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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  Engine Failure CX7 @ 70K miles - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By ruby23 - August 7 - 12:04 pm

  We bought a Certified CX7 2008. A year and a half later the car is completely giving out. We take MAJOR care of all our cars with Synthetic Oil, so when they told us it was due to "Sludge" it was definitely a slap in the face. The engine needs to be replaced at only 70k miles. We talked to a mechanic and he told us that the turbo overhearts the engine turning everything into sludge and even melting it. Although we have a platinum coverage, the insurance is doing everything they can to blame it on us. Ive been looking at reviews and it seems ALOT of you are having or had the same issues! Its horrible to keep paying for a car whose engine dies of its own malfunction. Its time Mazda owns up!

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  Mazda Skinny - 1999 Mazda 626
  By redhawk - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This was the second new Mazda I have purchased in since 1996. I have had only good experience with the Mazda 626. It is affordable and DEPENDABLE. That is why I am in the market for another one. Stick with something good.

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  04 Tribute LX 4WD - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Scout101 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Owned about 6 months now, no problems, peppy and fun, can fit everything I want into it. It rides better than most of the SUVs I tried, not trying to be a truck.

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  More problems than its worth - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Ron - August 7 - 3:56 am

  I have tried to like this car. Looks great. However have had many problems. Replaced both headlight assembly and taillight assembly for moisture problems. Front end, exhaust, brakes have been worked on. Replaced motor mounts, spark plugs, and now transmission. Still have a tapping noise in the engine when in gear. Lots of road noise. Tired of taking it to the dealership. Had a 1993 Mustang that gave me less trouble.

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  Love it so Far - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Keith - August 7 - 2:23 am

  Had the vehicle for about 2 weeks. Sold a Lincoln LS-V8. Love the cornering capability of the Mazda. I wanted the cargo capability of an SUV, but didnt want to sacrifice handling. I have not been disappointed. Over 40 with kids still at home, so comfort for trips was also a concern.

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  Visibility driving/Acceleration/Cargo - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - August 6 - 5:43 pm

  NOTE: Vehicle is less than one month old. My issues may stem from being the owner of a new, small car -- having switched from a 2 door coupe, larger American vehicle to this new small, economical car. Front visibility is very good, but side (from 2nd row seats back) and rear visibility is not. Large pillars in rear near hatch make for small windows. That, coupled with tall headrests, makes seeing other cars while changing lanes a hit or miss proposition. Acceleration is somewhat sluggish before vehicle warms up. Also, there seems to be some sluggishness when vehicle changes gears. Cargo space is pretty good when rear seats are folded flat. W/ seats up, cargo space is limited

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  I Love my Mazda 3..... - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mwheatley - August 6 - 9:11 am

  When I first bought the vehicle, it was a horrible headache, and it was too bad but I received a Lemon. The Motor Blew at 28,000 and I drive it like a grandmother. I think almost every part on the car fell apart or was defective, I would list however the list is way too long, no word of a lie at least 20 different parts in/and out. It was so bad at a certain point I gave up and left some stuff broken ex. vents However I still love my car, its always a fun drive. I would even buy another. My wife bought the same car except it was hatchback and it has over 300,000 kms and still going strong and other then general maintenance, the only part that we needed to replace was the Altenator.

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  Fun car to drive but too many issues. - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By colgezgini - August 6 - 4:21 am

  I will edit this review with details; in a nut shell, it is very fun to drive, good steering and suspension response on all kind of roads. It is agile and has road holding that is better than all of its rivals. Its brakes are also impressive and despite they are little difficult to dose, stopping distance is beautiful. I am 67" and I fit inside comfortably. Actually, I have a friend who owns an BMW X6 and a 2010 CX-7 and he likes dynamics of CX-7 more than X6. His words are "CX-7 is like extension of my body, obeys all my orders perfectly".

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  Not quite nice... - 2001 Mazda 626
  By nyhel - August 6 - 3:13 am

  Ok, so this isnt the best investment Ive ever made. Ive had to take the dumb thing back to the shop every few weeks for some repair or another. The transmission is rough on the shifting and burns the fluid quite fast. The handling is poor and even though the shop said the suspension is good I seem to feel every bump I go over, not to mension the car drifts while being driven. I make sure to keep up on all preventive maintence but it doesnt seem to be enough.

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  fun car - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By thomas - August 5 - 10:00 am

  The Miata is a refined roadster. The finish detail is good and has a sporty feel to it. The soft top is easy to use and when down doubles the driving experience. Although having reasonable power, more could always be used.