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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  Excellent - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By buffet2 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is the first new car that I have purchased. I have enjoyed the car! It is roomier than its competitors. With a family and a busy schedule, that is really important. I am still getting high gas mileage even though the car is a year old. It was difficult at first to get used to a 4 cylinder, but this car still has enough horsepower that I dont seem to notice it anymore.

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  Nice Packaging - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Dave L - May 24 - 10:00 am

  We purchased 4 weeks ago and simply love it. My Co. car is a Winstar and there is simply no comparison. Our previous used Grnd Caravan was a money pit. We love the ext. styling and the way the interor is packaged together is superb. After looking at the length & width of the van, we almost didnt even consider it. Im glad we didnt make that mistake. After the test drive, I was sold. Check it out. This one is not a drive by.

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  Light and Quick - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By James, Dallas - May 24 - 10:00 am

  As an Audi owner, I drove the TT Coupe prior to buying my RX-8, and I have to say the RX-8 blows away the TT. Hands down the RX-8 is lighter, more responsive, quicker, and more comfortable. In addition, the back seat is much roomier than the TT Coupe, in fact, adults can actually sit back there comfortably. The rotary engine purrs and demands to be driven between 4-5,000 RPMs. And with a red-line of 9,000, I have yet to use 6th gear. Cruising down the highway at 80 mph is easy on the engine in 5th gear. Since the car was just released, I dont have any maintenance history so I cant speak to that. But for the first 300 miles, this car cooks!

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  This car rocks! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greg - May 24 - 6:16 am

  We have had this car for two months and fall in love with it more each day. We absolutely love the 6 speed manual - it has made driving fun again. The ride is excellent and the car is a real head turner. Although the car is not fully loaded (No Nav system - it is equipped with everything we need, except maybe heated seats). The car has handled superbly in severe winter conditions - heavy snow and ice. We feel in control, even when driving conditions are bad. This has been a great buy and my wife and I would purchase this again - maybe one for me! Mazda really hit a home run with this re-design and we are looking forward to the 2010 Mazda 3! ZOOM-ZOOM All the way!!

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  02 Mazda MPV LX with GFX Package - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Amy - May 24 - 2:50 am

  I did extensive research before purchasing my MPV and found the MPV to be the best price with the most standard and unique features. At the time, Odyssey was the only other minivan with tumble flat rear seats, and the MPV had the unique feature of rolldown rear windows. I liked the look (very sporty) and the motto ("body of a minivan, soul of a sports car"). I still love all these things, but have been disappointed with the reliability. I have it serviced regularly at my local dealer, yet it has been in the shop for repairs at least 6 times since I bought it. 3 weeks ago, it left me stranded with my 2 small children in the car. Its also been in for 2 recalls and my tires wore out at 28k miles.

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  Love it - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By lipman photo - May 23 - 3:06 am

  This car is a joint venture between Volvo ford and mazda.It is really got a lot of Volvo in it . It is just great to drive. I keep looking for reasons to drive somewhere. The mileage is about 20 in the city and 27 on the highway

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  Fantastic driving experience - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Vinnie Dee - May 22 - 2:16 am

  I have been driving over 56 years and my Mazda Tribute has been the most enjoyable drive ever! In three years of driving the only mechanical problem required replacement of the transmission which was dealt with very well by the dealer. It still has a new car smell and each time I get in it I feel as excited as when it was new. The finish is still like new and shines as if just waxed. Soon I will be ready for an upgrade to a more current model.

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  Should have bought a Civic - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By HSworker - May 21 - 4:56 pm

  This car is OK. It has a bunch of little problems. (keyless intry works some of the time, CD players volume goes up when turned down, CD plays some of the time. CUp holder sucks. AC is loud as can be yet doesnt blow that much air. Dealerships dont want to fix things under warranty. They cant find anything until repeated trips are made. No loaner cars offered even for multiple day factor fixes. The plastic clips that hold panels on break randomly and just fall off. This from a guy who Meguiars his car inside/out + engine. I should have bought that used Toy Avalon or new Honda civic.

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  One Year Later - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By mary668 - May 21 - 9:40 am

  One year later, no major problems. Runs well, still comfortable, decent sound system (I dont expect a studio experience), no new noises, rear door still occasionally resists latching once, closes the second time. My primary concern is getting on the interstate via a short ramp and 70mph plus speeds whizzing by, this car can be dangerous trying to get up to speed fast. It hesitates too long or is unpredictable in its response. Hope future CX-5 engineers fix this danger.

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  a great car at a great price - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By jerome - May 17 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Mazda. I admit that much of my decision was driven by what I have read on Edmunds and other car review sites. That being said, I can find little fault this persistently fun car. At 62" I was unnecessarily worried about room; theres plenty for myself and my family of four. It handles like its on rails, and its spirited engine is quite responsive. The mileage could be better, but given the engines performance, its a trade-off I can live with. Everything about this car screams attention to detail. Mazda has a real winner here.