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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  High Priced Tin Can. - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ewok - October 11 - 8:53 am

  My back cant handle much of this car. After an hour or so I believe Id feel better if I was on a medieval torture rack. Would that it took that long to get tired of the racket this car makes. Took it in for service to deal with the rattle, squeak, and squeal from the dash. The service people were really nice but unfortunately the problem is still there. So if you like paying 20,000 for a tin can this is the car for you.

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  So many problems.... - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By NoL - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my Mazda6 for 10 months and have had numerous problems with it. The first week I had it my drivers side tire went flat from a faulty valve. Later that week my headlight blew out. I had to have my front speakers replaced because they blew out. I am currently experiencing a sqealing noise when I turn left at low speeds or turning into a parking spot. I am also experiencing my transmission slipping in 3rd gear and I only have 12,000 miles on my car! This will be the fifth time I am bringing my car back to the dealership. Buyers beware!

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  ...and it just keeps getting better....NOT!!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By subszero - October 3 - 12:03 pm

  1. Turbo replacement at 65K miles....$3400 2. FIRST VVT replacement at 72K miles....$1600 3. SECOND VVT replacement at 90K miles....$1200 (got only the part...$450...as "goodwill"...yeah me!) 4. Transmission replacement at about 100K miles....$4000+ ....getting a letter from Mazda in the mail that "extends the warranty" on the VVT...thinking I may be able to recoup ~$3000, only to find that the extension was only to 70K miles.....PRICELESS!!!! Does anyone else find it odd that these warranties expire JUST before something MAJOR happens? Someone is getting "ZOOM ZOOMd" alright!!

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  never again - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By mitcam - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I think this van is pretty to look at but not much else given teh $$ you pay to own it there arent a lot of fun features and if you think about cutting costs by not having the higher end AC/Heat package because it is a small van think again, it takes forever to cool down or warm up this van. The vents under the front seat are not large enough or powerful enough to control the temp. It is very small, can be very cramped in the front with average size adults in both seats. Overall good handling but definitly sacrifice space and comfort in this van.

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  Front Brake sucks - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Khi Dot - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Front brake wears at 37K and need to replace brake pad at dealer cost $189.00. Turned out the rotors fail too, and need to replace rotors at the cost of $400.00. Rear struts fail too at 30K and need to wait for about 2 months for the parts in.

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  Lemon of the Year - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By remur389 - August 29 - 8:16 am

  Following a less then satisfactory ownership of an 2006 RX-8, I made a mistake by purchasing a Mazda 2008 CX-9. Although the car seems to be more mechanically sound then the RX-8, after 2 months it had a body seam rupture without any apparent cause. As for dependability, of the 60 days, I have owned the car, it has been at the dealership for 12 of them.

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  Excessive Oil Consumption - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By disapointed owner - July 11 - 3:56 am

  Indicated oil consumption of 1 qt /1000 miles, leaves an engine vulnerable when the car design doesnt have an oil light that will illuminate when oil is low. This spells disaster for a car owner. Low end torque minimal, must wind the engine up all a time when starting from a dead stop. This is probably not good for an engine either, especially one constantly consuming oil.

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  There are better options - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By jpemm - July 6 - 7:53 am

  Two test drives, many reviews, bought a 2015 Grand Touring for price, have buyer’s remorse. Positive features not unique in the SUV field. Navigation system delivered in December 2014 not current. Free update took 8 hours to download/install including at least 8 trips back and forth between the car and my computer. The HomeLink system yet to function. Larger buyers be aware that the seats may be too narrow/uncomfortable. Mileage so far on mostly level highway speeds of 65 mph or less, is is 26, not the 30+ claimed. Steering so responsive that you may drift out of lane if you glance at the displays. The 19” wheels provide a bumpy ride. Recommend you consider Honda, Nissan, or Subaru.

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  Dont bother - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mymaz - June 29 - 2:23 pm

  After 8 months I have had problems with the A/C, Mileage is awful, exterior finish is below par, suspension and steering noises. I am trying to sell it to get a Honda. Even a Hyundai would be better now.

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  Dead at 47,000 miles - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By sanzan - June 24 - 10:26 pm

  Ive had this car for 6 1/2 years and just paid it off months ago. I loved this car the entire time I had it. Rarely had to put any money into it other than maintenance. It was the perfect size for me and went great in the snow. Until last week. The valves started to tap and before I could get to a gas station to put oil in it, the engine locked up. No warning. Got it to the repair shop and upon inspection, they found that the engine was dead - $5,300 for a new engine. Since that is about what the blue book value is, I decided to just buy a new car. The oil had been changed last 4,000 miles ago. There was no reason for the oil to have leaked, but apparently it did. Trade in $500.