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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  Solid Performer - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Skyline - March 31 - 7:50 am

  I am very impressed with the quality build of this vehicle. For a 4 cylinder engine, its very smooth and punchy. The ride is very comfortable even on 4 hour trips. Interior is solid and functional. The handling is superb for this vehicles class; its precise and confident. I can imagine the ride to improve vastly with the V6 engine. Its a great daily commuter with a sportier flavor to it. Spirited driving is not a problem with this car.

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  Great Ride, Great Drive, Annoying Gas Cap... - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By jrslushy61 - March 30 - 11:25 pm

  I have always been a Toyota admirer, until I saw the sharp styling of the Mazda 3, and once I noticed how highly rated they are and the gas mileage, I was interested. I got mine about 6 months ago, and I have loved it ever since. The only issue I had was with the dealership not wanting to replace the recalled gas cap. I had it too tight one time, and they had to take it off and I notified them of it and I was ignored. About a month later, (a week ago from now) it had broken off when I tried to fuel up. Other than this issue, I have been driving this car back and forth from home to class, and have had no other issues. The ride is very smooth, I get great gas mileage (23 city, 32 highway)

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  Best vehicle I have ever owned...so far. - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By realtorscott - March 30 - 3:53 pm

  Highly recommended. Feels like you are driving a luxury sedan.

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  Even my Parents want to ZOOM-ZOOM - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Shawn - March 30 - 2:46 pm

  I love my car, but I think my parents love it more. The sedan drives like a sports car.

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  3rd but not final Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoomer - March 30 - 12:40 am

  We still own 2 Proteges (00 & 02) with about 200,000 miles between them, with zero problems. Im 65" and need room; the Proteges and now this 04 Mazda 6i are terrific, even with adults sitting behind me. Front seat adjustments plus tilt/telescoping wheel make it easy to fit. Stability at speed like the German cars. Smooth acceleration, great shifting, solid braking, and excellent cornering. Power on tap to burn rubber, even with the I4 and still 30+ mpg highway. (No honey, I didnt burn out at the light). This car with the features that come standard beats others at twice the price (ours was under $18k out the door). Mazda is zoom-zoom and more. Get one before people "get it" and the prices go up.

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  great value, performance, fun - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mosadni - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 97 Bonneville. I was used to fast acceleration and was concerned that the 4 banger in the i would dissappoint me. I didnt drive wildly and wasnt concerned about great handling and tight cornering. Well, after one month, I now push the 6 hard into cornering and love the tight handling. I test drove the 6 cyl and went with the 4 cyl, and I dont regret it. I love the build quality and the thud it makes when you slam the doors shut hard. my dealers (Walser) no dicker sticker price was $1,000 less than Edmunds TMV price.

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  Every bit as good as a Passat, S60 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Soutpaw - March 29 - 10:00 am

  When I purchased this car, I was also looking at the VW Passat and the Volvo S60. I found the Mazda 6 to be every bit as good as the aforementioned cars without the price tag and overall cost of ownership. Ride quality and cabin noise exceed the Passat, interior ergonomics and fuel economy exceed the S60. In addition, every VW and Volvo dealership I visited did not leave a good taste in my mouth. All of these dealerships were completely non responsive to any questions and made me feel as though I was in the way. Get the Bose system upgrade.

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  My new Mazda6s - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jbmam - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Mazda experience and so far so good. I think I got an excellent deal on the car. I originally wanted the Sport package, but the $2k manufacturer rebate didnt apply. What I ended up getting was an S w/performance package + spoiler and had the dealer install 17" factory wheels. With the exception of the leather interior its very hard to tell the difference and all for just under $20k! I agree with several of the other reviews: love the exterior look and the handling is great! Excessive brake dust - they must have used organic pads, when they have to be replaced w/metallic I wonder if they will squeek? Hate the low end torque!

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  So much fun! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By oreads - March 29 - 10:00 am

  The best value out there.

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  Protege 5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Rada - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love of my Protegé 5 the very first time that I saw it. I love how it feels on the rode. The only complain that I have is that I think it needs a few more HP. Right now I am upgrading my “baby” and is not that hard or expensive to do it.