payed 1400 to replace it. 2 months later the radiator fluid has leaked into one of the transmission cooling lines and again the transmission misshifts. It is in the shop more than on the road. Save yourselves and do not buy this vehicle. I am trading mine in!

• 

  Pure Frustration - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By sgardner - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Despite a lot of strong points, my Tribute has been nothing but trouble. Terrible build quality. So far the brake pedal assembly, seat heater switch, CD player, cruise control, all weather stripping, and cowlings have had to be replaced. Mazda Consumer Compliance has been very little help, and a local dealer (not where I purchased the vehicle) damages the car each time they work on it.

• 

  Problems, problems, problems! - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By PAH - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my van from the check engine light constantly coming on and off (And it isnt because of the gas cap which has been replaced as well as the entire fuel line), replacing tires 4 times (!) and no one can tell me why, the passenger back door malfunctions, the seats are uncomfortable on long trips, and the Mazda dealership has been difficult to deal with. I cant wait to unload this thing!

• 

  Great Car but dont buy one - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dennis - August 8 - 10:06 pm

  Purchased a new 04 less than 2 years ago. Loved the car for the price until clutch started to judder so bad car was not drivable. Mazda TSB 05-003/05 describes defective clutch plates. Mazda will not cover repair because car is more than 1 year old. Dont be left holding a $1300 repair bill for a defective car. Buy a Honda.

• 

  college students car - 2002 Mazda 626
  By moodswinger - August 2 - 2:00 am

  good for a second car

• 

  Nice Minivan - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Bad Dog - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I am not a big fan of minivans. But as minivans go, this one is ok. It was well designed with some nice features that werent common when this was new (dual sliding passenger doors with electric windows, slide over middle seat, back seat folds down into the floor or folds back to make a tailgate seat, etc). The stereo system is nice for a factory stereo too. It has run well and we have had no problems with it at all. I would highly recommend the MPV ... if you HAVE to have a minivan.