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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  engine problems - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By mazdasucks - April 26 - 3:06 pm

  I had to replace the engine at 57000 miles.

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  It was a good SUV until the Turbo went 2x - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By johnnyg5454 - April 22 - 2:37 pm

  I enjoyed driving this truck everyday, until last year (2013) the turbo decided to quit. It started billowing smoke from the tailpipes. Luckily this was replaced under the warranty. Fast forward 9 months and 2000 miles over warranty the turbo goes again and Mazda refuses to pay for the entire fix. A part they fixed fails not even a year after it was replaced. I was a loyal Mazda owner and was looking forward to purchasing another, not anymore.

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  Not a winter car - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Richard - April 18 - 7:40 am

  This is my 2nd 626. Its been a reliable car and gets exceptional fuel economy. It has no frills, but gets me where I have to be... except in the snow. Like my first (1998) 626, it slides all over the place in snow. Ive tried several different tires, including snows and theres no drastic improvement. I fear driving on snow-covered roads! The only cumbersome maintenance issue is having to replace a pair of bushings in the rear suspension every 20k-25k. You know when theyre worn; the noise is deafening.Ive got 105k on the car and really havent had to put a lot into it. I plan to run it as long as I can up to 200k.

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  Poor Build Quality - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Koontz - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Had always been a Honda or Toyota person, but bought this due to great finance offers. Delivered with 3 small scratches on bottom of door but dealer insist it was done during the 48 hrs I had it. At 10,800 miles, hubcap comes off on interstate, and -- of course -- I had ran over something. Dealer says "we have 1 for $70!!" Nothing better for your bottom line than to make 8 or 900% profit on parts !! Already has wind noise and squeaks, wish Mazda would buy me out of it so I could get something else. Nowhere near as well built as I expected, and Ill never have another Mazda. Looks nice, runs ok, but thats about it. Gas mileage is very good, great brakes, but NO POWER LOCKS !!!

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  Dissapointment - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Seadog - March 31 - 10:00 am

  No question the performance and power for this SUV were great. But I had it in 4 times for repairs to the drivers outside mirror (vibrated)a rattle in the right rear and an engine failure. The egine was fixed but they were never able to fix the other things.

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  Mazda Millenia 2000 Edition - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By frank - March 27 - 10:56 am

  Car is fantastic when engine light is off. Spends to much time in the shop and car parts cost an arm and leg. I would have loves it when it was new.

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  Death trap - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By pete05 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I have not made the first car payment and my new Mazda is already in the repair shop. The car stalled on me as I was existing the freeway. So far, the mechanic cannot reproduce the problem. However, considering what I am reading on this website, its no wonder Mazda has not gotten sued yet from someone getting killed due to this problem.

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  Not so zoom, zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rab8 - March 1 - 3:50 am

  Having owned a RX2 & RX7, I was first in line to buy the RX8 - it has been a mixed bag, though, from day one. Like so many, it has had to return to the dealer over and over and it has been tweaked and had more parts replaced than a plastic surgery freak. It has been more trouble than any car I have owned (15) and yet I want to love it anyway because at heart Im an unabashed rotaryhead. Mazda has broken my heart on this one - I cant recommend it to anyone except those who love dysfunctional, undependable, expensive cars. Sigh.

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  Not what I thought a Mazda would be - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By christy22 - February 28 - 11:49 am

  I bought my 2008 Mazda 6 with 36,000 miles on it. Right away, I had A/C issues. With 90,000 miles on it, I had to have the transmission rebuilt and change out the valve body. As I now understand it (reading consumer reviews on the issues of this car), the valve bodies are made overseas and built with a poor grade metal so these cars have transmission issues. I finally sold the car 1 month ago having rebuilt the transmission and fixed the A/C 3 times. I had only heard good things about Mazdas, but I wont buy another one.

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  Zoom gloom - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By k1200gt - February 26 - 9:20 pm

  At initial purchase all was good, however when it came to getting an appointment it was hard, CD player did not work from day one, they told me I stuck something in it. But on further inspection the opening for the CD was NEVER cut through. when I shut the car off the a/c fan comes on , when the car is off and I turn on the parking lights. Guess what, the a/c fan comes on. I press the remote for the doors, guess what comes on in unison.. yup the a/c fan and it will run for 5 min and up to 30 and has at times killed my battery. They said "we never heard of such a thing." Well I have proof in the shape of a CX9, also loud squeakiness as if it uses leaf springs from the 1950s wont buy another