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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  CX-7 Touring FWD - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By SCJim - October 17 - 8:13 am

  After much research, I replaced my BMW X5 of five years with the the CX-7. I went with the Touring model as I didnt like the Grand Touring trim and no need for NAV. The car is an excellent value for the money. Fun to drive and interior comforts that you wouldnt expect at the price point.

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  First new used car, and I love it! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By jugar123 - October 17 - 2:59 am

  Ive bought this car about a month ago and put about 2,000 miles, and let me say, its amazing to drive. It handles the taconic curves like nobodies business. I love the bucket seats, makes the car feel like a sports car. I do have to admit, the back seat is a little tight for tall passengers, but its not a big deal at all. Its a perfect commuter car in my opinion. I average out 28-30, while doing 75-80 with the AC which is amazing. A full tank gets me about 450-500 miles thats mostly highway mileage . Great car.

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  Fun To Drive Sedan - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brian - October 16 - 9:10 pm

  I purchased my mazda becuase it had great reviews from the auto magazines and as well as consumer reports. Then when I actually test drove the car I fell in love with it. It had a great design and i dont think of it as a sedan even though it has 4 doors. it feels like a coupe some days when im driving it. But then when I need to haul more people then i have the seating capacity.

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  really fun to drive - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By shooz - October 16 - 1:40 pm

  First new car Ive ever owned, now 8k miles. I live in LA and its terrific to get around town with some style, nimble on the freeways (although it has large blind-spots), and way too much fun in the canyons. Fine in rain but lousy in snow. Engines quirky but really fun once you get used to it. Doesnt feel underpowered, but I know Mazda changed the gear ratios in 2009, I dont drive below 2800 RPM when in traffic, and Id never consider this car as an automatic. Precise gearing/steering + sport suspension means your girlfriend probably cant do her make-up while riding shotgun. As designed it drinks oil, about 1 quart every 1k miles, no biggie. Im 6 and have just enough headroom.

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  626 experience - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Ken Jordan - October 16 - 10:53 am

  The 626 I bought new has performed well except for the air conditioning which I had problems with from week one. I experienced some belt trouble after 100,000 miles. It was caused by the harmonic balancer. Overall it has been a good car. The engine is a v6 and is a little loud.

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  The only car like it - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By NOPI4U - October 16 - 7:36 am

  I purchased my 2004 RX-8 in February of 2007. The car had 25,000 miles on it and a decent price. I was already in love with the rotary engine before I invested in the car so, I already had a good idea what I was up against. Without a shadow of a doubt, the car performs well. Ive managed to squeeze out many 5 second 0-60 times and surpass all of my expectations with my MT. I have only had one quality issue with my RX-8. The clutch had scattered a few springs and thus, was not disengaging properly. This caused wear in the synchros that eventually led to the end of the transmission. After a new clutch and a new tranny (compliments of Mazda), the car is absolutely perfect.

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  Mazda CX7 Grand Touring Brilliant! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By David Wayne - October 16 - 7:03 am

  A brilliant vehicle inside and out. Indiscernible turbo lag, faster and better overall ride quality than my 06 Acura 300hp RL and far and away top notch compared to the laggy and gas guzzling Acura RDX. You dont see many RDXs on the road as most are still collecting dust on the dealer lot. The CX7 has it all. Again, simply brilliant.

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  MAZDA DISAPPOINTS. - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By albert36 - October 15 - 5:13 am

  The automatic transmission in our late model Mazda 5 failed at 74,000 km. Needless to say we were both surprised and disappointed to have the transmission fail so pre-maturely. Mazda dealerships claimed it was out of their hands and directed us to Mazda Canada. Mazda’s Head Office in turn said even though the mileage was within warranty, the expiry date had recently passed, therefore no remedy or compensation would be forthcoming. No, not even goodwill. Mazda Canada was unwilling to acknowledge that if a vehicle fails at 74,000 km, its not unreasonable to consider the cause might be a manufacturing defect in that vehicle. How many cars would any auto manufacturer sell if their transmissions have such a short life expectancy? There were various reasons given for lack of help including no service records in the Mazda database, despite our submission of service records. It seems that the service work of licensed mechanics in Canada is not good enough for Mazda. Apparently they need to be employed by Mazda authorized -dealers. As new transmissions are not available from Mazda, the dealerships offer rebuilt transmissions for $2,900.00 with a one year warranty, no extended warranty available. A nationwide transmission company has quoted $2,000 for the same work and will extend the warranty to three years for about $400 more. Despite not employing the service of Mazda mechanics, the national transmission chain is confident enough in their workmanship to offer a non-prorated warranty that’s 3 times longer than Mazda ‘s! We went back to Mazda Canada, requested that they make up the $800 difference and have the work done at one of their dealerships. We believe our request for some compensation was fair and reasonable. The answer back from Mazda was no. We’ve been told that auto manufacturers are only interested in selling new cars. Fair enough. If Mazda had even offered a $1,000 or so rebate on a future purchase of a Mazda vehicle, that would have been acceptable. That purchase of a future Mazda would still net Mazda a profit even after the rebate was applied, the company would retain the loyalty of a Mazda driver while we would have the comfort of knowing that we are dealing with a manufacturer that stands behind their products and values us as long term customers. As it turns they now have a Mazda family that does not have a good story to tell and will likely never purchase a Mazda again.

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  Great car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Coloradochick - October 15 - 4:33 am

  I have now had my Mazda 6i for 7 years. This car really has been good to me. I have never had a flat, and never have had any mechanical problems. As a matter of fact, the front headlight just went out about six months ago. I bought this car brand new, and really would like to buy another Mazda 6. No complaints.

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  2006 Mazda 6 i 4dr Sedan - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Colby - October 14 - 5:53 am

  I like the car I have only 1,500 miles on it so far its a nice car and the interior is very neat. Lots of places too put your items. And great gas mileage, although I was surprised that it has such a big gas tank.