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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  its a blast to drive - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By dgc - March 9 - 10:00 am

  have only owned the p5 for a couple of months but have thoroughly enjoyed every day. Its just a blast to drive, especially up twisty hills. Mazda has set this car up so well that i wish i lived farther away from work! My family loves it so much were putting it away for our tough Canadian winter.

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  Protege5: Good, not great - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By rdcasey - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I had a 99 VW Jetta before buying this. Especially for longer distances, cant beat the Jetta for comfort, style and fun. The Protege5 is a great looker, but doesnt have the nice interior touches (lighting, seats, Monsoon stereo, materials) of the Jetta. Its MUCH lighter everywhere (doors, panels) and doesnt have the heavy, German clunk feel of the Jetta. The Jettas ride is much smoother...the Protege5 is tuned to feel the road - a bit too much - but it does corner great. But so did the Jetta.

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  Chi Machine - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By granadabar - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a used car for about a month, and I was testing different asian sedans, then (for fun) i tested an 2001 red miata. I bought it. Screw a back seat for the kids, thats what the mini van is for. ive had it for two summers and it still gets me going.

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  Problems..... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Disgusted Owner - March 8 - 12:13 am

  I love my Tribute, but it has been in the dealership 4 times for the same issue. Frequently the car does not want to start. The fuel pump was replaced twice. On the 3rd attempt, technical support was contacted and told to replace the IAC valve. It started up like a champ for a few days, then the problem occurred again. It also idles higher than normal since the IAC was replaced. On the 4th repair attempt, the engineers were contacted and the claim there is nothing wrong. According to research Ive done on line, other people are experiencing similar issues, down to the fact that Mazda "claims" there is nothing wrong with the car.

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  Zoom-zoom... for under 20K! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By L. Wilson - March 7 - 3:53 pm

  My beloved Honda Prelude was on its last legs. In a search for a new vehicle I discovered its next to impossible to get away from the boring design, cheap construction, and gutless performance of new vehicles out today. Fortunately, I came across the Mazda 3. It handles better than many cars I’ve driven and the 2.3L engine is a nice bonus for someone who likes a little get-up-and-go. The brakes are good, however we also own an RX8 that has the best brakes I’ve ever tested. I love the styling of the hatchback and the interior is comfotrable. Fuel economy is great as well, considering our RX8 gets 16mpg!! For the money the 3 is a great value.

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  Driving a Dream - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bmore - March 7 - 5:20 am

  This car is everything advertised and more. I was considering the Civic, Accord, Camry, and Forte. One 3 minute test drive and I forgot how to pronounce the other cars. The body is sleek and doesnt look like any other car in its class. The interior is sporty, but drives like a luxury car. It handles the road like nobodys business. I sprung for the moon roof and upgraded Bose sound system; I am ecstatic I did. Every item on the dash is well placed. It even has a telescopic steering wheel. This car is fun to drive and a beauty to look at!

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  Graceful Mile Muncher - 2017 Mazda CX-9
  By Steve Clark - March 6 - 3:39 pm

  I recently got to spend a week driving the new 2017 Mazda CX-9 Signature Edition. Initially I didnt have high hopes. You see, Im a sports car guy. The CX-9 is an SUV and we all know how well SUVs handle, right? However, I decided to approach it with an open mind and hoped some redeeming quality would pique my interest. The exterior was surprisingly attractive - not your typical slab-sided SUV or "look-at-my-cray-cray-design" crossover. Instead, it was an elegantly styled SUV body with very artistic details. Overall, Id call it "wind-sculpted." Throughout the week, I found myself looking at other SUV drivers with pity, wondering how they could stand driving those bland boxes when something this smart looking was available. And as much as I liked the exterior, the interior was even MORE attractive: black carpeting, auburn red leather seats, piano black panels, chrome bits for accent, and rosewood switch bezels on the doors. It has to be the most beautiful and inviting interior Ive ever been in. Its the kind of interior that makes you want to stay just a bit longer. When I was informed that it only had a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, I immediately expected that it was going to be underpowered but Mazdas SkyActiv technology that they keep touting is evidently a real thing and not just a marketing ploy because the CX-9 never really felt underpowered to me. Sure, it wasnt going to win any drag races but it was quick to reach the speed limit and once at speed, it offered plenty of power for passing and overtaking. But what really amazed me and changed my mind about the CX-9 was the handling. After driving around for a few days, getting comfortable with it, I got a little bored and decided to push it a little down some backroads near my house that had a nice mix of curves and hills. Selecting "Sport" mode on the center console, I got kind of aggressive with it and drove it more like a sports car. And the CX-9 never batted an eye. It gracefully glided through the curves like no SUV Ive ever driven. The engine and transmission were responsive to my driving style, helping me get the most out of the car, and when I needed to slow down fast, the anti-lock brakes did a superb job of controllably and confidently slowing it down. Ive always known Mazda for the Miata, but it appears that even their more pedestrian people movers have that same sporting DNA that people who love to drive look for. On top of that, Mazda loaded the CX-9 with a raft of safety technology to keep you in your lane, warn you of blind spot drivers and cross traffic as you back up in parking lots, and many other things. When the week was up, I was thoroughly impressed with this vehicle and I know that if I ever need an SUV, Mazda will be the first (and probably ONLY) brand I look at. The only thing I could have wanted on the car would be paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. It would have made it even more fun to drive and a little less SUV-ish. Still, overall, its a winner. Very nicely done, Mazda. Very nicely done.

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  Check Engine Problems - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Desperado - March 6 - 10:00 am

  Car over all is a descent car for the money probably the nicest car I have had in a while, but the check engine light has stayed on since I have had the car... First the O2 sensors were bad and the Map sensor and quite a few things inside the computer has gone wrong and the person working on the car said it is # 3 within 2 months that he has TRIED to fix.. I was asked today to go pick it up and take it somewhere else. Very frustrating to me, the dealer where I bought is seems not to care, and I have talked to several people that have bought cars and the same check engine problem with 5 that I know of.

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  Best Under 20K ever & better, some over - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By T & D H. - March 6 - 10:00 am

  We are approaching 3 weeks of ownership and while we only have about 450 miles on the car. Its a blast to drive and great for different sizes of drivers. Im 6"+ & she is 5"2. Were both comfortable driving the car. Feels more like a BMW 3 series or an Acura TSX other than a bit of wind noise. Great road feel without being harsh. 5 speed is great! Plus, it doesnt look like everybody elses car on the road here in So. Cal. We didnt want to be one of the many Honda and Toyota Clones on the road. Mazda did this one RIGHT! A lot of thought went into how this car is put together.

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  Excellent! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By M3LoVeR1 - March 6 - 10:00 am

  This car runs very nicely! Handling is very responsive and the looks are just very appealing! It is very hard not to stare at it all day long. The interior is spacious too, with lots of legroom and headroom, and the layout of the interior center console is beautiful!