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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  My Mazda 3 Experience - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By lbb4 - March 8 - 1:41 pm

  I have owned a Mazda 3 for 2 years now. I cant complain much because it has been a reliable car. It is definitely NOT a family car but when we bought it we jumped quick because our other car was dying. The air conditioner is very sub-par, heat is good. Drives good, Interior is made fairly cheap as we have had several things break. Overall good car-I would recommend this car for a single person or a couple with no kids.

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  Mazda MPV - 5years Old - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By EMSKLB - March 7 - 3:43 pm

  While I was happy with the MPV early on, it appears things are beginning to fail at the 5 year and 90,000 mile mark.

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  Bad Transmission - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By saltguy - March 5 - 2:00 am

  My wife bought this car almost four years and 54,000 miles ago. Just went out of warranty (50,000) and needs a new transmission. We took the car in a year ago, under warranty, and the mechanics couldnt find the problem we were having with the car slipping out of gear while accelerating. It started to get worse right after we went over 50,000 miles, so we took it back in. They isolated the issue, but said it wasnt covered by warranty anymore. No way a car with 54,000 highway miles should need a new transmission. And the fact that Mazda wouldnt stand behind the car tells me a lot about their confidence in their product. This was our first and last Mazda. Done!

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  Worst car purchase ever - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By PBE - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Mazda 3 for a little over a year now. Since day 1, it has average around 15mpg. The car quivers at high speeds, has too much oversteer, and there has been a rattling sound coming from the steering column. After taking it in for service (at University Mazda in Seattle), they said that the fuel economy is due to the break in period for the engine; they said it takes 15k miles for this to happen, which is total BS. The whole Mazda experience has been terrible, and I cant wait until my lease is up to get rid of this car.

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  Cheap tires. Cheap Bose speakers. - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By fayetteal - February 26 - 10:34 am

  Yokohama tires at 27,000 miles are cupping and need new set. Bose speakers are not a true Bose. No pick up and go. Navigator update is not Mac Compatible.

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  Disappointing - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By unmazda - January 31 - 9:56 pm

  I used to own used 1994 MPV that I was very satisfied with. it ran over 180k miles without any major problems. and that is main reason for buying an MPV again. The van drives like a sports car, totally satisfied the way it drives. I took in for service 3 times and I still have transmission hard/erratic shift problem (slightly better now), severe vibrating at more than 80 mph, and brake noise. Ive owned new Nissan, Acura, and Toyota cars and all had some problems initially but were fixed, and they were nothing major. but this MPV is different; either dealers mechanics are not capable or its just plain bad manufacturing.

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  Check other Better Cars - 1999 Mazda 626
  By AnandCR - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I would advice not to go for it. The Transmission by Ford is useless and all these years they cant even build a simple automatic reliable transmission. Transmission sucks and produces knock on very shift on a stop and go stop and go road.

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  CRAPPY CRAPPY TRANSMISSION!!!! - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By mkburgess828 - January 15 - 7:13 pm

  I bought my Tribute w/ 77k on her 17 months ago and first off it is VERY weak. I maintain my vehicle myself and do so very OCD like. The transmission gave out on me @ 108k. My only complaints are the noticable lack of power and the PATHETIC transmissions Mazda designed and installed on these vehicles! Thank Goodness I have a GREAT hookup here in NC which rebuilt the tranny with much better than factory parts. I took out and reinstalled the transmission myself which saved $400. The rebulid alone was $900 which is a deal. If you buy a Tribute be prepared to replace the tranny without ANY doubt. For someone without help or ability its gonna be $1800-$2500..EASY Good luck, Youll need it!!!

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  dissatisfied - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By disappointed - January 4 - 5:36 pm

  Air compressor locked up at 18000 miles and burned the drive belt up. Gas mileage stinks, dont let the dealership lie about the fuel, you HAVE to use premium gas or it lugs and shifts like crap.

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  Problems at 2000mi one week for an appt - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nomoremazdas - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I got my car in March 2004 and loved it. Fun to drive. Just yesterday the trouble started. The check engine light came on. I called to get an appointment at the nearest dealership, 15 miles away. Their next appt was 6 days from now. I wrote to Mazda to complain and their response was to try another dealer. If I chose to not go to another dealer at least 30 minutes away, that is my choice. I was just floored by their lack of concern. If I had read the forums here on Edmunds on Mazda customer service instead of just the glowing reviews here I might have made a better choice. Read them for yourselves.