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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  Good, yet nothings perfect... - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By OVERmotivated - February 21 - 8:20 am

  My mom bought this car under my influence, and she likes it as much as I do. As the title states, nothing is perfect. Some of the flaws/missed things in this car would be the horsepower rating [153 hp], no DRLs, rear air conditioning, traction control/antiskid control, and at least a 5 speed auto to match. However, the rest of the car is nice, with automatic climate control and an available navigation system for under $22K. It has a nice suspension and its really fun to drive! Its also very flexible, and if your family is small, then you wont need to worry about space. At least consider this car if youre looking for something versatile and small.

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  CX7 POOR GAS MILEAGE - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By hiiweare1 - February 20 - 12:13 am

  Got one 5 days ago. Its fun but I wish the drivers seat came standard with automatic adjustment, its just a little uncomfortable. It may be a four cylinder and turbocharged but Its also like to drink a lot of premium gas.

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  The Amazing Miata - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Eric - February 17 - 10:56 am

  After four years I have to say I still love my Miata. My mission the day I bought it was to buy a WRX. However coming out of a convertible I was not prepared to totally forego an opening top. The WRX at that time did not have an available sunroof. The other problem, they were so hot all I could find were automatics! Just down the street was a Mazda dealership and I thought why not, the price was right. My test drive sold me 100%! I scared the salesman so that was a bonus. As a former policeman I drive like one ;) The handling is simply spot on superb. Though the stock Bridgestones were awful under 50 degrees. I put on GForce T/As and love them. One request - a bit more HP.

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  Good Car - 1998 Mazda 626
  By len - February 17 - 9:43 am

  Too much vibration when car exceed 70 mph. Driver seat too low.

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  Summer Love, Canadian Winters Hate - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By mazdarx75 - February 16 - 5:19 pm

  I have Mazda5 09 GT model. I love the styling inside and out on my GT model. Very functional for my family of 4 and a dog. Option for 6 is great when needed as long as it is the exception. Does everything I need in the summer but when cold weather hits, I think of getting rid of it every winter. The power locking sliding side doors, manual sliding, will not work in cold or freezing temps. Took to Mazda and all they did was lube the door latch. Problem did not go away. Door keeps trying to lock even when I am driving. Not a safe feeling when driving and kids are back there. So this is my 3rd winter with this Van and make both doors close, I cannot wash it till spring.

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  Excellent car (for me) - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By tiborgh - February 16 - 2:28 am

  Bought the car in 2006 when it was less than 3 years old, with 47,000 kms (about 30,000 miles). Now it has 192,000 kms (120,000 miles). I still love the car, while my wife hated it from the beginning. Very fun to drive, very practical, had less mechanical problems than the 2002 Corolla that we purchased new. Had to replace the original speakers and install an amplifier to have a decent sound. Stiff suspension and loud road noise are a deterrent for many, but that just adds to the overall fun. Recently the rear wheel wells and the doors started to show some rust. Mechanically it was quite robust, only two minor problems so far, an ABS sensor and a tie rod.

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  Be careful over 100k - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By rsavasta - February 13 - 1:21 am

  I purchased my 05 Mazda 6 in 2007 with 20k miles. The car ran great, had lots of pep and was very reliable. After 120k miles I started noticing the oil level going down with no noticeable oil leak. It eventually would not start and when I brought it to the dealer they found that the valve seals were leaking and the PVC valve was blowing oil into the cylinders as well as the throttle body. After having the those 3 things replaced and spending $1500, it is running fine. Perhaps this is considered routine maintenance or the dealer ripped me off so beware.

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  I guess I got the bad one in the batch - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Adam - February 8 - 9:06 pm

  I was looking for something fun to drive. I came across it when I first laid eyes on the RX-8. I loved it my first year or so driving it when all the problems began. I always serviced my vehicle when the book states to do so. I always added oil when I was told to. But to no avail... my car just didnt work correctly. At about 14,000 miles my check engine light came on and until about two months ago, now 36,000 miles, did it go off. I went to the dealerships and they told me that oxygen sensors needed to be replaced. Then I went back and they told me that the gas line had something wrong with it. Then I went back and they told me that it was an oil issue. Finally they told me I needed a new engine.

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  Doesnt Feel Like a Minivan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By elaine mct - February 6 - 2:36 pm

  Overall, this car was a perfect choice for me. I like that it is smaller than most other minivans. I have three kids and they have enough room to keep them apart. :) I love the way it drives. I find myself going faster than I should be, because it has quite a bit of engine power. On the downside, I have been surprised by the quality of some of the materials they have used. I have had one handle break on the back of the passenger seat. Other than that, I love this minivan.

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  Dependable transportation with good MPG - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Jim - February 4 - 11:13 pm

  This is my 2nd 626. I sold my 1998 626 in 2002, and bought a truck. Sold the truck to get higher MPG going back and forth to work. Pros: MPG (29 highway, 24 all-around), dependable, reliable, no problems to date even with 80K miles (had 59K when I bought it). Cons: Ride quality decent, pick-up and transmission arent the greatest (but to be expected with a 4 cylinder); AC isnt strong when idling (again, 4 cylinder issue). Im very happy with this car. Its not fancy, gives a decent ride, has good gas mileage, is dependable, and I can take the family (including 15 and 8 year old) on 4 hours trips with no leg room complaints. It wont create envy of others, but gets you there.