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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  Decent Car for the Price - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Paul71 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  My wife has had no problems with her 626. This car is a good Accord/Camry alternative that we were able to buy for thousands less than either of those comparably equipped.

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  Lousy Gas Mileage - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By barbeehd - January 19 - 2:33 pm

  I traded my 2002 tribute, V6 for this car and am disappointed in the MPG. It is worse than my 2002 and is a 4 cyl. Its nice looking but I wanted better MPG than I am getting. I may trade it in sooner than later.

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  Never Again! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By elyarne7 - January 12 - 9:41 am

  I bought this car with 29,000 miles on it. That was 3 years ago. It now has 90,000 miles on it. It has only had problem after problem - battery, multiple wheel bearings, tire links, brakes, alternator. The alignment is easily messed up. The car is not well made - its cheap, lightweight and already starting to rust. Its a money pit. Do not buy it! Oh, and my Mazda is the automatic, not 5-speed standard.

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  Somewhat Satisfied - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jacobsmommy17 - January 8 - 12:10 am

  Overall a fun car to drive there are just some annoying things. The seats arent too comfortable, the brakes squeal even after being replaced, the transmission shifts hard into second. Recently when slowing down, as the car is downshifting, it misses 2nd gear. When the trunk is popped it doesnt raise itself, and I think there is something wrong with the spring. Also, I have a 6 month old, and it is hard to get him in and out of the car. The doors dont open wide enough either.

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  Big Disappointment - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rob - December 1 - 5:00 pm

  Had the car for a month and its been back to the shop 3 times to correct a vibration/modulation problem coming from the wheels/tires (which has yet to be corrected). Other issues include mediocre gas mileage, noisy interior on anything but smooth pavement and a few creaks and rattles after only 1,000 miles. The ride is firm and sporty but very unforgiving of bumps and cracks typical of NJ roads. Like a previous reviewer commented, I was downsizing from a higher-end vehicle and the Mazda 3 was the only car that offered some of the high-tech bells and whistles that I was used to. Otherwise, dont expect anything more than a fancy economy car.

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  Not as great as I thought - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Trish - November 30 - 5:00 am

  I have 4000 miles now on my Mazda. The suspension or something creaks really bad and my brakes are very noisy. The A/C is very weak for Texas heat; takes forever to cool. It is a fun car but I need all the moans and groans checked out.

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  Falling Apart - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Peddler281 - November 29 - 5:23 am

  Thank goodness for extended warranties! At 35000, but over the 3 years, the rack and pinion was replaced. At 38000 the transmission was replaced. Air conditioner has been making a noise for the past 18 months, but not broken so not repairable under the warranty. Struts are shot even though driving only on good paved roads. Planning on selling as soon as possible.

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  To much oil loss - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By dacrunner - November 28 - 5:57 pm

  I purchased a 2011 Mazda3 seven months ago, and have 21,000 miles. My local Mazda dealer has changed the oil every 5,000 miles using 5W20F oil. Every oil change the level has been a quart low. At the 10,000 mile change I ask the service manager to check the level before the oil was drained, he did and confirmed it to be a qt. low. At the 15,000 mile changed they again checked the oil and confirmed it to be a qt. low, and that we had an issue. At 20,000 miles they again said it was low but that was acceptable for my engine. The service manager just called me and said he has it in writing that 1 qt./1500 miles is acceptable for my car and I should be very pleased my car does as well as it is.

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  Disappointing build quality - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By doccarman - November 22 - 1:12 am

  Bought the 5 for its versatility and fun to drive factor. However, the build quality stinks and has soured me on the car. Ill dismiss the fact that the factory tires were shot after 20K as being just the typical cheap OEM tires. What I cant forgive is: -Power steering pump failing -Constant companionship of suspension squeaks and rattles -Cracking and squeaking sounds from windshield on cold days -Blown left rear strut at 28K -Blow right rear strut at 35K -Broken gas cap (stuck on car with nearly empty tank) at 15K -Bluetooth that fails to connect 90% of the time, despite several attempts at reset -Seat heaters with two settings - either on or off Longer I keep it, the less I like it.

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  Not a bad little car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By undertaker - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had pretty good luck with my 626. Car has very little pep, but continues to trot along. I can tell the transmission is going to go soon. Ive not had anything go wrong with this car outside of very minor things (power antenna stays up, clock set button doesnt work, one dash light is out). No big deal. Fit and finish are pretty bad on the interior, but Im a pretty big guy and admittedly rough on things.