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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  Love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By michiganman25 - March 1 - 3:55 pm

  Bought my wagon in March 2010 with 100k on the odometer, now has 118k on it and going strong. The not so great: Just replaced shocks and struts, which was not cheap but now she drives like a new car. Ive also replaced a belt tensioner and a power steering line in the year ive had it. The back hatch has always been tricky to open, and i havent been thrilled with the paint quality, but it still looks beautiful when its cleaned up. The good: Runs like a champ, tons of cargo space, nice interior, handles great, awesome bose sound system, and lots of other great options. I get compliments on it all the time, it is one sexy wagon!

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  Aint she cute? and Sporty too! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Betty - March 1 - 2:03 am

  Bought this car about 1 1/2 yrs ago w/73k miles on it, little ol lady owned it, now has about 107k. Figured wed get good mpg since its small, about 28 avg. right now, better than 17 we replaced it with! Really wanted a manual transmission, that would have really made it even more fun to drive, and probably better mpg. Put synthetic oil in at about 80k miles after lots of research and believe that made a difference. We all enjoy the drive (ages 19-50), handles real good, tires can make BIG difference though! Four bangers seem to be a little noisy but after we replaced bearings due to accident it made quite a difference! Picks up & gos pretty good and overall Nice car!

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  Good stuff - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By joshua - February 28 - 5:43 pm

  Just a well built and very solid car. Handles well,smooth engine and transmission. First time I have had auto climate control and love it. This feature needs to trickle down to cheaper cars in every brand. You all out there should take a look at this rig.

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  2014 Mazda Manual Hard Top - 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By fgbill - February 28 - 3:02 pm

  Fun to drive! Had to re-learn shift points for a 6-speed. Havent had the top down yet (rain and snow are not conducive). Interior climate control works well. Seats are fairly comfortable. Needed to fiddle with height, depth, and back angle to comfortable. I went for a Mazda 3 hatchback to this and it is definitely a step up in the fun category!

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  So far so good - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By zetaminer - February 28 - 11:53 am

  Ive had my 3s for 3 months now and have had no mechnical problems. There was some rail dust in the paint but was fixed under warranty. This was the first time I ever bought a car so Im not sure how to rate Mazda dealership service overall. However I orginally looked/test drove in the St. Louis area and did have a bad experience. I ended up buying my car in the Omaha area, mostly because they had an 04 left that didnt have all the options so that it stayed in my price range with the $1000 04 rebate. The service at Sheridan Mazda in Council Bluffs IA has so far been good. They call me to check up on the paint situation and my overall satisfaction with the car.

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  Excellent Mid-grade Car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By flysandy72 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  My 626 has been an excellent car. I found this model with a comfortable leather interior that feels much more expensive. My 4 cylinder could use a bit more power so go for the V6 if you can (later years only offer leather with V6). Only other complaints are road noise and turn radius, two issues I can live with for the price.

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  Excellent All Around - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Chef GuyPA - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This car handles better than anything else I have driven in this category of cars. The seats are comfortable and the ride is good. Overall, this car is the most fun Ive had driving a new car in a long time. In fact, Ive had mine for 2 weeks now, and I still cant bring myself to take out the paper thats covering the floor mats!!!! While this may not be the most powerful car in its class, it may not be the roomiest car in its class either, but for my dollar, this is by far the most fun and best handling car in its class.

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  2003 mpv - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By norm - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Seems much better though smaller than my Fords Windstar... Mazda shows quality with this car

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  I LOVE MY TRIBUTE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Vanessa - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I initially wanted to buy a Nissan Xterra for about the same price i got my tribute, i would have a lower model (no leather etc.) Test drove the Xterra and steering was wtiff. Test drove cars like Santa Fe and Tribute and i loved the Tribute the best. I am enjoying this truck: nice looks, nice feel, looks expensive. Great Everything!

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  Best car I ever owned - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By trf10412 - February 27 - 9:03 pm

  By far this is the best quality car that I have ever owned. I had a 2005 Mazda 3s and I loved it. Just traded that for a 2008 Mazda3 Grand Touring 5 door. This one is even better that the my first one. The standard equipment is incredible.