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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  Good Value - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By s-b - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Most of the features of the higher- priced competition. Short wheelbase makes for easy parking/lane changes in traffic. Mileage not bad for the class. Better warranty than the twin Ford Escape and better looking! Good rebate on mine and good dealer service. Drivers seat adjustable for all drivers comfort.

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  Like the Mazda... - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By simply_m - August 13 - 5:36 am

  Wife wanted a new ride and liked the styling of the cx7. Felt like the price was good for the amount of car we were getting. Liked the fact that it is totally built in Japan ( the Japanese are known to take pride in their workmanship). Read customer reviews and was scared by all the turbo engine problems,so stayed away from it. The standard engine is not bad and avg 24 mpg with mixed city/country road driving. Drives solid but slightly bumpy. After 15,000 miles my main complaint is the transmission. I just dont like the way it hesitates to downshift after slowing down. I havent had any problems so far. Only regret is small interior with two kids. Price to pay though for decent fuel economy

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  "Lemon" Yellow - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By toconner - August 12 - 3:53 pm

  I bought my car in Mar 04. After 6 months new brakes and rotors. Nov 06 - took car in for oil change, was told need new motor in recall. New motor then required a new trans. Now in again because car is just not running right - doesnt want to start and backfires. I just wish Mazda would fix my little yellow car and bring it back to the car I use to love to drive and brag about.

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  HATE MY MAZDA3!!! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By roxygurl - August 12 - 10:06 am

  Ever since I bought my Mazda 3 I have regretted it! Before this car I owned an Infiniti and before that a Honda, but nothing compares to this. It is by far the worst car I have ever purchased! If I could go back I would. It is loud, small and cheaply made. The only thing going for this car is the gas mileage and the overall exterior look.

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  Smart can also be fun and stylish - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By troyolson92 - August 11 - 2:10 pm

  The SUV rocks. Cant bring myself to call it a minivan. It feels much more peppy than Edmunds describes. Everything about this vehicle is smart! Well laid out. My gas mileage consistently exceeds 28 mpg with only 10k miles on it. Thats with the air conditioning on and outside temp for two weeks exceeding 1004 degrees. I have measured absolutely NO difference in gas mileage with or out air conditioning on. Try it and expel the myth.

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  Cant get a better car for the money - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By jjinqueens - August 11 - 8:56 am

  I have had the car for 2 months (sometime in that 2 months they started calling it a wagon, not a hatch?). I bought it in Feb, during some of the worst driving weather possible, and it handled as though it were a dry sunny day. I love the performance, and the stability control in the Touring model really helps grip the road (we have some tricky ones in the mountains). My husband loved it so much he bought the same in an automatic, which also handles beautifully. We wish we got better mileage (I get about 27 mpg) for a small car, but the emissions ratings are good. We recently had 3 teens, 2 adults, and all the teens college gear in the Mazda, no problem!! Cargo space is great.

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  Cx9 AC and Sunroof. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By fpcx9 - August 10 - 7:21 pm

  Bought the 2007 CX9 in summer of 2007. 1. The outside noise level was really loud in the car. [all windows up]. 2.The AC started giving problems in the first year. The front passengers side carpet gets FLOODED every year. I have been taking the car every summer to get this fix, sometimes it requires 2 or more trips to the dealer. I now pay out of pocket as the warranty has expired, not only it is costly, the stench of water soaked carpet drives me nuts. Seems like there is a flaw in these cx9?

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  Turbo gone!!!! - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By nichele - August 9 - 5:02 pm

  I bought my 2008 CX7 with almost 5k miles. I really enjoyed driving it....until the timing chain had to be replaced at at 40000 miles, which I thought was a little soon but it was covered. About a year ago, I had to have the engine mount replaced, some bearings were worn and there was an oil leak. That was not covered over $1000 worth of repairs. The CEL came on over the weekend. Took it to the dealer ,turbo engine done....timing chain again, The car needs almost 9000 dollars worth of repairs..are you kidding me!!! The service rep told me that I did good for having 95k miles on the car without anyhing major happening before now. Going to get rid of this car!!!

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  Never buy a Mazda - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By mlloyd1986 - August 9 - 4:25 pm

  This car a crap. Within the first week of buying this car the paint had already started chipping. Had to bring it in to Mazda and they corrected the paint job. The seat belts went for no reason at all. Mazda ended up replacing the all four seat belts. The transmission went while I was on the highway going 60 mph and I only had 51,000 k on my tribute. Then my car wouldnt stop stalling and it was because my radiator was leaking coolant. That ended up having a recall and they replaced that TOO. This car is junk. Everything is wrong with it. As far as Im concerned this car is unsafe. They should invest most care and money into this car instead of constantly fixing its non stop problems.

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  Mazda3 2.0L Auto - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kennedy - August 9 - 5:53 am

  I bought this Mazda3 based mainly on previous professional reviews for its reliability, agility and fuel mileage. Plus, I really liked the exterior styling. After driving some 6000 miles Ive found that the ride is jittery, choppy and generally unrefined. It always feel like there is a wheel out of balance or tire out of round. Both motor mounts where replaced and a 4 wheel road force balance but there is still a lot of engine shake felt through the steering wheel and chassis. I wouldnt buy again.