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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  Needs work - 2002 Mazda 626
  By RPG - February 21 - 10:00 am

  Lack powers and is very sluggish around the city. Seats very uncomfortable, even with power seat adjustments.

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  mazda 6 2004 no no - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By acbrua - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought the new 6 last month on March first.....it has been in the shop now 5 time for the same reason. when you turn the steering wheel the cars front squeals!!!! I have found out mine is one of about a dozen so far that have been reported to do this also a secretary let is slip they are having problems on the 6 with shimmy problems....so my vote dont buy it!!!! Looks great but it si an over priced piece of junk

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  BAD BRAKES! 8 ROTOR CHANGES IN 40K MILES - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Paula - January 15 - 10:40 am

  I purchased this car in April of 03, and within 5000 miles, the rotors were shot, The dealership tried to say I drove the car hard. NOT! The next time I brought it in they tried to say dont drive it through a carwash!? That means you cant drive it in the rain! Hello? I had a Mazda Protege before this and the brakes lasted 80K without new pads or even the rotors being turned. It now has 43,500 miles, and I have had 8 (YES 8) rotor changes in 40k miles. They cant seem to fix the brakes. Now the booster pump went bad on the last change, and the booster pump is grinding AGAIN! I guess I got a LEMON! The car has otherwise been okay but the brake problems are frustrating.

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  Millenia - So..So - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Ftown600 - December 10 - 7:36 pm

  The 2000 Millenia rides well but is a bit sluggish. The upshifting when passing traffic is particularly annoying. However, since I am a conservative driver it is acceptable to me. There are many good features on this car. The leather is quite nice. The heated seats are great. The car is very handsome to look at with its two tone paint job. Overall, I believe I got a fair deal for the money (I got about 5000 off sticker).

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  Bumpy ride in Mazda 3 2011 - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By 99intrigue1 - November 21 - 11:38 am

  Just (within past two days) leased a 2011 Mazda3 i touring and absolutely hate the ride! I felt every tiny bump in the road....stressful and uncomfortable!! Also noticed handling on turns was odd...not smooth by any means. Looks great and nice features, but going to call dealer and see what my options are.

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  It held up...but.. - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Jussy_in_NJ - November 11 - 8:50 pm

  This car held up. I bought it with 68,000 miles on it. While it held up it had terrible handling. And the noises it made were embarrassing and ridiculous. It constantly sounded like it was dying. I never had this car stall and I drove about 40 miles to and from work daily. But if your looking for a nice car thats going to be a quiet ride.. this isnt for you.

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  Disappointed - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By ali36 - November 9 - 10:08 am

  Have owned this car for two months now. Stereo is awful, cabin noise is horrible, its also very sluggish. The only thing going for it is the looks. Now Im told the heated seats only work in 63/68 degree temp!!! This was the reason why I bought leather seating. The backup camera doesnt beep when in reverse. I wish I would have chosen the Nissan Rouge instead. The biggest disappointment is the gas mileage, Im getting about 22mpg, not the 28 suggested!!!!

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  Buyer Beware - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Buyer Beware - October 23 - 4:16 am

  This crossover is fun to drive, thats it. Mechanical problems. It requires premium fuel and the gas mileage is about 16-17 city miles. Only gets about 275-300 miles per 18 gallon tank.

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  Wouldnt recommend to my worst enemy! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By tanderson - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Loved this van when we first bought it. It was our very first new vehicle purchase and has been a nightmare ever since about 18,000 miles. Wouldnt recommend it to my worst enemy. Mazda has not been very cooperative and were currently taking futher actions.

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  Acceleration Issue - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jam2825 - September 14 - 6:35 pm

  I purchased my 2014 CX5 in early 2013. It has 25,000 miles at this time, mostly highway miles. In the last 6 months there have been times when accelerating to pass, the car accelerates to extreme after I have let off the accelerator, and the tachometer flies up as if the accelerator is sticking. The accelerator also flies up while breaking. It is becoming more and more frequent. After reading another review on the same subject, I felt it necessary to confirm the issue. I am very disappointed, as this vehicle was not cheap.