Mazda road test reports and car reviews

Mazda 6 TAKUYA 2010

Bought new 2010, Takuya petrol. No problems to date. Current mileage 12000. Decent MPH Comfortable on long journeys and around built up areas. Responsive engine and steering. Undecided on going for the new model when 3 years old, or keeping it another 3 years and taking out a warranty with warranty Direct or similar. Concerned the new one might not have same pulling power due to emissions reduction as I found in the 59 Model Toyota Avensis.

Mazda 3 1.6D TS Saloon 2004

Bought this car when I retired in Feb 2007 after having 3 Mazda company cars and have not regretted it at all. With all the recent talk about DPF problems I was concerned, so I contacted Mazda. I gave them my engine no. and was very pleased to find out that it was built just before they were fitted. Other than that it’s just needed regular services and new tyres. I have had no problems except the alloys, which were new when I bought the car at 25,000 miles and now at 65,000 miles are a pitted disgrace. This model has no trip computer, but I always fill up and check the mileage and I average 52 mpg in both urban and motorway use. The problem is now, what do I buy next?

Mazda 6 TS 2003

I had four years of virtually trouble free driving out of my 53 plate Mazda 6 diesel, which I’d bought second hand. The fuel pump went almost as soon as I bought it, but it was fixed under warranty. I sold it at 150k miles to buy a diesel Passat that was fine for 2 years and has then cost me a fortune. First the electronic parking brakes stuck on- fixed under extended warrant (would have been £700) and then the turbo bearing went, which cost £1200. I am now worried because I’ve just put a deposit on an 11 plate Mazda 6 and have read all these reviews about DPFs and clutch failures. I’ve never had a clutch fail in 25 years of motoring and I usually keep my cars until over 100k miles.

Mazda RX-8 PZ 2007

I actually owned two RX8s. A 2004 230 and a 2007 PZ (Prodrive/OZ edition, unique to the UK) and both were absolutely fantastic, especially the PZ, which is the pick of all the RX8s in my opinion. Superb handling, decent speed, amazing sound and rev range, decent ride quality and unique styling. It was also far more practical than most people realise, with a boot no smaller than my current Evo X. Despite the internet horror stories, between two cars over 6 years I had one faulty catalyst and a paint flaw and that was it. Make sure you read up on looking after the engines and join an owners club and you’ll love it. Despite an STI and an Evo X since then, I actually miss the RX8. Neither rally rep is anywhere near as fun. Come on Mazda, make the RX9 now, I’ll buy one!

Mazda MX-5 1.8 se 2008

Owned my MK 3 for 4 years now and it still feels as tight as the day I bought it. Routine servicing has been the only expense so far. I didn’t realize how bad my old Celica was to drive (sorry celica owners) until I tried the Mazda. Everybody says it, but it’s true, you feel a connection with the road. It makes every journey an enjoyable event. Definitely a car for those who enjoy their driving. I could really do with two more seats but can’t even contemplate driving a souless eurobox which are so easy and dull to drive. These are obviously produced for the A to B brigade who don’t actually enjoy their driving. The fact that the mx5 is a soft top is an added bonus, roll on summer!

Mazda 3 1.6D TS2 2006

Owned for 3 years. The only faults I’ve had are the airbag light (warranty claim) and abs circuit board, which is a known fault. Good to drive 49mpg, but poorish ground clearance.

Mazda 2 TS2 5 door 2008

Bought new in September 2008. Now four years on with 25000 miles on the clock there are no faults to report except a squeaking noise from the passenger side seat belt buckle slot once in a while, but it rarely shows itself, so not a real problem. The car goes very well for a 1.3 and on our yearly holiday copes well with three people plus luggage and maintains 70/80 and 85mph without being strained. The ride quality seem better when the car is loaded up for some reason and this is the area which could be improved on. I also feel the seat covering could be of better quality and a little more sound proofing around the door seals. We have a 2006 Mini cooper in the family and have to say the Mazda2 handles just as well and find the what seems like an unusaul location for the gear stick is actual better. The gear change is better than the Mini’s too with a nice short throw. A good feature of the Mazda2 is standard fit folding mirrors, which is an optional extra on most of the Ford Fiesta range. All in all very impressed with the car and if the small "finishing touches" were addressed it would be a 5 star car and not a 4. The dealer Skipton Mazda have been great from point of sale (not pushy, ask for John Barrons) and I have found the service costs to be reasonable compared with what I’ve heard from other make dealers (eg Peugeot and Renault). Recommended.

