4 Star Reviews for Mazda

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.54/5 Average
10,700 Total Reviews
Make Overview:

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:

Showing 351 through 360 of 10,700.00
  • New Mazda customer - 2007 Mazda CX-7
    By -

    Grand Touring AWD w/Tech package. I just love this car. This is my first Mazda and I am pleasantly surprised. Navigation is easy to use. I have an 06 Cadillac STS with Navigation and I feel I need the manual for every thing I do. This car is a winner!!

  • Loyal Long-Term Friend - 2002 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    Purchased new as my wifes commuter and weekend driver. Living in Maine with grandchildren in Vermont, we learned quickly that it is terrific in the snow. Problem areas: front suspension work needed at 45,000 and new front axles due to rusted tone rings (part of ABS system) at 55,000. The torque converter stutters occasionally when downshifting, but otherwise the engine/drive train work seamlessly and after 8 years it still drives like new.

  • BRG Miata - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
    By -

    With a few modificatons to the engine and exhaust, this TRUE Sports car can scoot. Have tried to break it loose in corners but the handling is super for a stock roadster. Think I see a 2006 on the horizon, this is one awesome vehicle.

  • Pros and Cons - 2004 Mazda RX-8
    By -

    The car has amazing handling features on dry road and on rain but in snow it sucks horribly.My RX8 didnt even move in snow.Interior looks sweet and all the ladies want in and exterior is very sexy.I dont like how you cant turn ure engine off before 5 minutes or engine will flood.The heating is not that great either.My gears grind from 1 to 2 and from 2 to 3 but not a serious problem.A slight noise.This is a HIGH REVVING CAR.1k- 3k it has some power,but as soon as the car hits 3k everythin breaks loose.Controlling is superior,you can take mad corners at mad speeds.Car is fun to drive,attracts ladies,gets looks constantly,comfortable,and great to show off in.

  • My RX-8 wont start!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
    By -

    This car does a great job - if you can get it to start. I have had mine towed to the dealership twice because it wouldnt start because when I tried to start it the car flooded. This happens even though I have taken the steps to prevent this recommended by the service department. Great to drive, fun, sporty, turns heads - if you can get it out of the driveway. Also turns heads sitting on the back of a tow truck:<

  • ok car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
    By -

    this car is not all that it is hyped up to be

  • A Drivers Car - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
    By -

    This is a fantastic car, as long as youre willing to live with limited space. The manual gearbox shifts extremely smoothly, and handles like an extension of your own body. Most importantly, the car is simply fun to drive. It goes out of its way to be a "simple" sports car, not a "dumb" one. Space is limited, but perfectly adequate for two average sized people. The trunk may be small, but is above and beyond any other roadster on the market. The manual transmission makes the center cupholders completely useless, and the side ones are better suited for bottles. Plenty of storage cubbies. If you can deal with the space, and just want to connect with your car, this is a great choice.

  • 2003 protoge5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
    By -

    2nd one of these owned - absolute delightful fun to drive - excellent for comuting, going to my games.

  • My Mazda Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
    By -

    I bought my car back in March and I have really loved it. It has seemed to be a very reliable car. The only problems I do have with it at this point is when I first go to start it (we dont have cold weather where I live), but it seems to almost want to die or not start. It turns over fine but at first it doesnt idle right. Ive heard several complaints very similar to this one. At first, my battery light would almost always be on except for when I would drive a couple of hours out of town, but when I would get back in the battery light would be back on. This only lasted for a month.

  • Drives like a sports car..ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM - 2009 Mazda CX-9
    By -

    Ive owned this SUV for a little over 3 months and 2800 miles and am extremely satisfied. Acceleration is more than adequate, interior space is aplenty. Suspension is a little stiff but bearable. Handling is outstanding, you would never know this car is a large crossover. City fuel economy is poor averaging approx 13 mpg, but highway is excellent averaging almost 23 mpg at approx 70 mph (close to EPA 15/21 mpg estimates). Havent snowed in NYC yet so cant comment on the AWD system. Plastics around the steering wheel and dash is rough and cheap making it hard to wipe (use lint free cloths). Center console storage is small. Bose system is disappointing. Seats 6 adults comfortably.

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