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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  My Protege - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By MedinaC29 - May 9 - 8:23 am

  I love this car. I bought it used with 48,000 mi. Now it has 115,100 mi. It is so great on gas and now with gas prices being almost $4.00 I am not feeling as much pain as others. Ive had minor problems, unexpected issues but other than that I am satisfied with it. Ive added a couple of different things to it like, a spoiler, euro carbon fiber tail lights, wind visors, tinted windows etc. I also replaced the radio because the factory radio was messing up on me big time. You would press clock and it would show the CD track # and vice versa. So I replaced it. Just recently got a new paint job and it looks even better!

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  Best Bang for the Buck - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By KeepAustinWeird - May 9 - 1:53 am

  Replaced my VW GTI with a MZ3 S hatchback. Was stunned by the test drive. MZ3 handled better than the GTI and was nearly as quick. Very nice interior for the money and a a real back seat with plenty of trunk space to spare. Mileage is also pretty good to unless you really bury your foot in the gas - which is easy to do with the 2.3 motor. Variable valve timing kicks in quickly and the car really takes off when you want it to. I cant imagine doing better with any other car in the $17K range. Fit and finish are exceptional and I suppose only time will tell as to reliability but the car has a great rep and it is built in Japan.

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  Most fun and utility for the money! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By DAVID A - May 7 - 11:26 am

  I got the top of the line, hatch back, leather, heated seat, cd, iPod link, manual shift, 2.3 liters, etc. Lots of fun to drive, great looking car, not the most economic small car though. In the city I average 22 mpg. Test drove other similar cars, like Civic etc, M3 is the most fun to drive. I love the hatch back. I have loaded things in the back of this car that I could not have done with any other 4 doors car, Hatch back are considered 5 doors! It should have a roof rack! That is a great let down for me on this car. I learned that it is not available from factory after I bought the car. Now I have a thule, but it is not the same as having a factory one!

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  wow - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mrcjw - May 6 - 1:03 pm

  Slick style, well built, nice features, good horsepower, excellent color, nice wheels. nice handling and drive as well

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  Fun, Reliable, Underpowered - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Djwlawdad - May 6 - 9:40 am

  This cars a lot of bang for the buck. I put 52,000 miles on it in 24 months. No reliability issues. I got the car loaded: leather, ABS, sunroof, 6 CD in-dash, sub woofer, chrome wheels, side airbags, roof rack, automatic transmission, auto dimming mirror, etc. The price was still only $19,100. The car handles great, is fun to drive and can carry an amazing amount of stuff. My only complaint is that its a bit underpowered. The acceleration isnt great. It could use another 30 horsepower. I had been planning to spend $30,000 on a new car, but after test driving cars in that price range, they werent nearly as fun to drive as this. My last Protege got 170,000 miles w/ no problems!

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  Great car/van - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By mike - May 5 - 1:23 pm

  About 1.5 years of ownership now. Great reliable vehicle. We bought it as the perfect 4 person family car and then got a surprise #3 child and it is not perfect for that but its ok. I added a roof rack and cargo box and thats takes care of storage issues on long trips. I should add I got 28-29 mpg on a recent road trip fully loaded down , roof box on top, and bikes

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  Beats a minivan/SUV for vacation! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Wiseguy - May 5 - 11:56 am

  Just returned to OH from SC after a week vacation. Was an excellent ride going through the WV & VA mountains, sailing along highways with fast traffic flow. The ride was excellent in all conditions & speeds. Averaged around 30 MPG. Traveling with a 14- & 6-year old + 2 adults makes interesting packing but got all in and had view lines out the back still. Underseat stowage in the middle seats is excellent. The flat floor in 2nd row allows a bag on the floor for laptops, MP3s, etc. easy. Even sustained a rear-end hit from another car on HWY with only minor corner fender damage - no injuries. With bags out of car, 3rd row seating was useful for grandparents who met us there.

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  Theres Nothing Else On The Road Like It - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By 1GR8RX8 - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Great car to own so much in a vehicle for an affordable price and lots of fun on the road!!!

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  The Best in Class - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Blondemom1 - May 5 - 10:00 am

  Looked at and drove all the leading competitors; Corolla, Civic, Sentra, Focus, Lancer. While a couple of the others were pretty good, in my mind there was no comparison. IMO, the 3 is the best vehicle for the price. Great handling, peppy acceleration, European looks, and the ability to get side airbags, alloys, sunroof, and ABS all together. Beautiful paint. Originally, I was just going to go buy a Corolla. Then I drove it. I couldnt get a comfortable postition to drive. Civic nice but old design. Lancer seemed cheap. Focus was fun to drive, but I dont like the looks or the reliability reputation. Very happy with the Mazda 3.

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  Astonishing value - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By crookedroad - May 3 - 6:29 pm

  I nursed my 2000 Protege to the bitter end but spent the last year researching new cars. While I test drove other cars (the 2013 Accord was the best, nice and smooth but bland), I kept coming back to the 2014 6. I drive stick and tested the Touring and Sport trims. In the end the options on the Touring werent worth the extra $$$. The touchscreen was distracting, the 19" wheels looked good but didnt ride well on rough rural roads, etc. Of course Ive never had most modern options, so I dont look to my car for infotainment stuff. The 6 Sport is a dream to drive, and thats good enough for me. And after incentives the price was barely over $20k, which is crazy low for this much car.