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:

• 

  Dont buy one - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Alegna - June 5 - 6:23 pm

  I just traded my 2007 CX-7 for a 2009 Honda Accord. The worst part is the gas mileage. It didnt get even close to what it was supposed to, even when I put premium in it, it averaged 15 mpg on a really good day. Also, during the last two months in the shop with it 5 times. A valve cracked and leaked twice in one month & I had the same valve replaced twice. The light illuminated a third time & the fuel filler neck had to be replaced. I also replaced all 4 tires at 17,000 miles and was told by Mazda this was "normal." This cost me $800. Not to mention 2 recalls and cheap, boring interior design with crappy leather. Remote start also sucks. So happy with my new car and glad to be rid of the CX7!

• 

  Protege/prodigy - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By bob green - June 4 - 4:16 pm

  If you want some fun on a budget try prying one of these away from some one. This is my sixth Mazda (including a 91 Miata) so you may sense a bias. However this car is so easy to drive enthusiastically, my only regret is that I cant drop the top! Corners flat, easy to drive in city traffic. Peppy without the AC going, OK with. Cruises happily at 75 plus, no problem. Fuel consumption is about 30, but can be stretched to 34 with a lighter foot. Still no rattles or squeaks. At 50,000, feels like its just breaking in. No defects, one minor factory recall. My wife likes to sneak away with it once in a while. What else can I say? Find a good one used and drive it til it drops (200,000+)

• 

  Mazdas secret - 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
  By Hybrid fan - June 4 - 8:50 am

  Ive only had it 2 months and so far theres been no major problems. The average mpg up to 27.8 which is around what I expected. Overall I would recommend it for someone who wants an environmentally kinder SUV.

• 

  40th Anniversary 6 speed - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Dartul - June 4 - 3:46 am

  Just bought this 2 weeks ago and have already put 1200km on it. The car is absolutely beautiful and amazing to drive. Handling is better than anything I have ever experienced and it has some get up and go once you hit the power band... all I can say is wow, thank you Mazda for this amazing car.

• 

  Best Yet - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Ken - June 3 - 4:03 am

  Drove them all, including Lexus, Audi, Chevy and Buick, none had all the features and fun factor for the great price. Vehicle has been a pleasure to drive, city and highway, feels solid, no rattles, and interior quality is par with Lexus and Audi.

• 

  MAZDA CX-7 68K MILES ALREADY NEED A NEW ENGINE!!!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By SHERRY P - June 2 - 8:32 pm

  ******* READ!! I have a Mazda CX-7 with only 68k miles on it. its garaged, been extremely taking care of. Not a scratch on it, and while driving it on the highway a few days ago it seized up and shut down. steering wheel locked up and thank god i pulled over when i did! anyways i NEED A NEW ENGINE!! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!!! it only has 68k miles on the damn thing!! I paid 28 grand for it in 2007 and its paid off. now this! Im a single mom who doesnt even have $20 in my pocket and now Mazda wants me to pay 10 grand for a new engine!! I CANT AFFORD THIS!!!! I googled this and looks like more and more people are having the same issue on them! YOU SHOULD OF HAD A RECALL ON THESE!!! BAD REVIEWS OF PEOPLE BUYING A NEW ENGINE UNDER 70K MILES!!!!!! CX-7 SUCK AND IM SO MAD!!! IM A BROKE MOMMA AND NEED HELP OR ADVICE FROM ANYONE LISTENING!!! THANKS!!

• 

  So far, so good! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By 99ZoomR - June 2 - 7:56 pm

  Ive only had my CX-9 for a little over a week, but so far Ive been very pleased with the performance and quality. Seems very well built, quiet, roomy, and my daughter is definitely enjoying the Rear Seating Entertainment System package (RSES).

• 

  Still A Great Car After 3+ Years - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By koblescar - June 2 - 2:16 am

  I was looking for a new sedan back in early 03 and the Mazda 6 was the only one nice enough for me. Great compromise between ride and handling, great power. Only one problem and was cleared up super fast. Now they make this car under 3 other nameplates it works so well and Toyota is trying to copy the design with their new Camry... Need a guy say more?

• 

  Wish it still ran - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Brittany - June 2 - 12:43 am

  Bought this car for $2000, loved it. I drove it till this year when the third transmission went out. Ive put at least $3500 into the car just in fixing it. The front axle had to be replaced transmission is out would replace it again but cannot find one. Over all the car has 171,000mls. I got my money out of it, now its just setting around till someone buys it. Wonderful body, and love the sun roof. The car ran good, but also ran through a lot of money.

• 

  RX8, cute but unreliable. Dont buy! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Diana - June 1 - 10:43 pm

  The RX-8 is a gas guzzler, the brakes squeal, its temperamental, if you turn if off without letting it run long enough it may flood itself after which you will have to have it towed to the dealership. It burns oil fast and sometimes it doesn’t start the first time you turn the ignition. There were problems with the oil pan, panels popping up, the under carriage fell down; the solenoid even died causing me to lose power steering on Highway 95. “Just bring it in again if you have any more problems” is what they continue to say. My response is that I shouldnt have to keep taking off from work to take in a new car. The car is unreliable and is not worth the time and expense!