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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  A Dissappointment - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By lindseyg2324 - May 14 - 9:40 am

  We bought our MPV used about 1 yr ago. We bought it knowing the trans drove rough, but thought it would get us through what we needed it to. The previous owners seemed to have no issues with it. Within 3 months the radiator went out. Replaced it right away. 6 months later, engine heads went out. Due to the config. of the engine, it is a very timely & costly repair, in total around 48 hrs. My husband took on the task to save $. It took us 8 months to get that finished. 1 day after the engine was done, the trans finally went out. Replaced it. I dont have faith that this car will last much longer. Sad that its not working out. Husband is determined to make it last after working so hard.

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  Mazda RX8 AT GT - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Rotary Owner - May 9 - 2:00 pm

  Beautiful car, fun to drive, but not quite there yet. I waited until 2006 to get mine so Mazda could work out the kinks of a new design, but I had many of the same problems found in the 04s. If you buy, buy used after seeing a report of repairs - some cars are great, some cars are bad, there doesnt seem to be an in-between. Buy a used one with 30K - 40K miles and that didnt have its engine replaced and you should be happy. And above all else, dont buy a 6-speed AT - the transmission wont let the car rev high enough to burn out the carbon build out. I love rotaries, but they should be MT, so Im selling this one and keeping to my 79 RX-7 for my rotary fun (still running).

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  Should have thought twice - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By NastiVehicle - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The 6s is a blast to drive, but the quality isnt very good. I have under 6000 miles on the car and have had to have the dash board, the steering column, the center console, the radio, and the defroster replaced. The problem has come back among other terrible rattles in the back of the car along with problems the technicians caused. Other than the poor quality the car drives great, just crank up the tunes and try to zone out all the rattles. The body of the 6 is awesome with the sports grille and body kits you can get. If I had to do it again I would have gone with the accord or tsx.

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  Lemon is the color of my Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By wbc-dc - April 17 - 10:00 am

  At 5000 miles (3mos)-started hearing strange noise when car was cold-found out steering seals were installed wrong and rack and pinion steering needed replacement. As soon as that was repaired-noticed vibration and rushing sound with acceleration-determined that it needed a new transmission. Went in for transmission repair and found out that the bolt holding the transmission was only in by two threads and transmission could have fallen off. Obviously a bad day at the factory- whats next-I am scared to drive it!

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  Ive waited two years - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By gwendoline - April 15 - 9:54 pm

  I drove a 2002 Protege5 for nine years, the longest ever for one car. I enjoyed it. It still looked good, but I was bored, so bought the 2011 Mazda 2 hatchback. Not good, Too light, skips all over the road, trunk and back seat, too small. The economy is awful, but I would like to trade the car before it begins to have trouble. Ive only 12K miles, have driven two, less than 1000 mile each round trips. Taking a 800 mile round trip in two weeks. Highway mpg sucks. How can a good, 2002, go to a poor, 2011, like that? Angry

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  Fire Hazard - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By desjes - April 10 - 8:56 am

  Given the beauty/uniqueness of this car I was willing to overlook the constant need to add oil, the engine flooding, the poor gas mileage, the manufacturer recalls ... that was until my car burst into flames in the parking lot at work due to faulty wiring. The entire front end is incinerated and unrepairable. According to Mazda mine is the first ... hopefully its the last.

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  Jen - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jen in Georgia - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I do not recommend this car for larger people. There is also some difficulty in putting this car in reverse. I have enjoyed driving a mustang better.

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  2010 Mazda CX-7 Misery - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By tbeursken - March 27 - 9:19 pm

  I purchaed a new CX-7 in Sept 2010. There are major flaws you need to be aware of before you buy. I learned the hard way and ended up trading the vehicle for a Nissan Murano. 1. Excessive road noise during highway driving. My wife & I commented to each other we needed ear plugs to drown out the tire noise. Apparently, Mazda did not sound proof the undercarriage. 2. Air conditioning is inadequate during hot summer days. We live in Georgia where the summers get hot, and the air conditioning system in this car cant keep up, not even close. So between the road noise and lack of a good air conditioner, the comfort factor is very poor, so poor I had trade the vehice.

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  MAZDA CX-5 GS 2014 - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By irock - March 12 - 10:12 pm

  1st 1000KM lots of problem encounter. hard start @ extreme cold weather (-20C), Engine Light alarm ON; high fuel consumption 10.5/100-mostly hwy not 7.6/100 city-specs; engine nice accelerations 2.5L engine

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  Tire warning light problem - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By mccreery - March 12 - 12:08 am

  Overall car is good, BUT, tire pressure light keeps coming on. Dealer has reset it, comes back on in less than 10 miles, dealer resets again and stays off for a month, back on again. I have done this dance 4+ times and is on again! No the tires are not low, no I have not pushed the reset button. I think this is a defect.