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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  RX7 Touring - 2010 Mazda RX-8
  By Franky - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Leased this vehicle for two years and returned back to the dealership as soon as the lease up. First, the gas mileage is like and worst than a $100k sport car. Second, the car is so under power and you have to push to 5000 rpm in a daily driving like passing on the highway, not in racing with somebody. However for couple thousands under invoice and thousands of incentives kick-in, it is not a bad car at all. It is a best buy for someone who wants a super handling sport car with 4 doors but dont mind of gas mileages and the durability of mechanical parts. Lease could be the best idea.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By steve - December 12 - 4:53 pm

  This vehicle while scoring very high ratings is a stone cold gas guzzler. It barely gets 14 mpg. The ride is pretty rough and if you are tall with the sunroof addition you feel very cramped. The all wheel drive works well and for the most part the car has been problem free. I would never buy another Tribute though I would seriously consider buying another Mazda.

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  Bad Transmission Issues (Do not buy!) - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By David Conger-Eldeen - December 11 - 3:40 pm

  I have had problems with the transmission one month after I purchased the RX-8. It was replaced in January 2005. I have had a love/hate relationship with the car since the first problem. The real problem is the service or lack thereof. It is a known problem. If it werent for the poor customer service from Mazda as a whole, I would love this car and be very patient. However, they quickly jump to conclusions, insult your intelligence, etc. I am taking them to arbitration after 20 months of run-around and degradation.

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  First impressions - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By Rickem - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought this truck on New Years Day. First new car and all I could get approved for ($8900). Dealership service was below average. As for the truck, it is as bare bones as you can get. I highly recommend you pass up on this unless you are in bad financial shape. The truck is too small and underpowered for any serious utility usage.

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  Lemon - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ricky G - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have 1500 miles on the car, and already it is a nightmare. The problem is, there is foam in the oil. I took it back at 1K. Dealership/manufacturer didnt have a clue. They changed the oil. At1.4K, the foam was back. Also, the engine shut down on me prior to this. The oil light stays on constantly. The dealership/manufacturer dont know how to repair it, so theyve asked me to drive it till they figure it out. And, of course, keep making payments till it breaks down completely.

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  Dont Get One - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By historiker33 - November 28 - 8:22 pm

  In 2 years, Ive gone through: 2 wheel bearings Front axle alternator Seat belt $900 valve job Heres the bad thing, and BE ADVISED: A valve job on these cars will often result in the piston rings going bad; this happened to me. There is no easy fix for this - the car needs a new engine and smokes like crazy. The newest versions of these cars are now 13 years old. Do not buy one

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  More Trouble Than My Three Kids! - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Samantha Rector - November 21 - 9:56 pm

  I bought the car with 60,000 miles. And in two weeks of owning the car the transmission went out. The car was under a 30 day warranty so the dealership paid for a rebuilt transmission to put into the car. Less than a year later the transmission that was put in went out. I had to pay $1,800.00 to have another transmission put in (this is the third transmission in this car). I had to take back 6 months later because my car would not go into reverse. The mechanic told me that the transmission in the Mazdas are consistently failing. A/C stopped working. Pulley is going out. Trading in for a Infiniti.

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  Totally Disappointed - 2000 Mazda 626
  By mr_misled - November 6 - 2:58 pm

  Purchased the 626 used at 60k mi. Now have around 173k and on the 3rd transmission, which is now going out after 31k miles. Thats $2,200 for the transmission that lasted less than 2yrs. Beyond that, Ive went through many a hot months without AC, after spending 800 to repair it. But hey, it has an oscillating vent that still works!! Truly a bad piece of machinery.

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  Terrible Choice - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By lsmetan - October 31 - 9:21 pm

  We researched several cars for their gas mileage ability. We chose the Mazda3 Skyactive and within days of driving it off the lot and only realizing an average of 31mpg we were so disappointed. The extremely small trunk and back seat space only added to our disappointment. This car looks appealing, but is not in anyway functional. We are a family of four with two small children we previously drove a jetta and we along with baby gear fit in the jetta, not even close in the Mazda. Also our gas mileage was better in the jetta. After three weeks we pleaded with the dealership who allowed us a straight trade with a new 2012 VW Passat. We all fit & are happily getting 39mpg+ & its not a tdi

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  2007 Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bret - October 25 - 11:13 pm

  I have never had a backache in my life till I bought this car. Now I have a brand new car and I am hobbled over with back pain. What a joy that has been! The car handles well, and it is designed nicely, and really looks nice from the outside, but I just cant get comfortable in the seat. The MP3 Player jack has a slight hum when I connect it to my satellite radio and that stinks, plus the interior black paneling on the doors gets random black marks all over the place. Sometimes the brakes squeak. Not to mention Its been in for service at least once now in the three months I have owned it. The dealership was very nice and friendly, but I hate the car.