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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  rattle trap - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By girvin - January 26 - 3:13 pm

  Bought the mazda3 about a year ago and have driven it 26,000 miles never had a major problem with it other than a rattle in the trunk area cant seem to locate it and the dealer couldnt find either the tires that came on it new were horrible they wore out at 17,000 miles

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  first year model problems - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mmsld - January 19 - 8:46 am

  The car is nice to look at and very comfortable but it has typical first year quality problems. My suggestion is to wait until 2006 to buy one. The mechanical issues are too numerous on the 2004 and it is annoying to be continually running to the dealership for various mechanical failures.

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  Most uncomfortable Vehicle - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By hermandvm - January 16 - 10:00 am

  A nice van overall but so uncomfortable I drive it only when I am forced to. The padding on the drivers seat is very firm on the side bolsters and digs into your thighs. It is impossible to get comfortable. The steering wheel also seems to be off center making it even more difficult to get comfortable. On a short drive it is responsive and fun to drive but dont be fooled. The interior is also too small. My kid who are in their early teens and pre teens complained about the tight quarters and uncomfortable seats as much as I did. The power doors are also painfully slow.

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  No more Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By No more Fords - January 16 - 6:56 am

  Transmission failed at 27,000 miles, one year after warranty expired. After $3,000 to replace transmission and insure check engine light no longer came on, I traded the vehicle. Mazda declined to make any payment toward replacement of transmission although dealer said it was a manufacturing defect. I have owned three previous Mazdas but Zoom Zoom is gone gone.

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  Dislike the AC - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By Wang Kaisi - January 16 - 5:44 am

  A few things to point out after owning this car more than a year. 1. AC system. Front windshield defrost will ONLY turn on when you use external circulation mode. When I need to defrost, I am also bringing in the exhaust from the car in front of me. 2. 180HP on this vehicle seems not enough power when passing on a freeway. (personal)

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  Stay Away From This Car!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By CAL - January 7 - 3:10 pm

  Beautiful car, inside and out, except under the hood. Mazda really goofed when they decided to bring back the rotary engine. Very big mistake on their part. Loved the car for the first 30,000 miles then the nightmare began. Rough idle and cut off at stops. Had it towed and Mazda claimed everything was fine... what a joke. Mine was in the shop 9 times in the past 6 months for this problem. All Mazda does is add and change out the engine mounts. Good luck to you innocent people who still have yours, traded mine two weeks ago for a 2007 Mitsubishi Spyder. Could not be happier to be rid of my RX-8 headache. Beware!!

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  Mazda 6 Transmission Problems - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dale Smith - January 6 - 8:30 pm

  Ive purchased 4 Mazdas, but never again. I bought my latest, a 6, in Nov 2006. I have a long commute and have put on 63K miles in 3 years. When the car was just about at 30K miles my tranny went out. The dealership replaced it under warranty. About a month ago the tranny started acting up again and to my surprise the dealership told me that it needed to be replaced - Again. This tranny only had about 30K miles on it also. The service manager told me that I wasnt maintaining it correctly or driving it too hard. I informed him that I never had to get the tranny maintained since it never got 30K miles on it and in my 35 years of driving I never had to replace one. Stay away from this car.