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:

• 

  Ok - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Vince - March 23 - 8:30 am

  Just bought this used to act as commuter car. Styling is more boring than white paper. Engine is very loud at highway speeds. For a small car, gas mileage isnt too impressive. Probably due to the fact that engine is around 3500 RPMs when cruising @ 70 MPH. Fairly agile and nimble. Fun to drive backroads, unless you have a lot of hills, then expect a struggle. Not too shabby as a commuting car, but Im glad this isnt my pride and joy.

• 

  New Engine - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Peppy - March 22 - 10:00 am

  So far in the year I have had my Tribute, I have had to have the ceiling liner replaced, an overhead light replaced, a shock replaced, Tires (at my own expense, firestone doesnt honor their tire warranties), and now it is in the shop for a NEW ENGINE. As soon as I get it back I am going to trade it in for a new car. Unfortunately I missed the lemon law by 2 months in my state. Bummer.

• 

  first car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Susan Samhoury - March 20 - 1:56 am

  From the outside it is beatiful. The inside is not bad. When driving on the highway its smooth but if you drive slow it makes a ticking noise, drives me crazy.I asked the dealer and was told that its normal.He explained why but I still think it should run smoother.I cant wait until I can exchange it. I am not so happy with it even though this is the first time a buy a new car. I think the noise should be a lot smoother than it is. I took to the dealer and I had them listen to it and they said it was normal.

• 

  Junk - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Mark Melton - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for a year and its been in the shop more than iv seen it. Im on about the 5th transmission. I would have sold it the 2nd time it went out but iv got to drive something. The transmission cost about 1800 bucks, but i got lifetime warrenty with mine luckly, but the company doesnt want to keep replacing it. other than the transmission the car is great. nice seats, awesome vents and it handles good. i wouldnt recommend this car with a 4cyl auto. im getting mine converted to 5spd b/c trans company wont give me anymore autos and then im selling this piece of crap. want something reliable? buy a toyota, honda, or mercedes.

• 

  Lemon - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By fntasa98 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I am having the exact same problems as "Lemon by GJT." Ive had the car for almost a year & it has been in the shop 8 times already. It shakes, dies, wont shift gears properly, & makes sounds that are not normal. I love the look of this car, but its performance is horrible. The dealership cant fix it & I really hope they will buy it back. It is great to hear feedback from the people that are having the same problems. "Lemon by GJT" or anyone who is having this problem, if you read this, please email me at fntasa98@aol.com. I would like to know how to get the dealership to buy the car back & how you went about the entire ordeal. THANKS!

• 

  Mazda 626 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By slinger - March 10 - 2:00 am

  The overall car is a nice style and has a comfortable ride. We found the drivetrain to be unreliable. The head gasket blew at 72,000 miles because the coil pack went bad and check engine light came on. The transmission also went bad at 72,500 and had to be replaced twice (the first replacement kept leaking). We are very dissapointed in this vehicle for that.

• 

  No more Mazda for me - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By dbar - February 24 - 2:53 pm

  I bought this car in 2004 as my first car, and off I went to college. It has been 6 years now and I totally regret buying this car. I have had to change almost 3 alternators in this car along 4 batteries. Had to replace the engine at 75,000 miles and that was the final straw, definitely looking for a new vehicle now and it wont be Mazda.

• 

  Money Pit! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robert - February 13 - 7:36 am

  I bought this car at 45,000 miles. Car looked great and seamed to be in good running order. That was a joke. Ive had the car for just under a year and had to have it towed to the dealership three days ago because the motor just gave out. I bought the extended warranty when I bought the vehicle so it should be covered right? Wrong... They are trying to stick us with the bill because they say a motor just cant go out like that we had to do something to it. What a mess. If you but a Mazda6, Be careful. You get what you pay for. My next vehicle will be another Honda.

• 

  Safety Testing - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Kazzortho09 - February 8 - 1:42 am

  I like the car, but the results of small overlap IIHS crash test for the 2016 model are not out yet. The 2014 model did poorly: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/mazda/cx-9-4-door-suv which is very concerning to me given that I am purchasing the car for its 7 passenger (family) capability. Plus, if they are going to sell it at MSRP of $45,000 for the signature trim, then why not get an Acura MDX or spend a little more and get a Volvo XC-90 both of which have a much higher safety rating.

• 

  Poor Gas Mileage -nothing to do about it - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By wynn003 - February 6 - 5:53 pm

  Ill just list the bad stuff (Im sure youve read enough good stuff so I need to balance it). I replaced a 1993 V6 Navajo that does 15 MPG. Now sticker says 22-26MPG on this tribute. I drive both so Im hoping maybe 24MPG, but would be ok with 22MPG since its more in the city. Guess what I get? 16-17MPG!!! Ive told this to the dealer and all I keep getting from them is that its right, that they (Mazda) are revamping the whole mileage rating because its not accurate. !??!? Why not just list the right one? I got a 13 yr old newer car to get 1 MPG more? I dont even drive aggressively anymore. On top of that, when I accelerate from a stop sign, I can feel a thud in the gear.