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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  CX-7 a flop - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By big daddy - January 30 - 3:40 am

  The cx-7 is the worst front wheel drive vehicle I have ever owned.The standard equipment Turanza tires had to be replaced at first snowfall! It oversteers terribly and the check engine light has a mind of its own(No its not the gas cap,either)! Would not suggest to anyone living North of the Mason-Dixon!

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  not that great - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By justen - January 13 - 9:46 pm

  I bought the 02 Protege new and had it only 2 days when the stereo shorted out. Then the CD player broke after they fixed it. Five months later the stereo went out again and then driving the car from Arizona to Chicago the engine blew because of a bad head; now when the car goes above 60 it shakes very badly. The rims also rusted, more than any other car I have owned during winter. The heater also smells very bad when it gets to about 30 degrees outside.

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  Loved it; hate it now - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By mzdaowner16 - January 11 - 10:04 pm

  I bought my 2011 Mazda 2 new back in November 2010 and initially wrote a glowing review about fun it is drive. Well, its fun...when its not in the shop. Once I hit 15k Ive had nothing but problems specially with the brakes. The dealer tells me they are safe and that they squeak because of the brake pad composition but why didnt they squeak for the first year? Squeaks at low and high speeds and is embarrassing. I also has to flush the transmission at 20k because the fluid it comes with is cheap junk. At 22,300 miles Im trading for a Honda Fit this weekend. No more mazdas for this buyer. Dont buy this car; save your money, take on a bigger payment and get a car with a better warranty.

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  DONT Buy it !!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Acuraboy - December 25 - 1:16 pm

  I traded a 2004 Mercedes C230 for the CX-7 because of all the hype about it and I wanted an SUV. Well what a mistake this was!! After 2000 miles the engine just didnt sound right and the check engine light kept coming on. When I took it to the dealer it was a week before they could even get to it!! Definitely not customer service oriented like luxury dealers are. Overall I was very disappointed in Mazda. Will never purchase another one again. I kept it for 4 months and then turned it in.

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  Mazda MPV Unreliable - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Dont buy one - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Engine knocking caused by rocker arm shaft design. Transmission shift is delayed. radio broke early. Dont buy one!

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  Stay away from Multi Problem Vehicle - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Sam Paul - November 18 - 10:30 am

  I bought this used car at 103k miles & drove it for another 5k & the engine gave way. A spark plug popped out while the car was still running, just to learn that it had damaged the cylinder. I had to replace the hard to find & fix the engine for $2500.00. Burned my pocket to that extent that I will never buy a Mazda MPV (multi problem vehicle) Not at all a reliable vehicle. Very labor consuming when it comes to repair.

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  very disappointed - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Angela - November 7 - 2:20 pm

  I have had the suv for a year and half I have had to take it in 3 times bought it brand new I am very disappointed. I think when you buy a brand new vehicle it should work. I will NEVER buy a Mazda again and if you are thinking about purchasing this vehicle Please Think Twice cause it has been a nightmare for our family.I wish they would take it back.

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  Not recommended - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By krizzam - October 9 - 2:50 pm

  This is my 5th Mazda & until this car, Id consider myself a huge fan. Now, Im not sure Ill ever buy a Mazda again. In less than 3 yrs. & 30k, I needed new tires, a new battery, numerous broken interior features, horrible loud noises when I back out of the driveway. The low profile tires drive terribly in the winter and are extremely expensive to replace. The body is shoddy - bumper popped out which then made a large piece of plastic hang underneath. Believe it or not, I notice this plastic hanging on other passing Mazda5s. Even worse, I leased this car. What a nightmare.

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  Do I have a lemon? - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Kaycee - August 30 - 5:30 pm

  This car is rough, loud, & too many things have broken that normally never break; leather(?) door panels peeled off in garage kept car. Cruise control off & hissing noise when accelerator is used.

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  Never Buy A Mazda CX-7 - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By simbaman - August 16 - 7:42 am

  CX7 is a disaster. 1. My CX7s rotors had to be replaced in 12 months despite light footed driving. 2. 18 months into ownership and the engine light came on. The fuel valve had be replaced, and that after numerous arguments with the dealership. 3. The rear window chrome mouldings slid forward preventing opening of the front doors. The dealership replaced one side as a courtesy, but would not replace the other side. Then agreed to trim the other side. Very shoddy work! 4. 2 years in ownership the shift up/down to 3rd gear became jerky with a thud. The dealership refused to fix the issue despite regular servicing. I didnt bother to have it fixed. The car was returned at end of lease.