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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  Very reliable, very average - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By orniflect - February 9 - 8:23 am

  I own the stick shift model. 90% highway miles for its entire life (175k miles so far). Averaging 32-33 mpg for entire life. Its aging as expected - can definitely tell its not immortal; little things breaking, but nothing big yet. Would you believe that I didnt have to replace the front disc rotors until over 90k miles on it? Pretty wild - I really wasnt stretching into unsafe-ness. replacement rotors lasted "only" 60k miles. Clutch still tight, zero oil consumed, and Im not particularly diligent with changes (avg ~5k miles). Other than the exhaust heat shield getting loose more than once - 2 or 3 welding jobs over time to stop the noise, no odd/out of place troubles.

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  Second review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By CRJ Driver - February 8 - 6:43 pm

  Bought it new. Have 19000 miles. Rear engine mount had to be replaced under warranty and a TSB performed on the drivers side front end. New tires about a month ago. Other than that, nothing but oil changes every 2500 miles which is about every 4 months at $21.95 (dealer with coupon) This engine loves the freeway! 420 miles on a tank of gas. Good visibility all the way around, seats offer good support, good ergonomics, weak A/C (blows cold but fan lacks speed, must run at 4 to get some air but then its too loud). Mostly happy with it. Good platform, rev it up and you will be rewarded. For "coat hangar in the mouth" smile though, try the Speed3.

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  I love my 8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By DaveCM - February 8 - 4:06 pm

  I have been looking at the Mazda for the last couple of years. Along with the WRX STi, S2000, 350Z, and Audi TT. I couldnt fit into the TT, so I ended up with the Mazda because of the performance along with the fact that I can live with the car everyday (ruled out 350Z and S2000). I love the way it looks and drives. It is a car that I look forward to getting into and driving to work every day. The rotary is so much fun that I find myself reving it high just to hear it. I do wish it had a bit more low end power though. As far as people complaining about the snow, it is a powerful rear-wheel drive car! What do you expect?

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  Mazda 626 - not worth the money - 2002 Mazda 626
  By kristywahoo1 - February 7 - 10:13 pm

  I bought my Mazda 626 because Ive always thought of Mazda as a company like Toyota or Honda - a company that stands behind its quality cars. I was wrong. I bought my 626 a year ago, and already it needs a transmission. The interior is spacious and borderline elegant, and the exterior is solid and the exterior, sturdy. Mine is only 3 years old, and had a full inspect upon purchase. The car jerks when shifting gears, and its unreliable. Mazda used the same transmission as the 2002 Ford Probe that year, which also was faulty. Beware....Mazda will not take responsibility and provide and extended warranty. They apparently dont want to pay for their mistakes, so their customers have to

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  Nice to drive, yet very unsafe - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By AimeeW - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I have the DX 2WD/ 4cyl standard Tribute and it has been a reliable car in general but it is absolutely horrible in the rain/snow. It handles extremely poor in these conditions. When it rains, I hydroplane often and it skids on any road that is slightly slick while braking. I am looking to trade this vehicle in because of this but now I see that it has depreciated terribly as well.

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  Best of Everything - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By MPVluvr - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Did extensive research before settling on the MPV LX - typical comparo, Honda, Toyota, etc...Honda turned me off right off the bat, dealers demanding near MSRP (for a minivan, are they high?), and were aloof on top of it all. One test drive of the MPV, and I was sold. Unbelievable vehicle, fit and finish (typical Japanese build quality), handling, driving dynamics are outstanding. The fact it is so underrated only helps buyers like us, who know better and can get these at cost.

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  Fun to drive and own: a real head turner - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mngpao - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. Its stylish and comfortable to drive. It responds quickly and hugs the road better than my 90 Miata (which I traded in on the RX8). The dash is easy to read and the controls are easy to operate. The manual mode of the automatic transmission (controlable from the stearing wheel and the console) allows for complete control of shifting gears. A flat tire repair kit is included because the spare tire is an extra cost option. The Grand Touring Package is a must and worth every penny - it includes all the options of the other touring packages plus electric drivers seat, lumbar support, heated leather trim front seats and heated mirrors.

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  Great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Guyusc350 - February 7 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best sports cars I have driven. I had an old RX-7 and loved it. This one is almost 200 percent better. Step on the throttle and you get a real quick response throwing you back into your seat. The ride quality is what a sports car should be like. Fun, fun car. Very quick and agile. Outside and inside of this car are awesomely done. The cockpit is beautiful. Much better than the 350Z. Seats are very comfortable (again better than the Z). Back seat and suicide doors are great too. Sunroof is a necessity too!

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  THE WAIT IS OVER! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By john desmarais - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I waited for over 8 months for this vehicle and for the first time ever ordered it without driving it. I could not be happier. The outside appearance is stunning, the engine revolutionary, and the functionality perfect for me, my wife, and 2 kids. Mazda was definitely on to something to create a car to meet the needs of a family driving sports car enthusiast! On the day we got it, the 4 of us went on a 100 mile trip and camped out for the labor day weekend...bringing everything we needed stored in the back trunk. How cool!

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  Nice design, poor execution - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By NicoleNSteve - February 7 - 2:03 am

  The MPV is comfortable, and very plush for a mini-van. Power doors in rear, windows that lower on both back doors, leather throughout, and a nice sound system. This is the second MPV we purchased brand new from dealer. And the second that has required a new transmission at about 40K. Mazda helped us the first time,after much pushiness on our part, but refused on the second. Maybe they figure we should have learned our lesson? Its too bad. It drives well, and the only other serious complaint is lousy mileage. But no more Mazdas for us.