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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  2nd Time Around - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bill - August 16 - 11:40 pm

  This is our 2nd Mazda. We owned a 03 Protege 5 prior to buying our 05 Mazda 3. Overall the 03 seemed more solid, however the 05 features, options and power make up for it. Loaded the 05 up and enjoy all the options. Would have bought the yellow over the white, but it was not as nice as the yellow on our 03.

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  upset - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By nosake - August 16 - 9:26 am

  When I first saw this Mazda 3 in red on the dealership lot, I knew Id own it. My first Mazda. I had been looking for an affordable, efficient car for about two years.

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  2001 Mazda Protege LX - Minor Problems - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By kevin111 - August 15 - 5:56 pm

  Quality compact with excellent fuel mileage. 35 mpg on a trip with automatic and the air on. Overdrive sips gas. Tight build quality. Great handling. Impressive interior room. Stylish exterior design. Relatively quiet except when engine is pushed. Very compliant ride. Quality car but Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic might be better.

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  Stay Away From This Car and Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Home Theater Guy - August 15 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this car for our family because of the dual sliding doors, size and fuel economy. What we got was a lemon. Within the first 2000 miles the A/C went out. Four months later, the A/C went out again. We had this car at the dealer 4 times for A/C repairs alone. In the 14 months we had this vehicle we also had the radio replaced because the sound wouldnt come on. The check engine light came one twice, which required two more visits to the dealer for engine jerking and sluggishness. Up to the day we traded this vehicle, it would wobble or bounce on perfect roads as if it were out of line or the wheels were not balanced. We had those items checked many times, with no changes.

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  626 sedan - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Oundle - August 14 - 11:03 pm

  So reliable, Ive been the only owner and driver to date. 8 yrs of trouble free motoring.

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  Michael Gilchrist - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By gilxunlimited - August 14 - 12:46 pm

  Great no complaints

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  Excellent 2nd car - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Stuart - August 14 - 3:30 am

  This is the most fun-to-drive car that Ive ever had the pleasure of driving. Not especially fast, but the chassis dynamics are an excellent compromise between comfort and control. The stock exhaust provides an aural symphony as you run through the gears. To maximize acceleration, youll need to spin it >4k rpm. Shifting is a "snick-snick" proposition with short, precise throws. Dont expect a limo ride, but its far from punishing. Handling is excellent - balanced, with moderate roll and good feel through the wheel. Trunk space is limited; it could use a 6th gear; rear-side visibility is limited with the top up; and the car is not quiet. These are the demerits.

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  Its a Canadian Lemon - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By RT27 - August 14 - 3:16 am

  By far the worst example of customer service Ie ever experienced. Car is 9 months old, had a hesitation problem from day 1. Been in the shop 6 times for 23 days, couldnt fix the problem then Mazda said it was normal. I requested a replacement and they refused. Went through arbitration, an independent test was ordered and confirmed my complaint that it doesnt run properly. Mazda Canada was ordered to buy back the car. I wanted to purchase another but Mazda Canada is refusing to lease me another because "theyre all like that and I wouldnt be happy with another" Bull, Ive driven 6 others and they were fine. Mazda wont refund the $450.00 extended warranty!

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  Rating vehicle - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By thomas - August 13 - 10:36 am

  The car handles good, good on gas, comfortable to drive, very nice to own, will not sell it for nothing in the world, but would like to buy a another one.

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  Not Bad. - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By dudechuck - August 12 - 1:49 pm

  We bought the Mazda5 based on a my wifes friend. She had one and loved it. She had the 07, and by reading reviews we settled on the 08. It was nice for a family of four, once our child was able to seat forward facing. There is not enough room for a rear facing car seat in the second row. You can do it but the person in the front seat has to scoot way up for and it is not comfortable. It was reliable all except the power steering would go out. It was repleced on a recall for free and we did not have any further problems. It was terrible in the snow and got stuck several times in a few inches of snow. The engine is also way to small for the vehicle, with limited highway power.