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:

• 

  DONT BUY A MAZDA CX-7 - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By debbiec13 - April 2 - 2:38 pm

  Our Mazda CX-7, with 57,000 miles on it, experienced the same sludge build up resulting in a turbo blowing out, timing chain stretching and VVT needing replacement, as thousands of other CX-7 owners have also experienced. With the original warranty and extended warranty still in place, Mazda denied all service claims stating "poor vehicle maintenance"--as they have with all the other CX-7 owners. In speaking with Mazda technicians, they stated to me that there is a problem with the oil cooled turbo that Mazda refuses to admit to because it will result in a huge recall. Mazda needs to be held accountable for their poor design on these cars and stop putting the blame on consumers.

• 

  Luxury Car Replacement? - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By TheRas900 - April 2 - 12:13 am

  This is an initial review and Ill provide more feedback after logging more miles. However, here are some first thoughts. The Mazda 3s GT is a very fun car to drive, with good performance and excellent handling. It is not very refined, with much engine noise and some cheap interior materials. It is a very good car, but maybe not as great as people say. Compared to a Civic or Corolla it is worlds better; compared to an Audi or Saab it is worlds worse. The decontenting (no more mirror signals, foot well illumination, etc) that took place mid-year gives away some of the cars edge on competitors.

• 

  Powerless - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By peace2008 - April 1 - 10:50 pm

  I just bought the 2010 Mazda 3 iTouring. It was a good decision as it is a very nice car. I have noticed that the power is not so hot. I cant think of anything else I would change. Maybe put some more durable interior materials - lots of plastic.

• 

  SoldOnMazda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By coolsteel - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Only problem in about 20K miles has been a faulty o-ring on A/C compressor, replaced under warranty. Heck, replacing 10 o-rings a year would still be a small price to pay for the fun Im having. Great dealership experience. Oh, yeah, no window sash "staining". Zoom-Zoom.

• 

  My 2004 Miata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By TopJimmy - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I have never purchaced, nor owned a more fun-to-drive car than the Mazda Miata. It handles curves effortlessly, has excellent road manners and the styling is superb. Its nimbleness allows easy maneuvering through tight city traffic.

• 

  Good car for price - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Newbie - March 31 - 6:23 am

  This is a good car for the sticker price. I found that the handling was good and the "power power" rating is incorrect. The AC could be more powerful. This is my second minivan & I am not complaining.

• 

  Second new Mazda, love them. - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Alan McGuiness - March 31 - 2:43 am

  Traded in my 2004 with 111K on it for a new 2008 Mazda 6I, all the bells and whistles, leather heated seats and interior, CD player with awesome Bose speakers, sunroof, heated mirrors, compass in autodimming mirror, etc. Owned this one for 7 years, just spent my first out-of-pocket on a replacement headlight bulb. Absolutely no other issues or complaints, and I push my vehicles hard. This one did 135 MPH in Death Valley a couple of years back, and the radio plays louder the faster you go!! Armorall the entire leather interior annually, holding up perfectly.

• 

  Best car Ive tested in every respect! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By abatterbury - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I tested many cars this summer, notably the Impreza and the Matrix--the Pr5 was the best of all of them hands down. Better confort, control, design, features and price (great incentives). I cannot recommend this car enough. Ive owned my own for about a week now and its been unequivicably positive experience. All my friends want one of their own, too.

• 

  See you in my rear view Z3! - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BB ZOOM - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I came very close to buying a Z3, Im so glad I stumbled upon this MX-5. She has to be the best auto purchase Ive ever made. Smiled when I picked her up and Im still smilin :) I get alot of people checkin her out, even so much as to ask me "what is it"? My neighbor mistook my new addition as the Z3... ok, I know... shes a Ford fan what can I say. All I know is that I take the long way to work and travel on all the windy back roads I can find!

• 

  VIVID YELLOW - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By razmonty - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I own a SAAB 9-3 Turbo – if that means anything – but I still find myself asking my girlfriend for the PR5’s keys all the time to “run errands.” Interior/exterior design is excellent and in yellow it looks fast and fun; chick-magnet color. The PR5 - in standard form - still lacks the power for the enthusiast; itll still beat a factory Civic dont get me wrong. As a side note: Its a shame people dont see (BUY) the utility and functionality of a 5-door sedan; i.e. Mazda6. Bottom line: 40 more horses would make this car a must-have sportswagon. Mazdaspeed says that their turbo kit is now available; I’d wait until the warranty expires first.