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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  I Cant Complain - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By wiz8mom - November 16 - 12:37 am

  We purchased our MPV used in 2005 with about 45,000 miles on it. With an extended warranty, we paid total about $11,000. It now has 227,000 miles on it (365,000km). We had to have the transmission replaced at 95K miles, but it was covered under our extended warranty. We had coils replaced at one point, and a couple of other repairs around the $300 mark. Regular oil changes and routine maintenance (brakes, trans. fluid, etc), this van has kept chugging along. Along with daily driving, we drove from Auburn, WA to B.C. Canada twice a week for 2 years (6 hours round trip), while hauling 2 drums, harnesses, 2 sets of bagpipes, and 4 teenagers, 2 adults. We averaged 22-24 hwy mpg

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  Great SUV, except for the headlights - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By texastownhall - November 15 - 10:39 pm

  Had it for 4 years 65K miles. Great car, handling and space, except headlight issues. In addition to bulb going out several times, in 4 years, dim headlights. Took it to the dealer and they said, the discolored dim is actually inside and it is due to angle design of headlights and the heat from the bulbs. Only solution was to pay $1,500 new headlights. I was mad as is is Mazda design issue not something I did wrong. I drove it as is until couple fender bender at night and hitting the curve at night all due to dim headlights. Asked dealer about warranty if I do get it fixed. 1 year and problem may be back. I sold it as it was getting too dangerous. I will never buy another Mazda.

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  Great Car for a small family!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By skgilly - November 13 - 3:56 pm

  We bought this car in Colorado and drove it Arkansas. It was great for me and my family. We have two kids (3.5, and 10 months). My wife sat comfortably in the back with the kid and luggage. We really packed this car down and still handled well. There are many way to configure the car and sitting six for short distances is great. For all the mini van haters the sliding doors are great for getting the kids in and out. Handling is great for a car this size. Overall, great car for the money. Mazda has done well. We are really enjoying this purchase.

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  Buy 2, theyre small - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By nigel - November 12 - 2:00 am

  If you are now looking at these reviews, chances are you are considering buying a used miata. Here is my advice. Buy it! Fantastic reliability, exceptional handling, beautiful to behold. Average mpg 30. Whats not to like?

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  Little Disappointed, transmission? - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rbader - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car brand new. Everything went very well for first 3 and half years. Just oil changes and gas. At around 58k miles we started noticing a cut off or disconnect in the transmission shifting between 3rd and 4th gear. We finally took it to the dealer and we were advised that we need a new transmission. Did that, luckily we had purchased the extended Mazda warranty till 100k, which covered us 100%. Otherwise, the car so far is great.

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  Transmission failed - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By t2k - November 11 - 7:06 pm

  The transmission started growling as the warranty expired. Front wheel bearings seized up. Had to replace brake rotors due to rust. Too many problems in its young life. Traded it in on a Mazda6.

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  Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dan O - November 10 - 9:06 pm

  This is a great vehicle. It is sleek and fun to drive. I have enjoyed it for the 2 years that I have owned it. If you are looking for a nice ride that is functional, than the Mazda6 is for you.

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  Its been a good car, more or less - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ceecee9 - November 10 - 3:57 pm

  I bought my 03 P5 in June of 05 with about 36,000. At 60 ish the head gaskets blew...which was an expensive fix. Other than that its been regular maintenance which is begining to become quite frequent. My one major complaint is the tires are expensive and hard to find. Oh- And my other major complaint is two of the rear seat belts are broken and are very expensive to fix. My car has 134,000...and im in the process of researching and buying a new one.

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  Sweet suspension - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By cdnt48 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned more than 30 new cars (mostly sporty) and this is the second- best handling car after my Toyota MR2

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  Great Car, Terrible Electrical System - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Alison - November 6 - 10:13 am

  After looking at all the other cars in this category (subaru outback, toyota matrix, ford focus), I chose the Mazda Protege 5. It seemed like the best-made car of my choices. I also heard Mazda a good reputation for reliability and service. I enjoyed my car a great deal for the first year, but then I started to experience electrical trouble. If my car sits for more than 2-3 days, the battery is dead the next time I try to drive it.