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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  Unsatisfied with the Warranty & Dealer - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3 itouring 4 dr - February 22 - 5:40 am

  I bought this mazda3 new and 3 months later I had brake/rotor problems. I took it to the dealership 3 times in 11 months, they mechanically fixed my rotors and 1 month later the same problem happened. My steering wheel shook every time i braked. I called Mazda one month later and the dealership and Mazda said i was not under warranty. What? Whatever they did to my car was not sufficient. I am still dealing with the problem and found out today i have a manufactures warranty for 3 yrs/36,000 miles. So, everyone lied to me and still nothing.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mkztg - February 21 - 6:03 pm

  The RX-8 is a fun car to drive. It is expensive to drive because of poor fuel economy and if you dont put "Super" in your tank you will get poor performance too. I have had a few warranty issues come up since I bought it but the dealership has been outstanding to respond to fixing these issues. Great car, I really am glad I bought it, I just wish the accessories for it werent so expensive.

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  Great car for everyday...almost perfect - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By QuickTurn - February 21 - 7:40 am

  Overall, this car feels much more expensive than it is. It offers driving excitement in every run. With a manual transmission, the power delivery is sufficient for everyday drive. It really shines in corning ability. By braking early, you could really accelerate through the turn quickly without a hint of loss of grip. It also rides very well on various road surfaces although its on the firm side. Mazda did a great job tuning this car. One more thing to mention is the quality of the dealer work. After installing accessory or repair work, I couldnt tell any sign of R&R even by careful examine of the relevant areas. The same cannot be said to Toyota or VW, at least to my experience.

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  Best looking car since Studebaker Hawk - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By rjoe1 - February 21 - 1:53 am

  Purchased the car new as my retirement car and only regret is having to burn premium fuel during times of gas crisis. Have yet to find any car as beautifully styled with its supercharged performance.

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  Good but with flaws - 2001 Mazda 626
  By mchilders - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought the four cylinder LX after comparing to other cars. After driving for a couple of months I think I should have gone back to Mitsubishi. The automatic used with the four is from Ford, same one used on the Contour/Mystique line. Not very smooth shifting, quite jerky. Dealer recommended aftermarket cooler so that transmission wont burn out so soon. Talking to others with this car that seems to be a common problem. Been to service a couple of times for warranty work on interior panels and that in window antenna. Replaced rear glass due to faulty antenna (radio would go out when rear defrost is on.)

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  Fantastic! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nick Man - February 20 - 12:06 am

  I have owned my Solar Yellow Mazda3s since April 2004. After test driving the bland Civic, outdated Corolla & overpriced Jetta, my decision came with the 3. I purchased mine with every option available including leather seating surfaces, xenon headlights, auto-dim temp/compass rearview mirror, all-weather floormats, tinted windows (performed by the dealership shortly after purchase) & a whole lot more for less than 20k. Anyone would be hard- pressed to find more "luxury" in a subcompact than Mazda has offered in the 3. People need to remember, this is not a luxury car, it is a subcompact. Were talking a 3, not a 3-Series.

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  Very Reliable - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Drivinthegirls - February 19 - 2:40 am

  I am getting ready to trade my Tribute in. It was my moms before it was mine. She bought it brand new. She nor I have had any problems with the Tribute. The only thing that I would say is bad is the gas mileage. Its a beautiful car. I like it MUCH better than the CX-7. I test drove a CX-7 and the interior was so cramped and remined me of a boxy volvo. The Tribute is awesome. It has been reliable now for 7 years. It has 135,000 miles on it now and still going strong.

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  We have really enjoyed this car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By AJ - February 18 - 8:16 am

  We leased our CX-7 in Mar. of 07 when the model was brand new. We have loved this car. We are spoiled with the sunroof, back-up camera, navigation and space. Our budget is less now, so we will have to give up some of these conveniences in our next car. I agree about the rough ride. Tires wear out very quickly and the ride gets rough and noisy when the tires begin to wear out. We have had a TERRIBLE time with the AC. Went out in Mar. 09, then 3 days after the warranty expired in Mar. 10, it went out again! Hassled with the dealer; they initially refused to cover it and charged us $100 to diagnose it. They ended up installing a new unit and refunded the $100. No other mechanic prob.

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  First Mazda Owned - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By PH - February 18 - 1:36 am

  We traded a Mitsubishi Endeavor for this CX-7 which was a downsizing for us. Gas mileage about the same so far. Dealer suggested regular unleaded gas, but have been afraid to try that yet. Changes gears quite frequently driving in the mountains like we do. Overall satisfied so far.

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  My favorite Mazda yet! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By asilver89 - February 17 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased my zeal red 2013 Mazda CX-5 in AWD touring package in January 2013. I absolutely love this vehicle! This is my 3rd Mazda. My first was a 2004 3 touring (GS), and the second was a 2007 3 GT Sport hatch. I purchased the CX-5 because I wanted an awd vehicle with good fuel economy. The exterior is beautiful, interior is simple, yet clean and easy to look at. Fuel economy is wonderful (actually better than my Mazda 3GT was!) I have no complaints about this purchase. Yes it is slightly underpowered, but I only notice that while merging onto the highway. I almost bought a CX-7 I test drove a few months prior to this and WOW am I ever glad I didnt.