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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  A Nice Fit - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Cleve Hardman - July 7 - 3:16 pm

  The new MX-5 version for 2006 is a significant upgrade. It retains the sports car feel linked back to European sports cars of the 50s through 70s with style and comfort upgrades consistent with higher-end models. There is plenty of comfort for the driver and passenger.

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  My third- and best- Mazda purchase! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Matt in St. Louis - July 6 - 3:33 am

  Ive just had my Onyx Black 6i for a few days, but I am very impressed. I cannot opine about the long-term reliability, but so far I am very pleased with the build quality, fit and finish, performance, fuel economy, etc. This is the third Mazda for my wife and I. This car replaced a 2003 Protege ES, which replaced a 1999 Protege ES. Both Proteges were absolutely bulletproof- all we had to do was change the oil, fill the gas tank, and follow the maintenance suggestions. Those two cars combined gave us nearly 130,000 trouble-free miles, so I have high expectations for our new Mazda6. We werent really in the market for a new car, but Mazdas incentives were too good to pass up.

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  So far, beyond expectations! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By photoguy22 - July 5 - 5:57 pm

  Bought this very recently and thus far, were very happy. Well update this review after a few months with new findings and experience... Contrary to a few reports, there is little road noise, the Bose system works great, Nav is just fine and the seats are very comfortable. This is NOT a European luxury vehicle - at the CX5 price point, just add another $25K if youre determined to have true luxury. Otherwise, after seeing virtually every other C-SUV, this Mazda competes quite well with all of its competitors and in general, it does it for less! Well worth looking at !!!

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  Best Van for the Buck!!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Joe Ambrosio - July 4 - 9:56 pm

  We bought this Van for $21,000 from the dealer brand new. We looked at the Odyssey, and Sienna first but couldnt justify the cost of those other vans. The MPV is stylish and the power sliding doors always gets comments and looks from bystanders!It also handles like a car much better than a camry or an accord!!!I love my MPV!!!Its also not as cumbersome as the other vans this is good since the wife drives it most of the time and it fits in compact spaces.We used to have an SUV before this and that felt like a truck.I highly recommend this van if you have a small family.

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  Great car - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By dcpresley89 - July 4 - 9:30 pm

  I bought this car after being very disappointed with my 2008 Civic. I absolutely LOVE my mazda and would not trade it for anything. However, I have had a few issues. The power steering has gone out twice, the wiper motor has gone out, and the side trim has peeled off twice. But Ive been rear ended and hit head on pretty hard, and theres not a scratch on this car. Honestly, Id say this car is worth the money, Very fun to drive, just make sure you get the extended 100k/mile warranty.

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  True Crossover - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By EtoileBrilliant - July 4 - 1:06 pm

  Much better looking than in the pictures. I got Sand on Black. Current car couldnt get three child seats across the back. Moreover, with 7 month old, wanted option to have adult in second row to administer bottle. Wife didnt want SUV, I didnt want minivan - perfect compromise. Whilst not quite BMW interior, its probably up there with Passat top of the line, with Passat pricing. Parked next to Q7 in city garage, could barely distinguish the two side-by-side.

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  Get one! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By caitshappy - July 4 - 10:20 am

  Entry level sport sedan that has all the options of BMW or Lexus, without the price or maintenance issues. Handles like a true sports car. Average 25 mpg with 30 hwy. Road noise is an issue but with proper tire choice you can reduce the noise. Super smooth gear box and clutch with outstanding disc brakes on all corners. The grand touring is a must as it has all options and is inexpensive. I dont believe in buying strip models as they are a dime a dozen and resale is poor. Mine is a 06 grand touring with 18,000 original miles. I paid 13.500 in n. California. Research your vehicle and then buy a lot of car for cheap.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zoom Zoom - July 4 - 2:00 am

  This may be one of the best deals on the market, if not the best. The 6s handles like a dream. Its a sports car is a sedans body. The ergonomics of the interior are very pleasant. There is plenty of room in the back seats for adults. when you give this car some gas it definetly goes zoom zoom. Third gear in the 6 is orgasmic--this is when you truly feel the acceleration and power of this car. The 6s has a wonderfully smooth ride and so smooth that you fail to realize how fast youre going unless you look at the speedomoter. Highly recommend this car over the camry and accord. Its the best bang for your buck hands down!!!

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  FEEDBACK - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Mandi Means - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I think the Mazda Protege 5 is stylish, comfortable. It handles very well in snow and high water. The only down fall is that you cannot enter the car by alarm key if the car is running and locked. I warm up my car in the morning and lock the car and cannot open vehicle by other car alarm key pad.

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  Protege5 - Pretty Good So Far - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Troy Winston - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Since I have only 3000 mileson this new Mazda Protege5, I cant comment on overall reliability.I can give a basic review. Handling is good for a car in this class. Fun. Exterior design is top notch, and FAR superior to its peers like the Toyota Matrix. Interior is nice with decent quality of materials, and with a great sound system, easily besting its competition. Some weak elements are the front strut tower brace that I can bend. The only real gripe I have is that is certainly does NOT deliver "zoom zoom". Its 130 HP motor is a pathetic performer that does not rev willingly to its peak at 6k rpm. I should have got the 3 model that just released.