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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  Sulfur Smell!! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By SID - September 30 - 2:00 am

  A nice design but Mazda has a serious problem with alot of MPVs having a TERRIBLE sulfur smell. My dealer and Mazda headquarters are not at all helpful. Buy a Honda, Toyota and you will be happier.

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  What a hunk-o-junk - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By NotaHappyCust - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this van after extensive research into general reliability but I musta got a lemon! In the last six months: corroded coolant lines $600; alternator $800; front brakes (12mos old) $250; drivers window mechanism $800; wiper arm (fell off!) $100; front stabilizer links x2 $250. I could have lived with a gutless wonder with bad gas mileage but not with all these repair bills. I called Mazda but they couldnt have cared less. I feel bad unloading it on somebody but this baby is gone!!! Back to Honda/Toyota for this guy.

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  Mazda Tribute Lemon - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Tim - August 30 - 11:20 am

  After buying this I had to take it back the next day for a leak on the transmission. They had to replace the rear seal and plug. Since then I have had the brakes, battery, brake booster, window controls, cruise control, gas tank, gas cap replaced (along with a few other items). Now the transmission went out, wonder if it is related to the original leak. $3300 for a transmission, what a rip off. Please do not buy one, or any Mazda. Service here is not the best either.

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  My Unreliable Mazda - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Joe - August 19 - 4:50 pm

  This vehicle has given us nothing but problems. We have 47,000 miles and the warranty is out. Repairs: we have already had the transmission replaced (we do not own a boat or tow anything except the 2 kids). It took the dealership 3 weeks to get a new transmission because they were on backorder. Mazda paid 1 week on the rental but I was responsible and out of pocket for 2 weeks. The power sliding doors dont work and the dealership cant figure out the problem or take responsibility. The electronic coil on valve #3 went out and Mazda would do nothing to back up the product (cost $500 to replace coils on valve #1, 3, and 5). This was my 3rd Mazda product and now is my LAST.

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  A complete downgrade - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Vanishing Boy - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I was supposed to own a 2004 Mazda3 s 5-door but the dealership ripped me off and landed to this car. This car is mediocre in every way and dissapointing at limit. The stock tires doesnt grip submitting the car to plow on each corner. Engine power is smooth not fast and torque-less, thrashy at limit. At least every time my friends seat on the front passenger seat they end up taking a nap which is good, that means that the seats are very comfy. The steering and engine response are very responsive (although the steering has a slow feed back.

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  Dont buy this car whatever you do. - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Harry B. - July 2 - 2:00 am

  The suspension is horrendous and the ride nauseating on anything other than perfectly smooth roads.The Protege requires a double dose of Drammamine to avoid the use of a barf-bag enroute. You literally will find it difficult to change radio stations or take a sip from a beverage because of the pulsating and shakey ride. Both the dealership and my own personal mechanic told me there is nothing wrong with the car it just has the suspension tuned this way. I will trade mine in as soon as I can and even though I will loose a lot of money it will be well worth it to get rid of the bouncemobile.

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  Worst car you could buy - 1999 Mazda 626
  By A H - June 27 - 2:56 am

  This is by far the most unreliable car you could purchase. This car has racked up over $8 grand in repairs, every other month something goes wrong. The quality of the vehicle is beyond horrible. In addition to top it off Mazda USA headquarters are the rudest and most unprofessional people to ever work with. They dont back their vehicles at all and dont care what is going on. This car gives a new meaning to a lemon. I have had the steering rack, boots, oil leaks, hoses, fan, motor, radiator, thermostat, O2 sensor, EGR service, and much more done to this. Mazda is the worst company to do business with and this is the last Mazda I would ever purchase or recommend take your money elsewhere.

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  Nice when it starts - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Mustang Christy - June 22 - 6:13 am

  Ive had this car about a year and have had a major problem with it not starting all the time. They tell me that it is caused from vapor locking. They have replaced several things and it still hasnt solved the problem. Mazda finally agreed to buy it back from me so that I can purchase a RELIABLE car. This car has left me stranded several times. Another dislike is how you have to first leave the car running for 20 minutes before you shut it off.

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  Do not buy PLEASE - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By fxdl1000 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  At 35000 miles it was getting sloppy. The rear end was making a klunking sound. Ingram park Mazda said the parts were back ordered and would take months to get. I called mazda factory and they called Ingram park mazda. The end result was Ingram park had screwed up. But still the part was months in comming. They said. I am stuck with a truck I am paying for with a serious defect and not parts!!!! My recomendation is to not buy Mazda trucks.

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  Dont buy Mazda - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By NOtoMAZDA - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my minivan in 03, after researching several makes I thought the reviews for Mazda gave the impression it was a reliable Japanese quality minivan, was I wrong. After shelling out over $32000 with the Mazda assurance plan that it will provide a free loaner vehicle for warranty work, they make a real inconvience to get one and hit you with a copay. Warranty work is not done the 1st time and if they work on more it more than twice you are responsible for paying the warranty work not Mazda. I still have defects that were never fixed. Looking for new vehicle, it wont be a Mazda!!