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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  too many problems within a three years - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By No more mazdas - January 25 - 11:46 pm

  We have had too many alignment problems with this car. Very loud noise coming from rear-checked but never taken care of. Tires go flat, alignment never done correctly and caused tires to go out over any bump and every bump in the street can be felt and heard.We have approximately 100,000 miles on the car. Each time we have had a flat tire we were told it was because of the alignment. One day our right passenger door wouldnt open at all. Once we opened it, it would not close so we had to tie it down so that we could drive home and we were 4 hours away from home and the temperature was 20-25 degrees. This car has not been what I thought it would be. Very dissatisfied with it.

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  Trouble from the beginning - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Nambi - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought used from a cheat. Next month engine trouble; cost: $2800 3 months later transmission; cost:$2700 Few months later water pump and alternater belts-changed 3 time;cost:totally $1000. Always trouble with sensors; cost:$950 Overall disaster Thought it was from original Japanese company: turns out Ford bought it and ruined it.

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  Never go to Dars Cars. - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Nayan - January 3 - 2:00 am

  for the price it is a good choice among Toyota and Honda. At 37000 miles check engine light came on and needs to replace spark plugs and wire at the cost of $340.00. Dealership did a crappy job and insist that this is not covered in Mazda warranty!!!

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  Dont buy one of these! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Scott - December 7 - 5:23 pm

  I had issues with this car from the moment I purchased it. My wife and I downgraded to save money given the economic environment. We bought it in late 2008 with about 68000 miles on it, figuring it shouldnt give us any trouble for a few years. Well, I had put about $500 into it up until August of 2009 which I wasnt happy about. Then in August, the engine went out costing me $3500 for a used motor. Needless to say, I am less than satisfied and will never buy a Mazda again. The Mazda I owned before this one needed a new transmission at 30000 miles. Ridiculous.

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  A CAR NOT WORTH HAVING - 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By larrydh01 - November 28 - 3:49 pm

  I own this car, a 2013 Club edition, and wish I didnt. This car is terrible, has no power what so ever. Going up a hill, this car screams and whines with the gas pedal depressed to the floor, like it is just struggling with all its might to climb a little hill. Driving at 65 miles an hour on the interstate is about the best it gets. Passing another car is a chore. The seats are very uncomfortable, and there is no room for anything in this car. I knew it was going to be short on space, but I did not realize how the cramped space was going to impact my life in such a negative way. Forget a trip, no room for baggage! And LOUD! I cant hardly think while driving this noisy vehicle!

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  Not very happy - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By mikyd1 - November 20 - 1:23 am

  Bought the 2015 Mazda cx5 because saw reviews and knew Mazda from the past. I am not very happy, sitting space is absurdly small I am 6 0 And almost dont fit in the copilot seat, the back seats are too small, no space very uncomfortable, the radio is cheap, the air conditioning is very weak, with 80* takes 20 minutes to cool the space, not cold enough, the car is brand new so Why in the world will not cool down, not a good ac system. If I could go back in time, I would NOT buy the Mazda cx5, consumes too much gas, the rear seats are too small and basic

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  discouraged and disappointed - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Baker - November 14 - 12:43 am

  Issues from the start - car has fuel flooded about 9 times. 3 times acts like security or something will not let engine start, let set 30 minutes, no problem. If you were stupid you would think you forgot to push the clutch in. Back brakes have made noise since purchase even after replaced. Mazda normally insults your intelligence about how to operate their sports car. My response - no problems operating a Z3, or Corvette. One of those love/hate cars. Most of the time fun, part of the time frustrating. Going back to a Corvette.

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  At Dealer Constantly - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dan - November 5 - 10:26 am

  Well, I was hoping that this vehicle would be perfect for my wife and kids. At 1st you think it should be with the long list of features etc. However, we have had nothing but problems. Have had the struts upfront changed 3 times in 25,000 miles, wind noise from the drivers side door is terrible, the locks have stopped working 4 times. Have had to change key fobs 2 times. The steering column has had to be changed twice because it would slide in and out with zero effort. The rear doors have had to change the locking mechanisms inside because they stopped working. The dealer told me that the car did not have an alarm after the passenger side mirror was broken over night by a thief.

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  Eye catching, Wallet snatching!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By cc45 - October 13 - 10:07 pm

  I bought this car still under warranty with roughly 35000 Miles on it in 2011, Car was great drove amazing handled great, I am used to SUVs So it was an adjustment with the wanky 4Cyl init, And very light weight which not a fan of, After having it and discovering the cons there are alot of them, With the HID headlights i had one go out. I thought the bulb was dead took it to mazda and well it needs all new wiring 1000 to fix and then the AC tube leaked. Alot of inside noise when driving at high speeds. Brakes suck, picking up speed and down shifting sucks, The radio is worthless!! the frames in the back the plastic around rear windshield is falling off will not stay attached. JUNK!!

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  Poor Gas Mileage - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By t - October 11 - 3:46 pm

  Reliable transportation, like others noticed that volume went down when trying to go up. Then one day the cd player just quit. Not really happy with gas mileage - noticed that right away after buying it - not at all like my Civic. I had to fill up every third day with the Mazda - every fourth with a Civic. I get about 26 mpg.