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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  Best assembled auto I have ever owned! - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By N.EAST Johnny - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I bougtht my mazda for my wife because she loved its looks. Deeply discounted price for entry level luxury car also a factor. Was always a GM man (10 GMs 8 new from chevy to caddy)Since have purchased 4 new Toyotas big improvement in quality and reliability from GM. Also owned 1 Ford and 2 chrysler products (used). Although the Toyotas assembly were excellent,this car is perfect, nothing out of alingment or loose. The engine is not a great performer by any means. But is adequate for most. Comfortable car for 4 people. Cruises effortlessly at 80 mph. Only problem after 37,000 miles just happened this week,trunk release button will not open trunk.

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  Mazda Protege5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mdecker - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. It has a great fun factor. I have the 5 speed manual tranny. This is like having a Miata with room.

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  02 tribute review - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jhouse - September 20 - 2:00 am

  seats are very unconfortable on long road trips and the interior looks cheap

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  Great little car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By skyrkt - September 19 - 10:03 pm

  I have the very stripped down and base 3 sedan, that means I dont have A/C or any options. Even without A/C and things like that this car is still amazing. No problems with the car since I bought it new. I love the manual transmission, and the build quality of this car. I love my 3 and my next car will be another Mazda.

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  06 Mazda 5/Great Concept - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Kelly - September 19 - 7:53 am

  Purchased Touring 5 new in06. 4sp ATM. Have 86,000 mix of city and hwy miles. Dealer serviced since new. Overall a great car to drive, very responsive. Great on gas at avg 26 mpg. Tire wear has been a problem, even with reg interval rotations, balance and alignments. Will be needing a third set of tires soon, and they are expensive. Not much traction in snow. Easy to get in and out of. Seats are not very comfortable for long drives. Sub par interior fit and trim. Great sound system...drowns out noise from "cupped" tire rumble. Overall a great little van, but more suited for tooling around town than for taking road trips. Would buy again if the tire wear issue were addressed.

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  Amazing car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By RX-8 - September 18 - 11:23 am

  This car is everything you want in a car and more. I lvoe this car. I plan to get every model. ALso withs its rotary powered engine this car drives like a dream. I would suggest this car to everyone.

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  Great Car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Ruth - September 18 - 10:50 am

  Adequate Room. Love the oscillating vents...love the electric roof. Extremely reliable...never a moments problem.

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  Senior Citizen - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Pep - September 17 - 5:30 pm

  We chose this vehicle for ease of entry and exit of front and middle row seats and this has proven to be an important feature for senior persons, especially for those with moderate mobility limitations. As senior owners, we have learned to miss having a front passenger arm rest for left arm. Other than for the missing arm rest, we have been very pleased with this vehicle for over 12,000 miles. Mileage ranges between 24 to 29 mpg.

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  RX-8 of Wagons - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Nissan Man - September 15 - 5:53 pm

  This car is the RX-8 of wagons. The car handles like a dream but is lacking in the horsepower/torque area (just like the RX-8). Had the car for a month and has been in the shop 3 times already. Everything that went wrong got fixed under warranty and now i will put the car to the test to see how reliable a Mazda really is. I have never owned a Mazda (I am a Nissan lover; had 3 and never had trouble). Purchased car because I got a great deal on it and the Protege has been ranked as one of the best entry level cars. Hope the car holds up like my Nissans.

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  Love my 2016 CX-9 - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By BP - September 15 - 12:06 pm

  If you like performance test drive this car after others you may be looking at. There is no comparison to the CX-9 drive in this class. This baby moves. Love the interior. Super quiet and roomy. And it looks awesome! I could use some better gas mileage though but still getting used to the cars algorithms. Weirdly Mazda thinks that you need 4 full gallons as reserve in the tank. Still working through that. But overall love the upgrade from my 2010 CX-9.