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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  Tribute vs Escape - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By p clarke - January 2 - 3:26 pm

  Bought the Tribute rather than the Escape because of interior and exterior styling differences.Ford needs to upgrade both, as well as paint colors. So far so good with the 4 banger.

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  Not bad, not bad! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By stinkypete - December 29 - 7:43 pm

  I purchased a 2002.5 model Protege5 just over a year ago. Ive traded it in since for something larger, but after putting 22K on it in one year, I have plenty to say. The car IS reliable. Just one small part (EGR valve) had to be replaced at 65K and that was it. Tires and oil changes were the only maintenance. The car is well designed and open. Im 6-2 and I fit pretty nice in it. The leather seats were a nice touch. The stock 6 disk cd player had very good sound, although with road noise it always had to be loud. The paint scratches easy and the resale value (esp. trade-in) is close to nothing.

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  Great Value - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dan - December 29 - 9:03 am

  Ive driven this car from RI to California and back, then from RI to Florida and back twice. Ive logged lots of miles, and the reliability and ease of maintenance is awesome.

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  Fun, reliable car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By McPiv - December 28 - 8:00 am

  First new car that I have ever purchased. I have enjoyed the sportiness of this car. Decent gas mileage. Ive used this car for my personal use as well for work. I have only had to do one repair in the 5 years that I have owned it (replaced erg valve) other than general upkeep.

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  Not bad but still short of Camry quality - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob - December 20 - 12:26 pm

  The all new 6 is a very attractive car and for the price its loaded with features compared to Accord and Camry. It sporty than even the Altima with a smoother nicer ride than that car but not as smooth as Camry. Two issues I had. One after test driving there was a strong burning plastic smell. Not the typical "break in" smell you have with new cars.

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  Love my new Mazda - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By alli mcquillin - December 18 - 6:56 pm

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  RX-8 - a Family Rocket on Wheels - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By P.C.H. Cruiser - December 18 - 3:50 am

  With the wifes permission I went looking for a Miata to replace our 2003 Sequoia. Saw the RX-8, drove it, got it sideways on a suburban, could not stop laughing, went back and bought the car. The only problem is I cant get my wife out from behind the wheel and now must go back and buy her the Miata!! The fuel economy is awful but everything else is wonderful. For a family of three it makes a great family sedan that can carve corners while it goes to the grocery store. Its shiny black form reminds us of the Batmobile and, between its shape and the angry shriek it makes as it runs up to 9,000 RPMs, it turns heads where ever it goes. BUY IT !!!

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  Looks good. Drives well. Very bad Nav system. - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By D.L. Morrese - December 13 - 3:46 am

  For fun per dollar, you cant beat the MX-5. My 2016 GT is my third Miata, so obviously I like them. This one is definitely the best of the bunch, but I have one gripe. Its the built-in navigation system. Actually, Im not thrilled with the infotainment system in general, but the navigation system is dreadful. It came standard with the GT trim, so I gave my Garmin to my daughter. Big mistake. Unlike my old Garmin, the Mazda nav system doesnt provide live traffic alerts, the directions dont seem as accurate, the interface and display are not as intuitive, and after three years, you have to pay for map updates (with Garmin, theyre free). Right now, Im debating turning the thing off and using the big ugly screen in the center of the dash as a mounting plate for a new Garmin. If I still have the car three years from now, thats probably what Ill do rather than buy a map update. With all the attention the engineers obviously gave to making this a really impressive car, youd think theyd have opted for a state-of-the-art nav system.

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  Reliable 626 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Kevin Bartosz - December 12 - 11:20 am

  Purchased new when the dealership offered invoice price and Mazda had a $2,250 rebate, a no brainer to purchase a V6 sedan for $17,000. Now 120,000 mies and looking to double that. Terrific MPGs 28 to 30 with an automatic trans. commuting 50 miles one way through the southern NY roads (25 MPG with 4 snow tires). No major mechanical problems to mention. Minor problems- automatic antenna finally broke after 6 years and CD player needed to be replaced once. Very good handling and response. If still going strong at 200k with preventative maintainence and no more hit deer, I will replace the timing belt again (about $350) and shoot for 300K.

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  I love my MPV, but... - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Caroline - December 10 - 12:33 am

  Ive owned my 2002 MPV for almost 5.5 years now. In that time, Ive have no problems with it at all. The only times its been in the shop are for routine maintenance. But, 2 days ago, the transmission died on me while driving on a highway and heres the kicker - it only has 34,845 miles on it!