Mazda MX-5 1.8 2011

If you must have a new sports car, there’s not too much competition for the money. However, the gearbox is poor; having to push the pedal to the floor is irritating, and dictates your driving position before you even start. The gearbox is notchy, and the engine when manoeuvering to say park would rather stall than go. On the first MOT at 2500 miles the wipers failed (not covered by the warranty, of course) and cost £47.50 for replacements. So much for famous ’bulletproof’ build quality! The heater when you need it in frosty conditions works when it feels like it and doesn’t clear the screen. If you can find any roads these days the driving experience can be rewarding. My Mazda dealer (Tordoff’s, Leeds) offer nothing in customer care, in fact you’re lucky to get a cup of coffee, and come nowhere near my experiences with Polar Ford dealerships. All in all  although I’ve had two new MX5s I will go for something more sensible next time, either a Jazz, which was great, a Fiesta, also great, or a Golf.

Mazda 6 2006

We bought our Mazda 6 2009 2.2 turbo diesel 163hp 2 years ago on 9000 miles. The car ran like a dream ’til now! The turbo has blown, which has destroyed the engine and filled the exhaust with engine oil. The Mazda main dealers in Cardiff are as much good as a chocolate fire place! Our car was within warranty, but they refused to carry out repairs, blaming the services that we had carried out by other vat registered garages. Also said wrong grade of synthetic oil, too much oil, but oil has never been topped up between services! I never had an idea that there may have been an issue with the car as no light for the pdf came on, no smell, nothing! The estimated cost for repair could be £5000! I still owe a fortune on finance fo the car! Whatever you do do not buy a Mazda 6!

Responses to this review

Hi, I have got a Mazda 6 2.0 Turbo diesel and my engine blew up after 69000 miles. At the time I took it back to Mazda in Newport S Wales and they said to me that all the Mazda 6 are designed to burn oil after 800 miles to 1 litre of oil. I had the same problem of the oil seals on the turbo and suck all the oil out. Again another Mazda design fault they basically wiped there hands off me and told me that because the waraaty had run out; they told me on my bike, it’s now my problem. I have been told that the RF diesel engine is still being used and they know there is a fault but they do not know how to fix it. Even the Mazda 3; the new model has it in them even up to the present day. All in all I had the engine replaced with another one and I dip the oil every day now - once bitten twice shy. My Mazda 6 is on an 2003 and the service bill and parts including the engine and the gearbox; feel out because the gearbox mountings are made from a cheap steel that is in sufficient the final bill so far is HOPE YOU’RE SAT DOWN? Just under five grand. The car has been re-built; the cost of a re-conditioned engine. The rear and front wheel bearings have been replaced, the four brake calipers have been replaced, turbo inter cooler has been replaced, the cooling fans caught on fire and was replaced. The rear wheel arches are rusty and again Mazda called it for a re-call and they looked at the chassis number and turned me away because my chassis number did not match there recall memo. My Mazda is on a loan and you can see from all my problems yours is mild but bad enough though I will keep the car now until it dies so all the best with yours; if I can help any further I will. Regards - Kevin Harkus from Cardiff

Mazda 3 1.6D Sport 2012

This car has really put a smile on my face. I owned a 2010 VW Passat 2.0 TDI Highline previously. This was a beautiful car, but had no soul, or reliability for that matter. It got to the stage where enough was enough, and it had to go. I went to look at the Mazda 3, and two days later drove out the showroom model. The Mazda 3 is wonderful to drive and look at. The equipment levels are superb too. I am hoping that the economy picks up. At the moment I am averaging 46/gallon, some way off the official figures. I have only covered 1,100 miles however. This car stops people in the street. It really is that good!

Mazda E2200 2002

I’ve had this van for 5 years, its done 137,000 miles. I’ve spent nothing on it apart from the odd repair i.e. new rear light and new timing belt. I have had all types of vans but this one is great, starts every time and I go every where in it. I had it serviced a year ago, and last week I noticed it was using a lot of oil, so I decided to do it up and sell it, but I just found that the oil fitter was loose. I tightened it up and took it off the market - Christ that was close call! Mind you, it looks good now so I will run it in to the ground, if i live that long!

