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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  Some early impressions - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By cre8tive1 - November 21 - 6:07 pm

  Ive only been driving this Mazda 3 Touring hatchback for a little over a week, so take what I say for what its worth. However, I am comparing this 2014 to my 2004 Mazda 6 i manual 5 speed which I traded for the current car. First, let me say Im loving the looks of this car and enjoy the overall performance. While its no powerhouse, the 2.0 has enough Zoom-zoom to feel spirited and enjoyable to drive. Unfortunately with the combination of 155 hp and auto transmission, there is a noticeable lack of power compared to my 10 year old Mazda 6. By comparison, I was able to attain at 0-60 time of 8.4 seconds in the 6 but only a disappointing 10.5 seconds in the new Mazda 3.

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  Many problems! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By artiesmartie - November 20 - 7:10 am

  I am very dissapointed with my Mazda3! Ive had it for 6 months and Ive had many problems with it. I live in Ottawa, Canada and winters here are quite cold. The car never started on the first try on a cold day, no hot air (there is a defect in all 2004s that no one knows about), there is noise when one turns (most likely from the axles), interior rattles quite often, and the biggest frustration is the vibrations from under the seat. Ive been fighting with my dealership to fix these problems, but so far they do not have any clue what causes such things. The replaced my axles, brake pads, heating system, and nothing has been FIXED! Be warned about this car.

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  Excellent car for the $$$ - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By j t - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle is a great vehicle for the money. One feels good when driving it. Creature comforts make this vehicle stand out. We bought it for 19.9 and is still currently advertised that way in local papers brand spanking new.

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  Fun, Fun, Fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By silverstreak - November 20 - 2:00 am

  The choice was between the Protege5 and the Matrix/Vibe. The PR5 has sportier looks and performance. Exterior styling not as radical as the Matrix/Vibe. I wanted a carpeted cargo area. Interior cloth looks like brushed suede and looks classy. This car seems to appeal to all ages, from the middle aged to teens that like to customize their cars. I find myself volunteering to bring my kids places and run errands just to drive it more. Zoom Zoom!

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  Zoom-Zoom -- Theyre not just kidding! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Marcia - November 19 - 12:56 pm

  Zoom-Zoom is right. The Mazda3 is an unbelievable ride. It has powerful acceleration, great handling, and good looks to boot. I found the average mileage to be around 28mpg. I couldnt be happier with my purchase.

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  Enjoy my Miata - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Glenn - November 19 - 11:20 am

  I enjoy my Miata very much. I used to drive short distances to work and it was my primary car but since I do heavy interstate driving now I have purchased a larger car ... feel safer when trucks and SUVs are racing by. Love to drive it to the beach with the top down. Excellent quality, have never had any problems with it. Plan to keep it for many years. From an enjoyment, reliability point of view I rate it highly. My only concern was driving the Miata in heavy, fast-moving traffic from a "feeling safe" point of view. You dont get the respect that a larger car demands from other drivers on the highway when driving a smaller car.

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  Fantastic car except for one thing . . . . be forewarned - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By wayne100 - November 19 - 9:53 am

  Performance, comfort, ride, the interior design and overall quality of this car is fantastic. The BIG ISSUE to date is its INFOTAINMENT system. As of the writing of this review, Ive had two updates to the software for the INFOTAINMENT system. Many bugs have been fixed over the first years of frustration, but then MAZDA does something REALLY STUPID! They grey out and disable the local search feature on the GPS as well as the ability to wifi hotspot your phone to the system to get uptodate traffic and and weather. Basically you are now stuck with a GPS that has less features than a $100 Garmin you can buy on NOMORERACK.com Neither owners nor any MAZDA dealership knew this.

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  watch out for electrical gremlins! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By nslimm - November 18 - 11:50 pm

  Bought new 06 GT 5 speed manual. I really enjoy driving this van and I get great mileage. But during cold weather the e-brake doesnt work all the time and the dealership has tried to fix this 6 times. They have now replaced the calipers on one side only. Also, the headlights flash on and off on their own. I live outside the city so it really is noticeable on the highway when the headlights turn off for two seconds or more. They cycle through 9 or 10 times on and off so it looks like I am warning of a police radar trap ahead! NOT FUNNY! My last trip through the mountains the headlights turned off 34 times over 300 miles.

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  The best!! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Jose Luis Carrasco - November 18 - 10:23 pm

  I tested Acura MDX, Veracruz, Pilot, Outlook and CX-9. The Zoom-Zoom is the best. Highly recommended.

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  Great car - economical too! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By alamo - November 18 - 10:40 am

  Great pick up for a 2.0 engine Just love the standard transmission feature (have auto transmission). Handles great and the ride is reasonably comfortable. Am getting good gas mileage - almost always 27 - 31 combo city and hwy - 30+ hwy only. Roomy for a little sedan.