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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  nice car good value - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By protege jim - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The car is a real gas saver,I have had up to 42w/mpg I like the car best of all no trips back to the dealer for any thing.A nice little car for the money.

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  Surprise!!! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Nebulous - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Mazda actually came out with a car that looks nice and is fun to drive. This car actually has good cornering, and acceleration.

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  Looks Great! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By keithr - May 1 - 9:46 pm

  The RX-8 is a great looking car. I dont know that Ive ever had a car that got as many compliments! The ride is very tight and you feel the road a bit too much but the overall driving experience makes up for it. The only disappointment has been the fuel economy - 17 city & 21 hwy. For premium gas it should be considerably higher but I guess thats the price for performance.

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  Had a Mazda 3 sedan 2008 for 9 months in Upstate NY - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By regraphic - April 29 - 6:59 pm

  It was a great car at first and its lasted throughout all of this crazy weather weve been having in the northeast with the hurricane and rain. I purchased the car used at 36,000 miles or so and now has about 44,000. On one occasion I left for a trip over a weekend and the car seemed to be hesitant to start. Again, this past weekend I left it over the weekend, which wasnt especially a record cold temp. weekend and came back to a non-starting vehicle. It sounds like it might be the battery, but I left the car a night and if the lights had been on this annoying buzzer goes on in my car before I remove the keys. Im not sure what it is that is wrong, but I will be bringing it in to find out.

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  Fun but gutless - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By shierwarter - April 28 - 7:13 pm

  I have had my CX-5 since June, and have had fun driving this car with the 6-speed manual transmission. While it is gutless going uphill, mostly I dont notice the lack of power. I tend to get around 31mpg overall, and Im pretty happy with that. Two things... I wish that the great blue color was available on the 6-speed (my choices were black, silver and grey) and I wish that there was better accessibility in the back seat. My mom rides back there sometimes, and its hard for her to get in and out.

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  Nothing but problems - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By MBates1969 - April 28 - 4:36 pm

  Everything from not wanting to start on days at 50 degrees to starter problems. Cd player crapped out, brake sensors, air bag sensors, you name it. My girlfriends is currently sitting in the driveway with a failed starter. I guess the way you have to crank these cars to get them started really takes it toll on the part. When it drives, its great, but it just has way too many problems. Not worth the aggravation, in my humble opinion.

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  Mazda 3 - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By gatski - April 27 - 11:17 am

  Great car!!! Lots of fun to drive

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  Best New Vehicle I Have Ever Purchased - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By fv - April 27 - 8:16 am

  This has been a terrific truck. I used it for work for about 5 years and it hasnt been babied. It stays outside year round in the hot Florida sun beachside. Other than 2 sets of tires, a battery, regular oil changes and a set of spark plugs, have not had to do another thing to it and it has run like a top since day one. The paint is fading and it is about due for some body work and bigger maintenance, but I am prepared to put a few thousand into it to keep it around another 5 years. I love this truck THAT much.

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  Time to trade it in I guess - 1999 Mazda 626
  By grathy - April 26 - 4:00 pm

  Im at 66,700 for this 1999 beauty, but I guess its time to trade her in. In the past year, Ive put over $1800 into the car, and Im nervous to continue driving her long distances, should something else go wrong. Its kind of like having an elderly cat or dog. You love them, but you know its just a matter of time. So, reluctantly, I will be saying goodbye to my sage-green gal, and hope that she finds another good home, swinging vents and all!

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  Shifty - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By YT Cai - April 21 - 7:03 pm

  The Mazda6 is a well made car. It is tight, especially compared to the Malibu which was one of the loosest cars I test drove. Its still too early to tell, but Im not sure if I like the 6 speed automatic transmission. Not being a sports car person it seems a bit shifty from start to 5th gear which doesnt take long to get there. I wouldnt recommend it for circumstances where a "family car" is desired. The Sonata seemed a little more appropriate in the same price range.