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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  2003 Mazda6 i - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By August - July 24 - 4:16 am

  First two years, great car, fun to drive, great looks, everything. Then the car starts to idle roughly, which triggers check engine light. Take it in for a diagnostics test, and it says to replace camshaft position sensor. Did that, only to have the car get worse. Take it into the dealer, who states that the cars engine has suffered a catostrophic failure. Oil burned up fast due to the cylinder head rings cracking. That resulted in the pulleys breaking off. Funny thing was, oil was replaced 4K before this happened, and no oil light ever came on throughout the entire ordeal. Fought with Mazda hard, but they never budged, so I got stuck with paying 3K left on a car that I dont even have.

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  Read before you buy a 2005 Maxda RX8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By firebabe - July 18 - 9:12 pm

  The rotary engine is horrible, you have to treat it like a diesel in cold weather which we didnt know and got it flooded. It ended up costing us $1500 to finally get it started and to help prevent it from happening again but now I want rid of it. Check engine light is on all the time and no one knows why. It now sounds bad and every one is now telling me after owning it for 6 months with 69,000 that the rotary engine dont live past 60,000. I know Im going to lose with trading it in put I cant afford to keep it running. Wish I had never seen this beautiful car but the rotary engine is horrible.

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  Just dont like it - 2002 Mazda 626
  By HateMazda - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I have this car for a week now, highway ride is just awful if you exceed 75 mph. dificult to stear, and not comfortable, would recommend spending few more dollars and get the Toyota Camry.

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  Read Before buying - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Bama - July 6 - 1:13 am

  My first Mazda. I have had 3 recalls in less than 3 years. one was to replace the motor!. Less than a month after the motor was replaced . The car started running hot. Through no fault of the dealers mechanic and everything hooked back up right. The radiator fan burned out. Whats next? You can buy this car if you like. But i will be putting mine in to some Toyota dealers used parking lot. 200,000+ sold with the same motor and fan. Good luck

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  Like it, but disappointed - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By BobK - June 30 - 6:23 pm

  Ive had way too many minor and medium level problems, although no major problems yet. Both front door actuators have failed, as has the drivers window motor. All have failed where theres a metal to plastic gear meshing. The CD changer jams and has to be removed and unjammed every 3-4 months. The latch for the visor mirror broke so the mirror hangs open if the visor is down. Plastic covers for inside door lights have fallen off because the plastic tabs broke.

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  Transmission - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Deb - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have experienced problems with the transmission of this vehicle. When it automatically shifts from 2nd to 3rd gear it slams into gear. The more passengers you have the bigger this problem becomes. Mazda knows about the issue and is currently trying to work on a fix, however the past 4 months have been unpleasant. Still waiting.... The dealer claims they have 3 other vans with the same problem.

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  small discomforts - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By daren - June 26 - 6:16 pm

  I purchased my new 06 Mazda3 i Touring in late May. I get roughly 28 miles per gallon with country driving to work few stop signs not many lights. The vehicle I have purchased is "fully loaded" with an automatic transmission. I believe the interior is nice along with the sporty look of the exterior. When I was in the market I wanted to purchase the s model which had most the options I wanted standard along with the 5 speed automatic; with the 3 i Touring model it has a 4 speed so not as good get up nor as good fuel economy but there were none in the area. The vehicle I bought was fully loaded with the same options I was looking for but you can tell the change from the 4 to 5 speed transmission.

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  Mazda could do better - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By Steve K - June 19 - 10:00 am

  After owning a Lexus for the last 5 years, I decided to try something different to lower car payments. Ive had the Millinea for a couple of weeks now and have come to some conclusions. The styling of the car is nice outside and in. I like the dashboard, its layed out nice. The ride is quiet and smooth. The engine seems to hesitate when you first step on the gas, which I find annoying. The latch covers in the back for the child safety seats keep popping open. If I could do it all over again, I would opt for an Acura or back to another Lexus.

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  Rotary Engine-MAJOR PROBLEMS - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By raya4 - June 13 - 7:58 am

  I bought the car on a whim because of how much fun it was to drive without doing much research. After buying the car almost EVERY mechanic I knew told me that I made a terrible choice. These rotary engines in these cars suck. My engine blew at 80k miles and mine lasted longer than most. Buying this car was a waste of money.

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  Would never buy this car again! - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By amyemme - June 10 - 3:50 pm

  This car has horrible paint. As someone else stated paint seems to have flaws. I live in Michigan this car is horrible in even 1 inch of snow ! The tires are very cheap. Need new tires at 12k. I havent experienced the a/c problems others reported is the only positive. The gas mileage is also horrible. The biggest annoyance is the road noise. Cant talk on phone when on the highway without turning cell phone vol. way up !! There also is no room for an infant carseat. I have to move my seat forward to put my baby in or out when using my carseat base. I wish my lease was up last year! Dont buy this car.