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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  2.3 Manual Trans Rebuilt at 11000 Miles - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By golfdoc - May 24 - 7:43 am

  I bought the Mazda 3 after years of owning Toyotas & Hondas. I have never had any major mechanical problems with any of these vehicles. Was I surprised when after owning my 2004 Mazda 3 2.3, my manual transmission was stuck in second gear. Now after 16 months and 11,000 miles my 3 is at a dealership getting the transmission rebuilt. Its had 2 recalls and is also waiting for the glove box to be replaced at another dealership because it sticks. The only plus is Mazda paid for the tow and the dealer is paying for my rental car. I will NEVER buy another vehicle manufactured by FORD motor company. There is definitely truth in the saying you that a FORD will be (F)ound (O)n the (R)oad (D)ead.

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  Not A Wonderful Vehicle - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By stantonb1 - May 16 - 1:59 pm

  Bought our CX7 in August 2011 new, vehicle now has 10,000 miles. CX7 is a big disappointment. AC not adequate, turbo hesitates, paint job brilliant black is inferior and gas mileage poor. Complained to Mazda and after BBB intervention Mazda extended the warranty. Trying to sell this vehicle. Just purchased a 2013 Honda CRV base model, because we were not sure we would want to keep it long haul. The Honda is trouble free. AC is wonderful, vehicle is well built and solid. Only have 2,000 miles, but can not say enough positive things about our CRV. The paint job Twilight blue is excellent. The gas mileage is 18 city 30 highway as tracked on computer.

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  Dont buy a Mazda. Buy American. - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By TinaJones - May 7 - 5:43 am

  When we bought the Mazda, we thought it was like a Toyota. Will keep running and running. Wrong, wrong, wrong! We have had it towed to a local garage because it just would not start. The garage tried to just get a design for the motor so they could make sure everything was where it was supposed to be. Mazda would send them a design if they would pay $169.00. Had it towed to a dealership, thought it was fixed. Ran hot on us when we went out of town for my sons state track meet. It was 100 degrees and when the mazdas run hot, the air does not work. It is not recommended for the south. We did not even make it home, our other son had to come and get us 30 miles away from our home.

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  too small for this 6 ft. man - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By jim - May 4 - 1:26 am

  The ride of the MPV is wonderful. Very car-like. Unfortunately, if someone with legs is sitting behind the driver (if its me), theres not enough room for both of us. The lack of room is my biggest gripe. We also have no Mazda dealer in our town of 46,000, so we have to drive it 45 minutes away every time the check engine light comes on, which is a lot. Then I have to drive it back down for the repair. Its a hassle. And for such a short van, the gas mileage is terrible, between 19-21 mpg. On the positive side, if nobody is sitting behind me and Im not worried about mileage, its a very nice car to drive.

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  The 1990-1994 Proteges are better - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By ProtegeOwner - April 22 - 10:00 am

  The new Mazda Proteges are ok...but they are way underpowered. I have a 1994 DX which is a 1.8L SOHC 4 cylinder. My SOHC engine, which is only 103hp just right out murders the 1.6L DOHC engine thats in the new Proteges. I was very disappointed in the 1.6L when I test drove it. That engine had no pep or pick up at all. Whats with all that Zoom Zoom talk when the new Proteges do not have any?!?!. The First Generation Proteges are far better than the new ones.

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  Test Drive - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Aven Ravenshadow - April 22 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute is a wonderfull commuter car. Comfortable, quiet, and cool. The paint schemes available for the vehicle are plentiful. The model selectability seems to be just as plentiful. The V6 model (tested) is really powerful. The drawback of the vehicle is the car based chasis. The vehicle is based on the Mazda 626 frame. Which means it is a front wheel drive car with an all wheel drive option. For someone who does not like front wheel drive automobiles (from a maintenance stand point) this "car" is not for you.

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  Think twice before buying - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By RAG723 - April 13 - 12:16 am

  This is my 2nd review. This car continues to give me issues. It took the dealership 5 tries to fix a alignment problem. All four window motors were replaced. I hear a metal clanking noise coming out from under the hood and Mazda says it normal.How can a clanking noise at low speeds me normal. Bluetooth module was replaced. Clicking noise from steering wheel was fixed. Dealer replaced water pump because it making a loud noise when driving. And the list goes on and on. I make it a point to tell everyone that rides the car with me not to buy Mazda. I sure will never buy one again.

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  Too many mechanical problems - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Jim - March 19 - 8:06 pm

  The 3.0l engine and 5 speed gives the MPV a great drive. Fit and finish is good. But at 60,000 miles I have needed to replace ignition coils, have had numerous transmission problems and underside of the hood has rusted into swiss cheese. My MPV also seems to wreck rear tires, has a small coolant leak and the door locks dont work anymore. Exhaust fell apart at 40,000 miles. I expect to have problems with an older vehicle, but have never had problems like this with anything Ive ever owned before. I love the car, but not as much as my mechanic.

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  Water coming into car after heavy rain - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By rant1 - January 31 - 10:21 pm

  Not happy with the car or the service. Water comes through the windsheild and Mazda will not cover it because the car was in a minor accident damaging the front fog light. They are unrelated but Mazda claims that they are related. Now I have electrical problems similar to ones I see posted elsewhere and they will not cover that either. A lemon from the beginning with poor service.

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  Coulda shoulda be a great SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By LovettsHokie - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Well, I love many things about this vehicle. Great styling, ride, handling, to name a few. But, I purchased the car on 12-30-2001 and have had to have the right front wheel bearing replaced and a completely new transmission. The bearing I thought was a fluke. But to have two major repairs in the first four months of owning a car? I have had great experiences with my service people, but they can not explain it. So I will. This car did not get all of the proper quality control checks. There is no way this car should have made it onto the street. What should be a great SUV, is now tarnished. Will I buy a Mazda or Ford again? Let me think, hmmmmmm Not on your life or anyone elses.