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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  Great handling....poor quality - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By newtonguy - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Mazda has created a car with tight steering, good pickup (with the manual transmission) and a sporty appearance. However, check this list…roofrack loud road noise, new auxiliary fan, rusted rear brake caliper pin, new EGR valve, poor power window performance, new rotors needed at 18,000 miles, and A/C turning on without me pressing the A/C button. Gas Mileage is poorer than on the sticker and exterior paint and sturdiness is less than adequate. At 1 year, my trade value was $9K. I spent over $15K. Its a shame because the car is fun to drive and looks great but steer clear of Mazda.

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  Sweet 16 - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Kara - June 22 - 10:00 am

  For my 16th birthday my father bought me an 02 Mazda brand new. Ive had good experience with this car but some bad including water leak above driver side door, they fixed this and it came back cause they caused another leak. I had to get all the interior padding carpet replaced cause the car was soaked. Also my radio nob fell off like the 2nd week i had it when i was turning it. Other thent that i love it just not yalls dealership i get it fixed at.

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  Happy Camper - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By david barber - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought for a fun car with room for a kid and my golf bag when needed. Got exactly what I wanted so far. Fuel mileage could be a little better - not getting what was stated. But love the car overall.

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  Breakdown - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Ed Darnell - June 22 - 3:30 am

  Purchased vehicle new. Unresolved problems with automatic sliding doors (sometimes they work other times not) 68k miles, engine light on, transmission range switch inoperative, replaced at cost of $326. 70k pull off interstate for lunch car stalled in parking lot. Able to restart by depressing gas pedal to floor, but stalls when gear is engaged. Tow to dealer $87.50, two nights in motel awaiting part and repair $236.00, replace AJ57-18-84A water thermo switch, $178.

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  Overly Impressed! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jgoal55 - June 22 - 1:51 am

  I am really, really impressed so far. I switched over from an Infiniti G37 S because I wanted a bit more room with a new baby in the house. It also saved about $90 per month on car payments. I definitely miss the pick up on the G37 but in terms of technology (ease of use and device compatibility) and comfort, the CX-5 blows the G37 away. Few features that I miss are memory for the driver seat positions (not available) and power passenger seat (not available). But I can definitely live without those and overall the car is excellent. It handles well, tight steering, comfortable seats, surprisingly spacious for a crossover, and great gas mileage so far.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jimbolio - June 21 - 11:23 pm

  My Protege 5 gives me 33-36 MPG on the freeway pretty reliably. Only about 28 around town (5 speed). Drives like a Ferrari. Hauls like a minivan, and runs like a Rolex.

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  Warrantys over - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By m5indg - June 21 - 5:53 pm

  My wife and I loved this car when we bought it and still love to drive it. 3 years old now with 25k mostly around town miles on it and and experiencing some of the same problems that others have posted. OEM tires need replacing. Right rear shock blew just recently. Clutch engages very high on the pedal and will probably need replacing soon. Plus the car has always pulled to the right even after it was aligned and re-aligned. Other than these issues, we still find the car very functional for carting the kids around and taking family trips. My wife still loves it, but Im starting to think that it may be come a money pit in the next few years.

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  2010 Mazda CR-7 4cyl 2.5L - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By A. Figueroa - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I like the car a lot. My biggest concern is that the windshield gets really foggy to the point that forms water droplets in the inside of glass. Another issue is that when I close the window in the auto mode, sometimes it opens half way by itself (both driver and passenger windows).

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  Best Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gennie - June 20 - 10:00 am

  My 2007 Mazda 3 Hatchback was an outstanding car. I only had one issue, the air intake manifold needed to be replaced, and was done so under warranty. Amazing pick up, very safe, and I fit lots of stuff into the back. Did great in the snow, too!

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  Best Car I Owned! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By CathySimon - June 20 - 10:00 am

  After having owned many import and domestic cars, including high-end full sized family cars, this car easily can be given the crown for fun-to-drive, super-handling, great-pick up, great-mileage, categories. So far I have done 6000 km and am truly glad with my purchase and happy to recommend this car as an overall great buy!