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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  Junk! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Joe - May 13 - 11:02 am

  This car is a [non-permissible content removed].. i bought it on december 2016, and i already spend 2k fixing the timing chain and also had to replaced the turbo, just last month started acting weird it looks like its having a problem with the transmision, im sick and tired dealing with this piece of junk i dont recomended to anybody! I almos forget burns a lots if gas

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  MPV is BAD NEWS! - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Bad Buy - April 24 - 2:00 am

  BAD NEWS. Bad wiring, computer parts, cracking interior, fuel cylinders, door handles, terrible service, nameless regional rep., This should be rated less than 1 - but didnt have the option. DONT EVEN CONSIDER!!!

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  The car with the most fun for low price. - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Misbehave - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. For style, the aggressive outlook will make people jealous all along the road. For driving pleasure, this car rank number 1 for its class and price. For value, the below 20k price tag gives you all the good things you want most in a sport car. I am proud to own this car. I no longer have to pretend I am driving a sport car, because it is a sport car.

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  Piece of crap - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Callaway - January 27 - 11:53 am

  First mazda has a secret recall on the car for the timing gear and chain problem. Then the nut on the turbo came off; this of course is not under warranty. Now the airbag and suspension are being recalled. Just give everyone money back and crush these cars. Want a real turd but one.!

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  But a Toyota or Honda - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Matthew medley - November 6 - 3:37 am

  Poorly manufactured transmission and engineering. If you get to 100k, you will most definitely replace some very costly parts. There is zero support from Mazda. Your basically buying a tricked out Ford. I would not recommend this vehicle to my worst enemy

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  Brake Booster - Your car wont stop - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By Cookie - October 20 - 7:26 am

  Mazda is having an issue with brake boosters in the CX-9. Mine failed today at 52K miles. I couldnt stop the car pulling out of the garage and rolled it into my side yard. I took it into the Mazda dealership, and they know theres an issue. Theres a service bulletin, and they replace the brake booster for free. I cant believe they havent recalled the car - this could cause a serious accident. There is an issue with the diaphragm in the brake booster failing in hot climates. I live in Ohio. It can get hot here, but give me a "brake" - literally. The dealership cannot tell me if the new brake booster has the same issue. Im assuming it does since Ive read about these failures happening in the CX-9 since this design was released. The car is at the dealership every 5K miles for maintenance - they didnt catch it there either. Youd think they would check since its a recurring issue. Im beyond disappointed Mazda allows the car to be on the road with this type of failure possible. I wouldnt buy this car again.

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  Stay Away From This Car and Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Home Theater Guy - August 15 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this car for our family because of the dual sliding doors, size and fuel economy. What we got was a lemon. Within the first 2000 miles the A/C went out. Four months later, the A/C went out again. We had this car at the dealer 4 times for A/C repairs alone. In the 14 months we had this vehicle we also had the radio replaced because the sound wouldnt come on. The check engine light came one twice, which required two more visits to the dealer for engine jerking and sluggishness. Up to the day we traded this vehicle, it would wobble or bounce on perfect roads as if it were out of line or the wheels were not balanced. We had those items checked many times, with no changes.