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Post #8 by me gave a brief history of the Ford/Mazda partnership. They sold 20% of the total Mazda stock, leaving Ford with about 13.4% ownership of Mazda, doing so they essentially relenquished control of the company that had been headed by a Ford selected CEO since the 90's.
They're now selling most of their remaining stake.
First off, let me say I'm a Honda/Toyota Loyalist.
Any loyalist (former/current) and even those who are tired of hearing about these cars know the saying Honda's/Toyota's never die/last forever. Unfortunately my old reliable '97 Honda Civic has reached it's end. (Honda haters can "rejoice;" However, it lasted for 200k+ miles, so I'm not too disappointed
I now have a 2002 Mazda Protege, which is the predecessor to the becomingly popular Mazda 3. I'm happy with the car thus far.
I don't know much about Mazda in general, except that they're a Japanese company owned by Ford. I've heard some good things about the Protege and the 3, the competitors to the obvious Corollas and Civics. However, in general, it seems most people speak of the obvious ones moreso than the Mazda.
How is Mazda in general as a brand, and why is it not mentioned as much as "(Honda/Toyota) " or even Nissan as good/decent Japanese cars? Has it improved, or was it just not popular until the 3s and 6s rolled out? Do most consumers just assume it's "American"?
Good question. Protege is a great car, love the MPS versions.
I think its marketing. Mazda really has an outstanding lineup but the "Zoom Zoom" crap has never caught on and they insist on sticking with it.
They also added this ridiculously goofy GAPING SMILE that doesn't help.
People rather buy Hyundai/Kia then a Mazda and I don't really understand why at all. I much prefer what Mazda offers.
They're now selling most of their remaining stake.
They haven't confirmed anything either way, but it seems like they will be. Ford is still carrying massive debt and is finding it hard to get investment capital. Selling their shares in Mazda is an easy way for them to raise cash. I don't think we would see a change in their strategic partnership even if Ford fully divested as the two companies are very intertwined and have many joint venture plants.
Good question. Protege is a great car, love the MPS versions.
I think its marketing. Mazda really has an outstanding lineup but the "Zoom Zoom" crap has never caught on and they insist on sticking with it.
They also added this ridiculously goofy GAPING SMILE that doesn't help.
People rather buy Hyundai/Kia then a Mazda and I don't really understand why at all. I much prefer what Mazda offers.
I disagree about zoom zoom. I think the program has been very successful. EVERYONE knows zoom zoom belongs to Mazda. And they know that Mazda stands for fun to drive.
I disagree about zoom zoom. I think the program has been very successful. EVERYONE knows zoom zoom belongs to Mazda. And they know that Mazda stands for fun to drive.
Sales say otherwise. There has been no infux of buyers to Mazda even with a much improved lineup and one that is fun to drive compared to the competition. Outside the 3 and MX-5, they seem to be after thoughts in each class. Shame b/c the lineup is solid.
Almost no carmaker's sales are very good. A few specific models of various carmakers are doing better, but in general, no.
Mazda's strength is the 3 and the CX-9. The MX-5 is steady. The RX-8 is getting stale and needs something new.
The 6 is a very good car, but it has always struggled be taken seriously by the buyer that bought the Accord or Camry. Before the redesign it was a bit compact inside.
Mazda needs a better small SUV. The Tribute (Escape clone) is OK, but nowhere hear the CR-V, the RAV4, or the Forrester.
One of the few things I think Mazda does that hurts them is they seem to go 5 years instead of 4 for significant updates. In some cases it is far longer. The RX8 has been essentially unchanged since it was first introduced. Not one meaningful drivetrain change.
Maybe Mazda will build its own small SUV instead of using the Ford Escape. That could be interesting.
^^ That is not accurate. Mazda is selling around 18-22k a month. Well that is as much as BMW, Benz, Lexus a month! Yet is a much cheaper brand.
In ten years Hyundai and Kia are blowing past Mazda. ZOOM ZOOM is not working. It sounds cute but if it doesn't translate TO SALES it is not effective.
Mazda seems to still not have carved a niche in people's minds on what it is. Outside the 3 and MX-5 again, nothing is class leading even though they offer great products.
I really like Mazda. Damn shame people rather drive pedestrian copy cat Kias and Hyundais then a Mazda. Clearly Hyundai/Kia figured out what Americans want.
More Mazdas are raced every week than any other car brand (a large part of this statement speaks to the success of the Miata and its widespread embrace by grassroots motorsports).
true. go to any autocross event and count miatas.
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(Honda haters can "rejoice;"
However, it lasted for 200k+ miles, so I'm not too disappointed
