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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  MAZDA CX-7!! DONT BUY - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By heyykipani - February 13 - 7:58 am

  Well I bought my mazda cx-7 in May 2010 used, after my cooper broke. About 4 months since i bought it I started to hear a rattle sound when starting it, went to 3 machinics, they said they didnt hear it, and nothing was wrong. I knew somthing was, but what could i do. It broke down 150 miles away from our home, had it towed for $500, to cheyenne WY MAY 20th 2011. Time chain broke, timing censor broke the chain. That caused the pistons to hit the head, the rattle sound caused half the problems, they said. I have to pay $3,000 (military discount) to fix it, its been 2 almost 3 months & i still dont have my damn car. Everytime they call theres mre problems wrong, more money, more time

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  Dont buy it! - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By Mazda03 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This is the second Mazda pickup that I bought. It will be the last! A good friend of mine sells these trucks. If not for the good deal, Id be worse off. These trucks DO NOT HOLD THEIR VALUE. Stay away. You wont even be able to trade them in. Not great on gas and has poor performance. Also, it is the worst vehicle that Ive ever driven on wet or snowy roads. I never thought Id say it, but if you want a small truck, buy a Ford or Chevy. They actually hold their value better. I paid $16,000.00 for a 2003 and was offered $5,000.00 on a trade from the dealer that I bought it from. And, my truck is clean. Never again!

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  Transmission Problem - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Jill Sevastianos - January 16 - 2:00 am

  My experience with the Mazda 626 was that the transmission went out at 46,000 miles (4 months past warranty) and Mazda refused to help with any after warranty repair. The dealership helps Mazda determine whether they should extend help and there is no escalation point. Mazda has a severe quality control problem with their transmissions and I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Hate it - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Reasy - December 30 - 1:00 pm

  Bought this car after my cr-v was totaled in an accident (not at fault) and couldnt find another used cr-v. Within three months I had over $3000 in major engine repairs and it just keeps getting worse. Gas mileage has really gone down and the car is so loud and rough to drive... bumpy MI roads dont help, but I get a headache sometimes during my commute. This car has been nothing but trouble for me. Door handles stick really bad, have to really pull to get the doors open. With the cheap feel Im worried they are just going to break right off. They probably will now that I wrote that. Leather seats are very cheap feeling.

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  Its really a FORD - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Monica - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Tribute in February 2002 and had to take it in 5 weeks/1800 miles later. They found a leak in a seal in the transmission and corrected it. However, my car still bucks, spits, amd misses to this very day. I have taken it back three times and the dealership has told me they all run this way and nothing is wrong. I am meeting with a factory rep next week and if that doesnt resolve the issue, I will be pursuing the lemon law. I doubt that I will ever buy another Mazda again, especially since Ford has started putting their parts in them.

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  VERY Disappointing - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Very disapointed - December 20 - 4:16 pm

  Brand new, 1st 6 months the AC compressor was replaced. About 2 months later the Turbo censor went out thank God this was still under warranty. So I driving home on July 20 something and the just dies. No lights no warnings. Had the car towed to firestone they couldnt figure it out after a day and a half. Towed the car back to Mazda they said it was the motor. It had to be replaced do to improper oil changes which is B.S. I think this is a bad model I have read similar problems.

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  Is it the truck or the N. E. weather? - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Pleiadian7 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Mazda/Fords truck design is OBSOLETE. I bought this 2002 because Id had 2 Mazdas previously and they were pretty decent. THIS one had a clutch master cyl. go bad as soon as I got it. Access to the rear cab space is poor. The engine is so detuned as to be ball- less. However, the worst problem is the severe undercarriage corrosion which has destroyed the brakes/brake lines and has caused me to need to buy a new truck. New England winters and road chemicals are tough but I think the degree of damage is still pretty serious. No more Mazdas for me. I bought a Nissan.

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  Never Mazda never again - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By never mazda never ag - November 12 - 2:00 am

  AC went out twice. 30 days after AC failed turbo failed. Mazda will not honor warranties and will try to find anyway they can to back out. If you own one sell it or start saving your money for the inevitable and very costly repairs.

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  mazda rx8 - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By renata4u - October 27 - 10:56 pm

  I have had a Mazda rx8 2004 which i named Christine since it wanted to kill me. I had to get a Lawyer to have them replace it. Now i have a 2007 rx8 and as the other one right at 26k miles all the emergency lights are on the dashboard and yes it is starting all over again. Jim Click does not stand behind the cars he sells and Mazda does not either unless there are Lawyers involved. Am I getting scared that this car will end up killing me ...yes I am.

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  BEWARE OF THE SHORTFALLS - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ENGINEER - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The RX8 is a great looking auto and it handles quite well - BUT: 1. It drinks fuel like a Hummer. 2. Its way underpowered with no real torque to boast of (especially the automatic transmission). 3. The air conditioner is all but useless in the South. 4. It has dangerous rear blind spots due to its cabin design. 5. Get the spare tire but then forget any luggage after that. 6. Rear passengers can barely see over the window sills - claustrophobic!