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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  Exactly what I needed - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By skipfedorac - January 6 - 9:40 am

  I spent the better part of 5 months researching and test driving every 6 cylinder cross over SUV with a third row. I narrowed my search to CX-9, Acadia, Pilot and MDX. Having owned a 2003 Tahoe I really wanted a car-like driving experience without sacrificing too much size. Im 64" so I need the room. The verdict: The Acadia drove like my Tahoe, large and lumbering. It definitely has the size but the driving experience wasnt there. The Pilot drove nicely but its exterior styling and small 3rd row werent what I was looking for. The MDX was very nice both to drive and in features but the price for equal features was in BMW/Audi territory. The CX9 hit the mark both inside and out.

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  Civic Alternative - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Brian Burchanowski - January 5 - 3:30 pm

  Bought this car used in Jan 06 with 26,000 miles. This car is a bargain compared to the Civic--you get the same quality and reliability without paying for the name! Plus, the Protege has a 2.0L instead of a Civics 1.8. My car has the five speed and acceleration is excellent for an economy car. The engine is peppy and revs freely, with a satisfying exhaust note. The car is fun to drive and is easy throw around back roads. Steering feedback and braking are also excellent (it might be worth splurging on the ES to get rear disks though). As for reliability, between the previous owner and myself the car has only ever needed oil changes and one set of rotors and pads.

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  Great economical suv - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By maumannion - January 5 - 10:00 am

  Best price, good gas mileage for suv, very roomy and comfortable. already took trip this summer from Florida to Wyoming with 5 yr old granddaughter. Excellent vehivle for traveling.

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  Trouble from the start - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By fracol4125 - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Mazda RX-8 several weeks ago. In just under 2 weeks and less than 600 miles the car broke down. It will not move out of second gear. The dealer has had the car over 6 days and cannot figure out what the problem is. I love the car but if this an indication of the reliability of the car I think Mazda is going to have a real dog on its hand. The fact that Mazda has been unable to determine the problem in over 6 days does not give me a comfort that this is a simple defect.

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  Grab the 6 5-door - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By internetmandude - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I had to write a review regarding this car. I have the automatic. I test drove competing cars like the Camry and Altima (the Accord and Galant were too ugly to be considered) and the 6 won hands down. The 6 looked better than all the competitors, had many of their optional features standard and blew them away with the space of the 5-door that still looks like a cool sedan! The warranty is better at 4yrs/50,000 miles with free rental cars and roadside assistance! The price I paid for mine was also less than I wouldve paid for the other boring cars that you see at every single street light!

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  The most fun car Ive ever driven - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - January 3 - 6:53 am

  Hands down this is the most fun car Ive ever driven. This car has actually made me look forward to my hour long commute every morning. The power is more than sufficient and the handling is excellent. The only drawbacks to this car are the two very minor recalls already issued (although my dealer was able to fix them both in under and hour) and the gas mileage.

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  So Far Not So Bad - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By sangria6 - January 3 - 6:30 am

  Purchased new in Oct 08 and received a great deal. Have 6200 miles on it and have not had any issues. Mileage is great, performance is great. Paint quality/durability seems to be lacking. Possibly needs a better clear coat? Ride comfort, features, quiet interior, and looks are really nice. No issues at all. Prefer the "old school" oil filter spin on canisters, but hopefully a conversion kit will be out soon.

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  Love the style but maintenance is the killer - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By JSPEED6 - January 3 - 5:26 am

  I bought mine back in May 06. I loved the styling and functionality of the hatchback without looking like one. My only complaint from the start was the lack of engine pickup. Its nice to have a smooth riding car but it has no oomf. Im only at 25k miles and brought it in for inspection to find that I needed new rear brakes and rotors...already? The new rotors rust up often like the old ones so I dont anticipate any longer wear. Also my check engine light was on due to a faulty O2 sensor that they were going to replace but got a new "procedure" to reset and see if it happens again....it did and I had to drop off for a couple days all over again. Be prepared to spend the maintenance dollars.

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  Fantastic car... zoom zoom - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By fantasticcar - January 2 - 3:00 am

  Before buying our car, I read a lot of reviews here on Edmunds of people saying how wonderful their MX-5s were. These reviews helped me in deciding to get the true-red Miata MX-5 Grand Touring with splash guards and chrome fuel door over the competition. Weve had our car about 10 days now and I can truly say this is the most fun car I have ever owned. The engineers at Mazda definitely got it right. Its obvious theyve been doing this for 18 years. The cars lines are very sexy and pleasing to the eye and the performance will really get your heart beating. Now the only problem I face is arguing with my wife over who gets to drive the car today.

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  After 6 Months, I Love It - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bruce6 - January 2 - 1:00 am

  I deliberately waited to write this till Id owned it 6 months and the new- purchase glow wore off. But I love my 3 as much as the day I bought it. Its quick, roomy, sharp-looking, and an utter blast to drive. Lots of room front and rear for a smallish car, lots of cargo room, all the amenities one could reasonably want standard. And on the highway the thing feels rock-solid and amazingly smooth blasting along at 80 MPH. The only drawback is that the peppy performance from the 2.3 engine does come at a cost of only so-so fuel economy. I can get up to 28-29 on the highway, but in city or mixed driving it drops appreciably. No matter. I adore this car.