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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  The Lemon of the Year - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tess - January 21 - 4:46 am

  I bought a new 2004 Mazda 3 in 2004. From day one the brakes squeal when reversing (5 new sets have been renewed with no end in site - apparent reason, wet); transmission went at 48,000; Radiator chip dysfunctional and caused engine to overhead (1st time mis-diagnosed) second time (chip replaced). Have been towed 3 times before car reached 50,000 miles. While at servicing (same dealership bought at), car has received 2 door bang marks, engine was not cleaned of antifreeze from overheating, and recently black marks all over headliner when car was receiving new radiator chip.

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  Will never buy a Mazda Again - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By firsttimer8 - January 20 - 1:20 pm

  At first this vehicle was great. Loved how sturdy it was and how it drove. UNTIL I hit 70,000 miles. Things went south and fast. So far the oil pan had to be re-sealed TWICE, the transmission was leaking, the rack and pinon leaking (for break fluid), the starter had to be replaced, and now the alternator is bad. This all has happened in under a year. The dealership I bought it from stated I had an extended warranty for buying it and they also did not honor that warranty so all of the above was paid out of pocket. I really got a crappy Mazda. With 2 kids and hubby being the only one that works and me in school, This car has really put us in a hole and that is an understatement.

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  Go for it - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Woodio - January 20 - 6:11 am

  Look around first to get a feel for whats out there. You will know a nice one when you see it. Look for maintenance records.

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  my life post-BMW - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By stasia miaskiewicz - January 20 - 3:33 am

  i am a 50-something woman. 10 years ago i got my midlife crisis car, a BMW 328i. I loved that car. eventually, rather than repair, decided to move on...I must have driven 10 different types of cars before i settled on the mazda3. went for the 2008 because i think the rear lights on the newer models look sinister - just me. its been 8 months since purchase and i really like this car! - its fun!! drive one, youll agree!

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  Big Disapointment - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By lilgreenfrog76 - January 20 - 12:02 am

  I thought driving a Mazda would be wonderful. I love forgeign cars as they last forever!! I couldnt be more wrong. Bought the car with 16k miles and at 70k miles, the engine blows. First was thought the timing chain broke, but wasnt. Mazda will NOT stand by their product. They have a crappy warrenty for a reason. Their cars are CRAP!! I checked out more cars like mine, there IS a bad problem with the engines!!! There is NO reason for a maintained car to have such issues at low miles. I had a VW with 144k miles, 10 years old and never once gave me problems. SHAME ON YOU MAZDA!! Build a better car or fix it. Check reviews and engine problems on the 07 & 08 CX-7s!! U have been WARNED!!!!

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  The Best Sport ZOOM ZOOM SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By galmanza - January 19 - 5:47 am

  I have it for almost 7 months, and it just work perfectly, until now i didnt found any problem, i just came back from a trip to Las Vegas and the CX-7 was perfect on the road! Gas millage was better than the last time when we do the same thip but in a Ford Edge... we save a lot of money on gas this time! Exellente build quality, exterior and interior design, it just look great! Great Bose sound sytem, sunroof, the CX-7 just run like if you have a sporty car with it 4 cilender turbocharge! In my opinion MAZDA has better quality, realability and designs that Honda and Toyota.

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  Who would have thought? - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By bb - January 18 - 1:30 pm

  I have had this amazing SUV for about a month and could not be more impressed. I cant believe I ended up with Mazda. I looked at BMW X3, Audi Q7, VW Toureg, and the Nissan Pathfinder. After driving all of these I could not believe how close the BMW and the Mazda were. So, I bought the Mazda and saved some money. I couldnt be happier and I have not had this much fun driving anything in the last 15 years!

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  brakes - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By ND53 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Legroom is good for driver. 3rd fold- down seat is desirable. Brakes could be a lot better. They take much longer to bring van/wagon to a stop. I had a 97 Odyssey & brakes were great. Is that due to rear drums? ConsumerReports also listed brakes. The brakes react fine on my ES but it takes a lot more distance to stop and I find myself having to press harder. Of course I could start pressing them sooner,but in a quick-stop sutuation I wish theyd quicker.

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  Best choice for a manual transmission - 3 months in. - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By stirmyown - January 17 - 2:46 am

  When youve got to stir your own gears, your choices are limited these days. It seems like you can do it if you opt for a stripped down small car, or a tricked-out european performance sedan. In the mid-level market there is pretty much Mazda and Subaru. Good luck actually finding a stick in America for any other brand. Since I have kids in car seats, rear seat room was an issue. Car seats are ridiculously huge these days. So I had to go a little bit bigger but I didnt want a large SUV. They just arent fun to drive. I loved my old Subaru Forester, but unfortunately Subaru killed the driving feel in their effort to mass-market and Camry-ize the new Forester and Outback.

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  Mazda Dream - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hold on - January 16 - 5:03 pm

  Its about time someone built a competitively priced vehicle that has great looks, handling, and of course power too.