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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  My worst nightmare EVER!!!!!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By JessicaP - August 16 - 11:20 am

  When I first saw a CX-7 on the road, I wanted one immediately. A couple months later I then owned one.. and for the first 2 years and 5 months later, and 52,000 miles into owning this vehicle the A/C compressor went out. The worst part is that because the check engine light and/or the temp on the vehicle never told me that there was a problem. So to my surprise when I finally got off the freeway, after driving home about 250 miles... my car was literally a ball of smoke. The AC compressor went out and then affected the idler pully, some other type of pully, the harmonic balancer, and ultimately affected the engine...no compression left. They wanted $12,900 to fix it...

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  Money Pit! - 2000 Mazda 626
  By chuckcb66 - August 16 - 10:09 am

  Bought the 4 cylinder with about 30k miles on it. Once I hit 100k every major system started breaking down. Replaced the transmission, everything on the front end from the sway bar to the tie rods and ball joints. Electrical problems. I think I put more money in this car than I paid for it. I will never buy a Mazda product again. Not built to last. Drove daily 80 miles a day all highway. The worst car I ever owned.

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  2010 sGT HB - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mjm826 - August 16 - 4:50 am

  I bought the sGT HB in gunmetal blue w/ Sunroof/Bose Pckg. and Tech Pckg w/ auto. tran. at the end of May. So far, I have no complaints. The car is very comfortable and a pleasure to drive. I was downsizing from a FX35 SUV and looking for a vehicle that was much smaller, w/ better mpg but that still offered some of the versatility and sporty driving of my SUV. This Mazda fit the bill. It handles my dive gear, bicycles and kayaks w/ out a problem. Love that hatchback!! I looked at several other HBs but none matched (IMHO) the all-around value of the Mazda. I have owned BMW, INNfinity & Acura in the past. This Mazda offers compatible, if not greater, value for the dollar. Pd. 23,800 + tax.

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  Fun little car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ADrugAgainstWar - August 16 - 4:46 am

  I bought this car last year at a dealer. The first thing that grabbed my attention was the body design, and i still love it. i think the new Mazda3 is a little too bubbly, when they designed this thing they werent afraid to add a few edges! Fun to drive, has some of that "zoom-zoom" at lower speeds. unfortunately, the little 4-banger does have to try a bit to get up steep hills, and it is very sluggish when four friends are packed inside. Oil filter is kind of a pain to get to. This baby does have a good clutch though. catches in the exact same place every time. I kind of wish it was RWD, but thats wishful thinking. its as close as you can get to having a miata that you can haul people in

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  compromise for big rewards - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By vicenac - August 14 - 11:30 pm

  To fit 3 rows of seats in this little vehicle, some corners, or knees have to be cut. Make sure you fit in, take full advantage of the telescoping steering wheel and youll get an exciting vehicle. Its easy to park, VERY nimble and accelerates quickly with the 5 gear transmission. I see it as a Swiss Army Knife. Small and versatile. How many times did I say small? Not enough! I am 6.1 and my wife is 5.7. The driver seat is all the way back. We have an infant carrier behind us, which is way longer than a car seat or regular person, so that seat is also all the way back. There would not be much leg room left in the third row seat. But there are 3 people seating on the right side of the car

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  Tesss view - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By tess - August 14 - 7:10 pm

  Excellent! Room for two car seats. Only small SUV with 1. leather (easier to wipe off childrens mess) 2. sky/sun/moon roof (after a convertable, I really needed to see the sky! it makes watching out door events fun for the kids who like to stand up to see whats going on--& no, the car isnt moving; 3. roomier than the jeep or ford, 4. interior is better looking than the jeep or ford 5. handled a top rack and a bicyle rack, 6.options for the Tribute offer more of what I wanted than either the honda, ford, or jeep. The instrument panel in the jeep is highlighted and better for visual acuity. Over all, Id buy another one, lots of fun and easy to take care of.

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  Problems, problems, problems! - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By PAH - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my van from the check engine light constantly coming on and off (And it isnt because of the gas cap which has been replaced as well as the entire fuel line), replacing tires 4 times (!) and no one can tell me why, the passenger back door malfunctions, the seats are uncomfortable on long trips, and the Mazda dealership has been difficult to deal with. I cant wait to unload this thing!

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  2000 Mazda 626 - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Ruby21 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I went from a sporty two-door coupe to my 626 to make room for my new baby. I have no complaints. I financed my car through Mazda American Credit and have been overly impressed with the service I have received and the performance of my car.

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  whaleybobs tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By whaleybob - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Solid ride, fun to drive, plenty of room. Would like a little better fuel mileage. We are really enjoying this car. Great value for the money.

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  I LOVE IT! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By EliJ - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I like very much this car. Although its my first sports car and I cannot compare with others, the combination of having 4 seat, cool suicide rear doors, great handling, good power and very nice interior and very competitive price compared to others makes it a great choice. I did not mention the fact that everyone is looking at me since Im one of the few in my area with this car! this is a GREAT feeling!