Responses to this review

I have to agree with the review. I have a 1988 Mazda e2200 camper and love it, I can’t however, find out the axle weights so can’t pass it’s NCT (Irish MOT). I believe it should have a plate with the axle weights on but it doesn’t. Does anyone know these weights or where they could be found? Thanks - Peter Forrest from Ireland

Mazda 626 2.0 5-speed 1997

Great car, I’ve had two of these now, one being my first car and the other being my daily driver now, have no issues and planning to do a few mods, that’s the only downfall, not very many possible modifications! Great car overall!

Mazda 3 TS2 Activematic 2006

I have a 3 TS2 Activematic. What a fantastic car it is. I bought it brand new in January 2006. The car is in Sunlight Silver and still looks as good as the day it came off the showroom forecourt. It is an extremely comfortable ride and due to the strong chassis it corners very well. I am fortunate in my life to have had driver training and I have never been in a better car on the quiet ’A’ roads, rolling into bends, accelerating out of bends, the handling, it is a lovely car to drive. The gearbox has a four gear set up and the change is faultless. The only issue I can mention is that the 1.6 petrol is slightly sluggish on a bang, but if you see one coming simply select manual gearbox drop down to the gear you need and sorted!! I have seen some bad reviews of this car, but I am honestly baffled by them. I have only ever changed front brake pads in during service intervals once in all my time owning this car (six years). A good buy, a great car and no plans to get rid for a good while yet. If you own a car and it looks after you, especially in these times of austerity. Keep it!

Mazda MX-5 Mk 2.5 2002

These are wonderful cars. Bolted together like a German car but with Japanese reliability. Corners on rails in the dry and fun to drive in the wet, because the back end will go easily enough if you let it. Comfortable too - my wife and I drive to Cornwall in it and prefer it to much bigger saloon cars we’ve owned. My only slight criticism would be to ensure you get yourself one with 6 gears as you’ll really want to change up when you get to 70 mph. However, you won’t regret buying one. If you buy an old one you can run it for 10 years and probably get what you paid for it.

Mazda 5 2.0 D Sport 2008

Bought my Vehicle from new, I got the revised 2008 version because the dealership had told me the problems with heavy tyre wear on the edges had been resolved. Not true, I am on my 3rd set as 25,000 miles. Run them now at 46psi and this at least gives them twice the mileage of the 1st set. I had to have the rear shocks replaced at about 15,000, this was done under warranty. I reported a problem with power steering being heavy at low speeds before warranty ran out and was told there was no problem found and to use a higher tyre pressure, which of course I did. Now I’m told I need to replace the steering pump and of course the car is now out of warranty and the cost of repair is £1500+. I have complained to Mazda about both the type wear issue and now the steering pump issue, both known issues and in the US fixed under recall and warranty. Why do the dealers here deny there is a problem? I no longer trust Mazda as a brand, I will never use their dealers again and will sell this vehicle as soon as possible. I cannot even get an MOT on it!

Mazda 3 3 Sp23 2005

I have to give my Mazda 3 a perfect score. I have nearly 120,000 miles on the odometer with little to complain about. The parts replaced were due to wear, fortunately no faulty workmanship. I have had to replace the front and rear struts as well as shocks. However, I have lowered the car with shorter springs. I have 18" wheels and I am on my 4th set, yet I average 22-26,000 miles on low profile tires. A rear light bulb had to be replaced. Front rotors had to be replaced due to warping. The car has needed to be re-aligned 4-5 times, but I have stiff springs. Headlights had to be replaced to the oem headlights. Gear shift knob is loose and worn. Driver seat is worn and beginning to split on the lower side of the seat closest to the driver door. The carpet is worn and has a hole in it, it needs replaced. My aluminum rims had to be resurfaced, currently the front rim is cracked and needs to be fixed. The air conditioner light cuts on and off, but the cabin cools. This is the worst I can say about the car. I had a aem cold air intake that broke and was replaced for free under the lifetime warranty. The AEM was installed before 1000 miles on the odometer, the same for the magnaflow cat-back exhaust. No problem from either. I run castrol or penzoil synthetic change the oil every 5000 miles. I had a pipe punch a hole through my fog light assembly on the free way. Take it for what it’s worth. I see no need to get rid of it. The car has zero rust and it runs strong. On a tank of gas in the city I average 285-300 miles. On the highway I have gotten as much as 383 miles with the use of cruise control and the fuel light on. It winds up being a very good car that I drive everyday and put 300 plus miles on it a week. I recommend the Mazda 3 because I have not had to contend with any failures due to manufacturing, no need to build a working relationship with a Mazda dealer. Insurance is dirt cheap, the car runs reliably and the workmanship is on par with what I expect. The car is pushing 8 years old and 120,000 miles, hard to complain, hard to beat.

