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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  Mazda 626 1999 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Bullfrogjw - June 29 - 7:00 am

  Transmission went out at 155k, significant exhaust problems. Car was pretty reliable always started. o2 sensor needed to be changed once a year.

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  Very Disappointing - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Disgruntled - June 21 - 1:03 am

  Too many things go wrong. Within one year, had to replace windshield wipers, ashtray, and passenger door handle. Had a stall while driving @ 45 MPH due to failed powertrain, crashed into a fence. Loud wind noise from passenger back door. Rear windshield wiper keeps falling off. Door panel leather peeling off. Headliner cardboard coming off in trunk of car. Loud noise and rumbling when going in or out of overdrive. Random check engine lights go on and off all the time. Save your money and buy something better.

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  Should have bought a Civic - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By HSworker - May 21 - 4:56 pm

  This car is OK. It has a bunch of little problems. (keyless intry works some of the time, CD players volume goes up when turned down, CD plays some of the time. CUp holder sucks. AC is loud as can be yet doesnt blow that much air. Dealerships dont want to fix things under warranty. They cant find anything until repeated trips are made. No loaner cars offered even for multiple day factor fixes. The plastic clips that hold panels on break randomly and just fall off. This from a guy who Meguiars his car inside/out + engine. I should have bought that used Toy Avalon or new Honda civic.

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  Beware of Plastic Parts and Oil Filters! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By George Bennett - May 5 - 3:26 pm

  After driving a Protege for 10 years and 250,000 miles, the 3 S seemed like a great car until I used a Jiffy Lube and cracked the poorly designed oil cartridge housing on the car. Mazda says tough luck, but has issued a service bulletin, and I believe reverted back to the cannister versus the cartridge oil filter. It is sad to say that such a nice car can be ruined by poor design - but in my case (and from what I hear) the case of several other Mazda 3 s owners, that you will have to pay $60.00 at the dealership to make sure that your engine does not suffer major damages. I believe the 2005 model also has this type of filter so be prepared!

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  dont do it - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By gail - May 4 - 3:50 pm

  To all viewers on this web site. I bought a Mazda Tribute 04/02 for a graduation gift for my daughter (her choice) we have had nothing but TROUBLE from day 1. We have had it in for service more than i can say for air bag trouble. they cant seem to fix. I am trying to have mazda buy it back with no luck they say there is nothing wrong but if the air bag light is on the air bag will NOT deploy i have had it in for recalls 3 times when i complain the dealer says nothing the vehicle gets 8 to 10 miles per gallon they will tell me thats not bad when it should get 18 to 22 or so the dealer has changed people is the service so no one can say a thing so if you want a good car dont buy mazda

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  Runs like Crap - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By PureCarnage - April 29 - 7:23 am

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. I tell everyone I meet who admire its looks- all show, no go. It has been in the shop so many times I cant count. The last straw being the dealership waiting for the warranty to expire and then telling me I need a new engine. Something I told them for 2 years prior. No power, even as new. Bad tranny to engine hook-up, makes a horrible noise if you stomp on it. Rattles coming from everywhere. I see numerous defects that are common for all owners and no recalls for them. You have to complain for service. Never buy a Mazda again.

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  What did I buy? - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By MazdaFan02 - April 6 - 5:53 am

  I bought this vehicle 2 weeks ago and it has already been in the service dept. 4 times. Dead battery, electrical problems, transmission failed. I would stick to the 2008 model as it seems like there are some severe issues with the 09s.

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  This car has issues - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Dre - April 2 - 11:16 pm

  Nothing good has come out of this car. Ever since I bought it, it has been giving me problems. Over the recent summer, I put in over a grand on the car, and now its having issues again; drive axles, brakes dont last long at all, around 7 or 8 months before having to replace rotors, shoes, pads, and drums. Its ridiculous. And Ive had to replace the main belt about 3 or 4 times, because it keeps breaking, because what makes the belt move was loose when we bought it.

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  Dead Engine at 37K Miltes - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Bad Car Bad Service - January 7 - 6:53 am

  I wish I would have done more research before buying this car. The bad experience at the dealership when purchasing the car should have been my first warning sign. After 2 1/2 years of driving, with no warning (no check engine light, no oil light, no nothing), it is dead. Works one day, the next they say the engine is dead due to improper maintenance (not true) and I need a new engine. No warranty coverage because it wasnt properly maintained (not true). Took 2 weeks for them to tell me they wouldnt cover it. $300 later in rental car expenses, Im still without a car. Thank you Mazda. Customer service and quality...two words that dont go with Mazda. Never again.

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  Not happy - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By not happy - January 6 - 2:33 am

  Cant recommend! The transmission was replaced at 1,400 miles, because it shifted so rough. Thing is it still shifts rough and has very noisy idle. The drive is very noisy also. I am going to trade it in. The upside was the dealership service dept. Was exception. I feel bad their product was so disappointing. Will never buy another Mazda.