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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  Very Nice! - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By dmcamj - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the fourth Mazda PU I have owned, starting with a 89 model. I was originally interested in economy and utility of a small pick-up and Mazdas extended warranty(then, 50,000 miles) was the deciding feature for me. The first two(89 & 95) were driven over 80000 miles, the last one(99), over 100,000 with no problems. My 03 is very sporty and came with a 100,000 mile warranty, which I plan to use to the fullest. Economy ranges from 23 to 26 mpg.

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  BEWARE - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Chris Wood 2 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  At 200 miles the front crank shaft seal developed a pretty serious oil leak. The headliner is separating, and parts are extremely difficult to attain. The selling dealer has been terrific, but their hands are tied. Mazda North America hasnt returned emails. The vehicle now has 1,200 miles and is only 12 weeks old. It is a fun vehicle to drive, and appears to be a good value. However, this amount of initial problems should concern any possible buyers. I have purchased many new Mazdas, and this experience has definately curbed my Mazda purchasing.

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  happy but not so happy - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By kelle - January 16 - 6:50 am

  This is our first minivan, weve had it for 5 years with minimal problems. One thing I really dislike is that a lot of the parts are made cheaply and have broken with normal use. The handles on both my rear sliding door simply broke off in my hand when opening the door. Also, the plastic clip that holds the sunflap up has broken on both sides, and the console hinge opens sometimes when driving. These parts are all made of plastic, and I wonder why they have broken... I have never heard of another vehicle with two door handles breaking off like that. Needless to say, they are extremely expensive to fix, as have been most of the seemingly simple repairs on this vehicle.

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  So far so good - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jhunterk - January 13 - 6:26 am

  Have had the car for 10 months, 6k miles, 0 problem so far. IMHO, it is the best compromise among gas mileage, cosmetics, reliability, and a sporty ride. On highway, the 40mpg is spot on. The hatchback is super useful, once I was able to put FIVE dinning chairs in it. Very good lumbar support too. Con: The ride could be bumpy on crapy road because of its sporty suspension. Not as quiet as toyota, could use better noise isolation

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  fun for the money - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By vince - January 10 - 7:20 pm

  A performance vehicle that is also practical is hard to find in todays market. With its good looks, performance and practicality, the RX8 owns this market. Pros: Unique appearance Easy ingress, egress with "freestyle" doors Go Kart like road holding Good ergonomics Good acceleration if revs are kept up Cons: Somewhat harsh ride over rought roads but an acceptable for the handeling (it is a sportscar!) Small gas tank (limited range) OK sized trunk but small opening Pedals are slightly offset to the right. Built quality seems good. Renesis motor seems strong in my car and I have not had the flooding problem experienced by others. Its fun to wave at the other 8s you see

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  Long Distance Driving in a Miata MX-5 - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By spencer08 - January 10 - 2:16 pm

  Before buying my 2008 Sport Hardtop 5-speed, my main concerns were riding comfort and gas mileage. After experiencing my first long trip (5905 mi), both concerns are gone! Ride is firm, but comfortable, with exception of older concrete surfaces that can produce fairly harsh jitters. Driver seat is very supportive, especially the back. Overall ride is very good, not great, and very quiet for a convertible. If youre not a lead foot, you can get very good gas mileage. Ive gotten 32.5 mpg in/around town, and 35.6 mpg total over the long trip above (as high as almost 42 mpg in slower mountain driving, and low of 33 mpg at sustained highway speeds of 70/75 mph. (All mileages calculated.)

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  Nice gas-sipper that sits 6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By giveucolorcc - January 10 - 11:46 am

  Traded in my old Ford Windstar for this car. Given that the gas prices have been soaring for the past few months (and they will continue to soar), I chose this car because it has the space I need and the fuel economy I want. I bought the Touring edition with automatic transmission. Lots of people are saying that a 4 cylinder engine is too small for this type of car. Ive been lugging around my family of 4 for a week now and I found the power to be more than adequate. The transmission is very smooth and responsive. Both exterior and interior qualities are excellent. Overall, its a great car for the price.

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  almost 3 years - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By trohn33 - January 8 - 7:03 pm

  Having owned my Tribute for almost 3 years, it is disappointing to see the check engine light come on and stay on after it has been repaired. For the most part, the Tribute is an extremely enjoyable ride for me, the driver. The passenger seat lacks the same support, so at sudden braking, the passenger may feel as though they are sliding forward. As a lease vehicle, it is a nice choice. However to purchase? Get the extended warranty beyond the given 50,000 miles/4 years. The interior cabin is very roomy, but noisy. In order to hear the radio with some clarity, it has to be turned up quite a bit while driving. You dont realize how loud it is until you restart it. Fuel economy is bad.

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  So Far So Good - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt - January 8 - 4:16 pm

  The exterior look of the car is about average for an economy car. I think its a tad nicer looking than the civic and corolla. I test drove all three, and walked away with Mazda as the clear front runner. I would imagine that a Civic will typically be more reliable way down the road than the 3, but we will find out. The 3 feels sturdy (corolla did not) and it has more get-go than the civic had. I was in a car accident(vs a Trailer truck) last winter and the car appears to have recovered nicely and Im alive to talk about it. If you are looking for an economy car, give the 3 a shot.

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  disapointed - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By transmission failed - January 3 - 2:00 am

  It was great at first no problems concerns, nothing to fix just the regular oil changes. but after 9000 miles the transmission failed!!!!!!!!