Mazda 5 2006

I have had every problem mentioned in other reviews; tyres, electric windows, dpf,sensor. To date I have spent £1800 on the car in various garages and it’s still not fixed. The Mazda dealership offered a new turbo at the cost of £1800+ vat. I took it to another garage and put in a reconditioned turbo, a new sensor and all the usual oil filters etc, however, the dpf light was still on and there was smoke billowing from the exhaust. I took it to another garage who are experts in electrics and the light is now off, but has cost me another £500. No one knows where the smoke is coming from. I did expect some after the turbo was replaced, but not to this extent. I now hear words like "pistons" and "catalytic converter". When is it going to end? I cannot trade it in and cannot afford to not fix it further. This car cost £15000 and now 5 years later at 65000 miles it is going to end up worth £150 as scrap. I am very cross to say the least.

Mazda 6 2.2d 163 2009

I have had this 161bhp Mazda 6 diesel for 8 months now and am thoroughly enjoying it. It drives well with plenty of practical space, returns high 40s mpg(I have measured it properly many times over long distances and computer is around 3-4mpg optimistic) and has huge safe overtaking power. The only negatives I think you could pick out (all don’t bother me really) are, hardish ride at low speeds for some, vision could be better i.e. looking past the door frames and mirrors you have to do it properly and not a quick flick and go. Also the controls on the dash could be a little easier to get at quickly, however once you get used to them after a few weeks its ok. Just waiting to see if the reliabiliy is as good, only time will tell!

Mazda Tribute 2005

My Mazda Tribute’s right rear wheel well rusted completely off, leaving my strut hanging. I had it welded at a friends shop at a cost of $1100 to fix it. Two months later he informed me he had had another with the same problem, which also had a sunroof.

Mazda BT-50 Double Cab TS 2007

I bought my BT50 new in May 2007. The discount was massive and compared to the price of Nissan’s, Toyota’s and Mitsubishi’s the choice was easy as the drive is exellent. The only faults have been service items, battery, front shock and EGR valve clean. With all the money saved I got new 17 inch alloy wheels and tyres, a spray on bedliner (brilliant product), truck top and tinted windows. I’ve now done 57000 miles and need to replace my rear tyres; General Grabber’s last forever. This has been the best vehicle I’ve owned, great in the winter and so much storage available in the summer (camping etc.). In 2007 it was very easy for people to pay twice as much as I did for other pick-ups. Well chuffed.

Mazda BT-50 2008

I have owned this truck from new (4 years) and I cannot think of anything to grumble about with it, I have had no problems whatsoever. The original Bridgestone Dueller tyres were terrible and made the truck skittish at roundabouts etc. Once changed to Vredesteins the truck is now very sure footed. I have driven all other popular trucks and can honestly say I wouldn’t have any of them over my Mazda. I have used it daily doing anything from heavy towing, round town and long distance high speed driving and nothing is a problem. Great motor!!

Mazda 3 TS 1.6 Diesel 2011

We chose the Mazda as a family car as I spent just over a year selling them from a main dealer back in 2006. I know they are reliable, as we did not get one recovered in while I worked there. You also get a lot of car for your money. It’s spacious, comfortable to drive and very economical, even when driving around town. Maintenance costs are very reasonable, as I know from working at the dealership. One down side is German cars have a little better finesse in the finish, but that does not bother me one bit! Highly recommended!

Mazda 5 Furano 2010

The car is superb. Quick, responsive and handles very well. You can really power through corners like roundabouts with confidence as the electronic trickery keeps you on the road and increases friction. Of course, tyres are the place where all of this is dependent and (inside or outside wear due to model/year aside) the more you thrash the corners the more tyres you will need more quickly. The fact that you can drive this car so confidently and assuredly should be applauded.  I am on 22k with one front change of tyres and can’t speak highly enough of how good the drive, sliding doors, engine, control and interior have been. Love it!

