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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  Buzzing with acceleration; ? electrical issue? - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By pgkuma - May 4 - 1:29 am

  Just bought a silver Sport manual 1 month ago. One COLD night, the car wouldnt start (1 week old!). AAA noted battery had lost a minimal amount of charge (windows and lights worked fine). Then all the warning lights came on at once when tried to start. He reprogrammed something by using the key in the door. Started right after that, but seemed to run a bit more sluggishly. Next day, the dealer looked it over. Erased and reprogrammed the computer and replaced the battery. No problems since then. Wife noted a REALLY subtel buzzing ("cricket-like") from driver dash area, when pushing the gas. Have to turn radio off to hear it.

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  MAZDA6 Sedan Sport 4dr Sedan 2.3L 4cyl - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By dave408 - May 2 - 7:08 pm

  We baught a new Mazda 6 and at first had to replace the dash. (bubled up). Then had to get a new back seat. No one had ever set in it.Speakers had to be replaced a number of times. After a month we ran low on oil. The oil light never came on. It didnt show oil on the dip stick. No leaks. No sign of oil in the exhaust. Engine rattles when you start up. The oil light has never come on. The power stearing pump went out. My wife has the oil changed at a well known shop down town. Its always low on oil when she takes it in.My Mazda protege was a much better car.This car has been well taken care of but I think its junk. I will never buy another Mazda or Ford. Nor will any of my family members

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  am ready to trade it in - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By rep62ar - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new and loved the look and feel. It was the right size for me - a small SUV. I am about to bring it in for my fourth round of warranty work, however, for four different problems. After dealing with the well documented stall problem, air bag light (will go in tomorrow for that) and problem starting/losing power when slowing down due to air intake valve among other problems, I am fed up. I cant even get my local dealership to give me a receipt for the last warranty work done. This car is not worth the hassle.

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  great atTRIBUTEs - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By axlr8 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is our very first SUV and we are very happy with it. The power and handling is comparable to many sports cars and you get a higher driving position that gives you a panoramic view with little or no blind spots. Room is ample for both passengers and cargo. In my opinion, it is also the most beautiful small SUV in the market. And we like the fact that the road is not saturated with them.

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  One word - Unique - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By the_hurra - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had mine for two weeks now, and it is great fun to drive. Doesnt hurt that my golf clubs fit in the trunk without a problem too. Its more practical, and a way better value than any other car in this class. A little more civilized than the RX-7 was.

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  Great Car to Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By GKirkman - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for 6 months. There have been no problems with the car in terms of build quality or fit and finish. The design looks great. The best thing about this car is driving it. The Mazda6 is a fun car to drive -- Zoom, Zoom.

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  Mazda6 Touring Auto - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By weighmaster - May 1 - 2:34 pm

  Easily, IMO, the best looking 4 door car under 30k. Handles great, and the driver seat is comfortable as heck. It has surprising acceleration. Its just fun to drive. Gas mileage is great too.

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  was in love for six years; now betrayed! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By sofla - May 1 - 7:00 am

  I absolutely have loved this vehicle until this week. Bought it new off the lot, invested in all the recommended maintenance. So easy to handle, with a sportier look than most mom-vans. I have loved its versatility; it has been spacious enough inside for 2 kids and a dog on many 1,000-mile round trips. No problems, but last week stopped cold in the middle of a busy road. Two dealers havent been able to isolate the problem, but were getting a new (refurbished) $3,000 engine. Thought it was the coil, but replacing that didnt help. Now I dont trust that it wont do the same thing to me somewhere else! Really thought doing so much preventive maintenance would put us better off than this

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  2001 Mazda Tribute Rock On!! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Flameworker - April 30 - 9:03 pm

  I have had this 2001 Mazda Tribute since it was new, and we have never had any problems with it. Only once when it was new, it shut off by itself on the highway, but this was soon resolved. It was a recall situation that got cleared up quickly for us. After that little incident it has always been smooth sailing with this vehicle. Great car based SUV! This vehicle is powerful, fun to drive, and very very very reliable.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By fubo - April 30 - 11:01 am

  A piece of junk. Rust began to show all over a couple of years. All of the door jams and quarter panels near the wheels are rusted. Two years ago I had to have all 4 rims replaced because they were corroded. Luckily they were replaced under warranty. I asked Mazda for help this time around since the rust began to show when it was still under warranty but they refused, even though the dealership and the regional mgr for Mazda were "shocked" when they saw the rust and agreed this should not happen to a 4-5 year old car. Ive had a Ford and a Jeep, sold it after more than 10 years with no rust. Heat? Very weak. AC? At first I thought it broke down. Took it in, they said its normal.