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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  2000 Mazda Protege LX automatic - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Josh - March 27 - 1:53 pm

  Car is going strong at 95,000 miles. Only repairs done to date are new door lock actuators, the radio/CD player, and recently replaced EGR valve. Gas mileage is great for an automatic, between 30 and 35 MPG. I even averaged 40 MPG once. My only complaints are the small engine and placement of rearview mirror which obstructs vision.

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  perfect city car for families - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By dana - March 26 - 4:20 pm

  I wanted to upgrade to a bigger car than our Honda civic, which was getting a little small for our two kids and their friends. I was very interested in the Odyssey, but learned from friends that the gas mileage in NYC was under 15 mpg. I found out about the mazda5 and am hooked. Its really easy to park (its only a foot or so longer than the civic) my kids love bringing their friends along for a ride, and quite spacious when all the seats are folded down.

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  The Non Mainstream Sedan - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By leo_miami - March 26 - 1:45 pm

  This is a beautiful affordable sedan. It has character and the ride quality is not bad even with the 19" wheels. It looks and feels upscale inside a out. I got it with the Sunroof and Bose package which is a must for this car. The Stereo sounds amazing. The car feels safe and stable.

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  My Mazda 3 S Touring - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By William Schwarz - March 23 - 10:50 am

  I have only about 300 miles on the Mazda. It is fun to drive and handles very well. The steering and suspension is crisp, the brakes are responsive and smooth. My first tank of gas, mostly local suburban driving, was over 28 MPG. The engine runs slightly rough idling while stopped. I was told this is characteristic of a four cylinder engine. It is surprisingly quick off the line. The only other comment I have is that the key fob does not have a button to open the trunk. All doors may be locked and unlocked from the key fob but for some reason they did not include a trunk release which seems like an oversight. The body panels have good fit, finish and integrity. So far I am very pleased.

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  3 years and Going - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Kentucky Driver - March 21 - 10:00 am

  My wife loves to drive it because of its get up and go. Drives as smooth and comfortable as a sports car. After 30,000 miles I took it in to replace pads. I was surprised when the rotors were worn down to nothing. Cost me $400. I was always curious why this car generated so much brake dust. At 45,000 miles, the car just stalled. I read other Tribute drivers experienced this. For the most part, we love this SUV...now if we can just get rid of that incessant rattle in the hatch.

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  Beware of interior and paint - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By dd mass - March 19 - 10:00 am

  so far car has been good except the moldings around radio the black plastic moldings melted in the heat and mazda will not cover them due to outside influence so mazda does not stand behind there products hope if anything happens to engine they stand behind that paint chips to easily

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  My experience with the new 3 GTI - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Andrew - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy driving my car everyday to work, since Im not a long distance driver, I really want to go on a long trip on my car, cause It feels great driving it. My car as an annoying sound on the dashboard that the dealer hasnt been able to identify, it develops specially on hot temperatures, it really bothers me, but everything else is excellent.

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  Best Minivan for the Price - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Jason - March 19 - 7:23 am

  We looked at every other van on the market and for the price it was a great buy. Plus Mazda is willing to cut a deal to get you in one of their cars. We paid well under the listed price for this van. The power is great for a 3.0L vehicle of this size. The transmission is a bit slow to respond; that would be my only complaint. But not many of the vans we tried responded like a race car. We spent a week in the Sierras driving on and even a little off-road (mostly fire roads) and had no issues. With a family of 6 we would have liked the van to be a little longer to store more equipment. But it worked. Great style and power for $10,000 less than the Honda.

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  Good looking car but bad quality - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By bad qulity - March 17 - 11:56 am

  Its a great looking car, but a lot of repairs. For the last 2 years Ive been around 30 times to dealerships, I changed the transmission twice, trunk shocks 4 times, battery, changed tires twice and so on. Now have problem with the engine and my warranty just expired. I am not recommending to buy this car - a lot of trouble. I am so tired to go every time to the dealership and wait for my car to be fixed, sometimes its more then a week I have to wait, its time consuming and a big headache. The car is shaking when you start this car. Slow switching from gears. Does not accelerate fast enough.

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  Good, but not that good - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeremy - March 15 - 3:06 pm

  I purchased my Mazda in Jan of 2005 new. I was a great price and I could not resist it. However, the had problems within the first year of owning the it. I had to replace the tires after 20K of driving. In year 2 I had to replace the breaks. I also noticed that I was getting less than 300 miles to the tank, which was pretty sad considering I drive mostly highway at 70-75 mph. Now, I am by no means an aggressive driver these types of issues should not happen in such a short amount of time. In year 3 my battery died,but what got me was that I had to replace the shock. I traded this one in for a Honda, but I think I got a lemon on this one.