Mazda 3 Sport 2.0 2005

I had a Mazda 626 for 11 years from second hand. It was so reliable, I was sad to finally let it go. I decided to go with Mazda again and bought a second hand Mazda 3 Sport 2.0 from a main dealer, but have to say the petrol consumption is noticeably higher compared to the old 2.0 626 model. Shortly after purchasing it the accelerator pedal got stuck on at high speed.....very frightening! I was told nothing was wrong and it was the mats. I stuck to my guns and after over 3 weeks a cable was found to be faulty and it was replaced. Two and a half months later the same fault reoccurred! The outcome is not yet known. Be warned!

Mazda E2200 1993

I’ve just bought my second E2200 and only realised how good these vans were after getting rid of my first. I’ve driven allsorts in-between and always found myself missing my Mazda. They just work well and are really comfy to drive; you’re right on top of the engine and you can really see where you’re putting it. With its cartoon campervan shape (sulking bottom lip front bumper ) these vans are a true classic of the future. My latest one is a K reg (1993), which has only done 43000miles. I’m going look after this one, I feel like I’ve got an old pal back.

Mazda 5 1.8 TS2 2008

I have had our Mazda 5 1.8 TS2 for 3.5 years and have done 24000 miles. We have it on a lease with all maintenance covered. After two years, at around 13000 miles the power steering pump cut out twice after performing a number of turns at low speeds. This was replaced under warranty and the dealer advised us it was a known issue to do with overheating. Our car then failed on its first MOT at three years and 19000 miles. Both the rear shocks shocks needed replacing (dealer advised this was normal for my vehicle and I see why reading all your comments) and because we lease this was done at no cost, but we were left without our car for a week and offered no courtesy car, which was just great as that week my wife needed to go in to hospital for a scheduled op and we needed to drop our niece and nephew back to Colchester from Norfolk. So although our car has had issues that do seem to be caused by design flaws I’m happy because I’ve not paid to put it right. If, however, I was expected to pay for repairs due to clearly flawed design I would have been very angry by now. A note on tyre wear: As with everyone elses mine have worn unevenly, but lasted 12000 miles on the first set and I thought this was reasonable. The problem seemed to improve by running slightly higher tyre pressures.

Mazda 5 1.8 ts 2006

For any of you out there who are having problems with the electric windows there is a reset for them if your passenger windows are not working from the drivers side controls: 1). Switch on ignition 2). Jump in the passenger seat and push down electric window button hold for 5 seconds. 3). Pull up the button and hold for a further 5 seconds. You should now be able to operate the windows from the drivers controls panel. I had this problem and a friend of mine told me this is a reset for them. The only other thing I have had go wrong with the car is the tyre issue, but I changed them to budget tyres at only £30 each and I have done over 20k on them.

Mazda 5 2006

We bought this car second hand, with a full service history, in 2006 with 33K miles on the clock. So far I have replaced the tyres (fair enough), shocks, there has been a DPF fault and now it suddenly goes into limp mode if on the motorway! I took it to Mazda who said air filter was blocked. I then had an air flow sensor changed and the problem is still there. Mazda said if the sensor didn’t fix the problem then it would be the computer, which would be mega expensive to fix. This car is 6 years old and has only done 59,500 miles, yet it appears to be a right off. On a positive note the sliding doors are ace and I highly reccommend them. So in summary: A brilliant car if you only own it when it’s under full warranty, as soon as the warranty expires get rid!

Responses to this review

Just part-ex’ed my ’07 Mazda 5 sport with 85k on the clock - DPF filter fault caused a near desth incident on motorway at Xmas. Mazda said the DPF filter, exhaust valve and sensor have gone, quoted £5-6k! Got it done for £2.4k and have got rid for a meagre £4.5k - don’t go near an old model diesel! - Fezzer Fez from Oxfordshire

I have had a 2000 premacy for 9 years. No problems apart from dealers inventing failures. I had problem with exhaust valve.  Dealer wanted £700 to check fuel pump. Local Bosch diesel fitter fixed it for £60. Blanked off sensor so valve didn’t operate. Fantastic car otherwise as long as you steer clear of British dealers - B C from England