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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  2013 MX-5 Club Review - 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By djflank - May 4 - 3:12 pm

  So today was probably the perfect scenario for driving the new 2013 Club spec Miata. Sun was shining, not a single cloud in the sky, and traffic was minimul. It took some getting used to with the short throw 6 speed amnual and the quick to react ABS. The 2.0 DOHC puts all 167 horses on the ground thanks to the 4.10 rear end. I am very particualr when it comes to sports cars, but this one kept me smiling. You already expect these sporty special editions to have a horrid ride quality, however mazda found a nice medium between comfort and harshness. I would Highly recomend this car to drivers who want to race the tracks on saturday, and enjoy small trips to the store on monday.

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  What a disappointment - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Bethany - May 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought new hoping to have fewer problems arise then our old cars with 150,000 miles. We chose Mazda thinking it was a better built car. The Mazda 5 has terrible road noise. The front wheels rattle like something has come loose. Two different Mazda service shops have not been able to fix the problem. Shortly after purchasing it the gas cap broke and was $45 to replace it not being under warranty. Mazda knows there is a problem with that and the new 2010 have a different gas cap. Now after owning the car only 14 months I had to replace all 4 tires because it was out of alignment. I kept up on tire rotations and had them balanced each oil change. This car is crap!

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  Was good but now... - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Jessica - April 23 - 12:36 am

  I bought this car with 45K on it and never had any problems up until 3 months ago.(100K) It has been a snowball ever since the Altanator belt went. Now the Alt. is bad the O2 sensor (dont know which one) The is oil leaking into exhaust valve, piston ring, fuel injector, there is a vacuum leak. The antenna has been broke since a month after i bought it. Sway bar was broke never knew till we changed the brakes. The altinator is very hard to get at. I loved the car and now it is snowballing on down. I kept up on it and took care of it. But I am to poor to fix it all at once now.

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  No more Mazda - 2001 Mazda 626
  By twalston - April 22 - 4:16 pm

  In one year, I have needed an expensive tune-up and then the transmission went out at 85K miles. Gas mileage not very good for a four cylinder engine. Right tail lamp developed leak when it rains and had to be replaced.

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  Low Profile Wheels=Lots of Trouble! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By arecktenwald - April 14 - 1:43 pm

  Weve had our Mazda 5 for 5 years now and have put three full sets of tires on it and at least 2 other random replacements- and it only has 95k miles on it- all highway. The low profile wheels dont last and are fairly expensive to replace. In addition, our transmission gave out in year 2 and had to be completely replaced (luckily all covered by the warranty). Also, the wheel alignment is not great (perhaps lending to the massive tire consumption) nor are the shocks at this point. So the ride is less than smooth. The first two years we LOVED the car, but it certainly has not aged well.

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  This Van is the WORST EVER! - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Sue - April 4 - 7:50 am

  This vehicle is the worst car I have ever owned. We have had to replace the starter, alternator twice, 2 batteries, ABS sensors, drivers side motor that operates the windows, brackets that hold the rear gate up when open, heating/cooling pipes, and 3 transmissions. Most of which has left us with no vehicle while repairs are being done, and no offer to pay for a rental, and note that most repairs take a minimum of 2 days. Some longer as parts have to be ordered from China or Japan or someplace like that. This is the worst experience EVER! Also note that this is our only vehicle and we have 4 children who all involved in activities, not to mention the things that must be done.

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  Coming from a Rav4, a step down - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jayne10 - April 4 - 1:08 am

  I live on a gravel road in the land of snow. The car managed just fine this winter with our snow, ice and slop. I did not have any trouble getting up the hill to the house. I get less mileage than others, as you would expect, given our driving conditions. Driving along this winter and a piece of the interior plastic below the dash just fell off. Why? I dont know. It is now lying on the counter in my kitchen waiting to be dealt with. I dont really think that I would buy another one. Lacking power.

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  Good Ridence!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Someones Mom - March 28 - 4:10 am

  My lease is up next months, good ridence. Cant wait to get rid of this car. Its fun to drive but the interior quality is horrible. Cheap carpet and floor mats. Cheap interior overall. Cute car but bye-bye!!

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  General Disappointment - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Amy Hamilton - March 19 - 7:12 pm

  Limited Driver View (lots of blind spots). Read head rests cover seat when down jutting out and making ride uncomfortable in back seat. When up, they block driver rear view sight and leave about a 18 in view space between head rests. Controls in panel between seats and the toggle to select is annoying and while voice control works fine, radio stations take too many "clicks" to get to. As well, touch screen is disabled when driving. Annoying.

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  Transmission Issue - 1998 Mazda 626
  By denn_2003 - March 19 - 1:53 pm

  I have rated this car with extreme leniency. I bought it at 70,000 miles. Transmission went out at around 86,000 miles. I spent $2500 on it and couldnt believe that it happened to me. Mazda is a Japanese car and everything in the engine is supposed to be top notch. That assumption went down the hole when the mechanic told me, "Yeah its got a Ford Transmission in it and its out of stock." These type of Ford transmissions were being used so much at that time that they were out of stock. I dont need to say anything else about the Ford company and its transmission. I can see how someone a little short can have problem looking back. The way the cars back side is, its hard to get a complete back view.