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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  ZOOM, ZOOM, DOOM!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By norx84me - September 17 - 1:02 am

  Thinking of buying this car? Im stranded AGAIN after losing power on a major interstate & having to drift to a stop on the shoulder. I knew what was wrong because Id been through this before: the "glass bottles" sound rattling under the hood, the jerky take-off & the oil light that just couldnt be corrected. Yes...once again, the rotary engine was dead. This is the THIRD ENGINE IN 1.5 YEARS!!!! Engines are on back order from MAZDA til February, 11. Wanna hear the real horror? I traded my HONDA for this terrible piece of machinery!! Will I ever forgive my bad judgement in buying this car? With all the GREAT alternatives out there, why would you consider Mazda? Take it from me, DONT!!

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  UNCOMFORTABLE - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By donchevy97 - September 5 - 8:31 pm

  takes corners and speed bumps terribly. rides extremely stiff

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  6 Years Later - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Carl - September 4 - 7:56 am

  Mazda Navajo Owner for 10 years - best vehicle ever; purchased Tribute and was satisfied with vehicle until the warranty ran out. Immediately thereafter, vehicle falling apart. Computer failed and stranded me 300 miles from home; cruise control not working, instrument panel not working,airbag sensor faulty, many electrical problems; power door locks failed and replaced; power window switches failed/replaced; fluid leaks that mechanics cannot locate, brake dust is horrible on wheels. Every week a new problem develops on this vehicle. Very disappointed -- the Mazda Tribute fails in comparison to my previous Navajo which went 150,000 miles no problems. The Tribute fell apart at 70,000 miles.

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  Quality Control not Mazdas top priority - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By New Mazda owner - August 21 - 1:13 am

  I custom ordered my Mazda6 Grand Sport and waited 3 months for it to arrive at the dealership. When I first saw it it didnt have the right 17" wheels I requested (even the Mazda Brochure shows the car can be ordered with 17" wheels), the paint on the hood had very noticeable streaks and overspray, and one of the tail pipe tips was totally mounted out of whack with the correctly mounted one.

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  Redesign needed - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Like it - August 15 - 4:03 am

  I bought the GT Mazda Tribute because of the standard features/price.But for a "grand" version, it is lacking. No lighted vanity mirrors. One coat hook in the entire car.Body side molding would help protect doors from dings. Interior looks like it was put together with spare parts, all different colors. Glare on driver side mirror reflecting AC vent inside car. Several mirror adjustments cant get rid of it. Would help if side mirror unit could be moved outward like on Chevy Blazers. To keep the cost of the vehicle down, I guess some features were not cost effective.

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  HATE MY MAZDA3!!! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By roxygurl - August 12 - 10:06 am

  Ever since I bought my Mazda 3 I have regretted it! Before this car I owned an Infiniti and before that a Honda, but nothing compares to this. It is by far the worst car I have ever purchased! If I could go back I would. It is loud, small and cheaply made. The only thing going for this car is the gas mileage and the overall exterior look.

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  Cx9 AC and Sunroof. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By fpcx9 - August 10 - 7:21 pm

  Bought the 2007 CX9 in summer of 2007. 1. The outside noise level was really loud in the car. [all windows up]. 2.The AC started giving problems in the first year. The front passengers side carpet gets FLOODED every year. I have been taking the car every summer to get this fix, sometimes it requires 2 or more trips to the dealer. I now pay out of pocket as the warranty has expired, not only it is costly, the stench of water soaked carpet drives me nuts. Seems like there is a flaw in these cx9?

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  Transmission Woes - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Remington - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I will never buy another 626 or mazda for that matter. The transmission had always been extrememly jerky, defeating the purpose of having an automatic, and I was told by a number of different dealerships that there was nothing wrong with it. Finally, an honest Mazda employee told me that it was jerky by design and there was nothing I could do about it. Not to my surprise, the transmission went out at 50,000 only to be replaced with an equally shotty transmission. The only thing I like about this car is the swing option on the vents.

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  Beware - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By snorkymn - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Tribute on Monday evening, it was in the shop on Thursday morning after it stalled while sitting at a stoplight. It didnt even have 150 miles on it yet. The dealer said it was a problem withe Pollution Control Valve or its sensor and they are going to replace it. Seeing some of these other bad reviews, I tend to wonder what will be next.

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  Lots of fun but serious quality issues. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By M6driver - July 24 - 2:53 am

  This car is great fun to drive and well-appointed but the serious quality problems make it not worth the trouble. In one year, its been in the shop more than my last car was in four. The worst problem (there have been others) has been a rotten egg smell that took three trips to the dealer to fix. Its already coming back (another problem has come back almost immediately). From a driving dynamics standpoint, its great but not worth the headaches. Ill probably be replacing it long before I intended.