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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  transmissions - 1998 Mazda 626
  By wdilbeck - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Transmission went out at 90,000 miles. Transmission shop has worked on many 626s and usual life for the Ford transmission that is in the 626 is 90,000-100,000.

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  Dont buy one - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Alegna - June 5 - 6:23 pm

  I just traded my 2007 CX-7 for a 2009 Honda Accord. The worst part is the gas mileage. It didnt get even close to what it was supposed to, even when I put premium in it, it averaged 15 mpg on a really good day. Also, during the last two months in the shop with it 5 times. A valve cracked and leaked twice in one month & I had the same valve replaced twice. The light illuminated a third time & the fuel filler neck had to be replaced. I also replaced all 4 tires at 17,000 miles and was told by Mazda this was "normal." This cost me $800. Not to mention 2 recalls and cheap, boring interior design with crappy leather. Remote start also sucks. So happy with my new car and glad to be rid of the CX7!

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  Mazdas secret - 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
  By Hybrid fan - June 4 - 8:50 am

  Ive only had it 2 months and so far theres been no major problems. The average mpg up to 27.8 which is around what I expected. Overall I would recommend it for someone who wants an environmentally kinder SUV.

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  RX8, cute but unreliable. Dont buy! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Diana - June 1 - 10:43 pm

  The RX-8 is a gas guzzler, the brakes squeal, its temperamental, if you turn if off without letting it run long enough it may flood itself after which you will have to have it towed to the dealership. It burns oil fast and sometimes it doesn’t start the first time you turn the ignition. There were problems with the oil pan, panels popping up, the under carriage fell down; the solenoid even died causing me to lose power steering on Highway 95. “Just bring it in again if you have any more problems” is what they continue to say. My response is that I shouldnt have to keep taking off from work to take in a new car. The car is unreliable and is not worth the time and expense!

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  Impressive....but - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By rabbittracks - May 31 - 9:26 am

  It is a good car but....the interior color and fabric is terrible. Hard to clean up since everything sticks to it. No armrest for the passenger? Visors are tiny. Tires (Toyo)are terrible and dont last. Headlights are bad when going up and down hills. (Need driving lights to correct it.) Brakes are pretty good but had to have rotors turned already and warping again. The tilt column still doesnt help with your knees hitting the bottom of the column. Seats get a little uncomfortable on a trip. Tires that came with it are summer tires so check b4 you purchase if you live in a wintery climate.

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  downgrades - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By gliptone - May 27 - 2:23 pm

  i had a 2002 .that model had a sunroof pop up wind deflector 2008 does not 2002 had dual tone horns 2008 does not2002 had rear drum brakes this 2008 still does.rides better than 2002 corners not as well.

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  Dont waste your money buying used - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Ron - May 22 - 7:50 am

  Purchased in Nov. 2001 as a used vehicle and have had no real mechanical issues to complain about. It has performed well over the last six years. The biggest complaint I have is the corrosion issue. I first noticed a problem around the rear wheel well. Then around the edges of the doors. The hood has now perforated at the front edge and the paint is bubbling along that same edge. On the underside of the hood a chunk 4"x3" came off when I closed the hood. The rubber seal (to keep water out) no longer provides a seal because there is nothing for it to attached to. Buyer beware if you purchase this van you will have a rust bucket. Beware!!!

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  Good, bordering on great - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By silver8 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Aside from the 15 MPG and the 16 gallon gas tank that needs to be filled up every two days, this is a fun car. Dont be fooled into thinking its an economical car though. Sure is fun to zip around corners, which it does very well. No street light racing though as the car is sluggish off the line unless you drop the clutch at 8K. When and if Mazda fixes the mileage and horsepower issues, this will be a truly great car.

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  Pretty mediocre car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  One year into ownership with the 2010 Mazda3 and its got a few positives, a few negatives and overall a lot that is just blah. The engine is rough-riding, doesnt rev well and when matched to the archaic 5 speed auto delivers wretched fuel economy: mostly highway driving and the car returns 20-21 MPGs. The engine seems to strain on any incline. The interior still feels cheap and rough. The car handles well but that cant make up for the fact its mostly just a bland car with a bad transmission and engine.

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  maintenance costs - beware - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By TKK - April 27 - 7:23 pm

  Have had the car almost two years. Every 30K miles maintenance runs $750! Cheap price to buy, with expensive maintenance. Wouldnt buy another Mazda for this reason. My past Hondas didnt require this much maintenance.