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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  Hybrid, please - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By RBubp - December 14 - 12:30 am

  I love my Mazda 5. I cant understand why Mazda doesnt market it (at all!), but it is incredibly fun to drive for a versatile wagon/van with lots of smart touches. It does miss on a couple of things - front seats dont go back far enough, gas mileage really should be better - but considering there really is no other car like it, these are minor quibbles.

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  Careful - has a Ford engine. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Riley - December 13 - 11:00 pm

  All Mazda Tribute models are built with a Ford engine. Whether this applies to all Mazda products, I do not know, but I am entirely sure that if nothing else, this does have a Ford engine, and from my experience, most Ford products arent worth the time or money. Now this SUV has a nice drive to it. A lot of pep or "get-up-and- go," takes corners well, and the steering couldnt be better. Although, when you step on the gas, the engine feels slightly weak, but all things considered, it could be worse. I am sorry to say that this model has given me countless problems, though. Ive had to replace all my spark plugs three times and replaced all three catalytic converters. Some transmission probs.

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  What a car! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By kdizz - December 12 - 9:30 pm

  Just bought this vehicle for my wife 3 days ago. Prior she had a 4dr 1995 mazda protege and though she liked all the features what a step up! It matches all her wants and needs. Very sporty in look, feel and handling. Nice sunroof, sound system and interior. Feels like your driving a luxury car. Its also very easy to handle and park. Great value for the money especially since the 2010s are out and dealers are looking to move the 2009s! Highly recommended.

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  Yes! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mexigirl - December 12 - 5:50 pm

  Ive had this car since July and am so happy with it. I must say I added chrome 17in rims and tinted the windows a little darker then I probably should but it looks super fly while Im cruising. Best deal for you money on looks, mileage, and pure driving lust. All my friends are want my car and I always get looks when at the stop light, you know. Then some idiot had to pull in front of me and I got in an accident. Anyways now that Im in a rental I REALLY appreciate my lil Mazda. Once youve tried the 3 youll never be free. :-)

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  Great Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ken Demarest - December 12 - 2:16 pm

  With the kids all grown, I no longer needed a midsized car for 95% of I need a car for. The 3 seems just the right size and is a lot of fun to drive. I like the go-cart feel, and I really like the steering and suspension feel and sound on this car.

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  Disappointed - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By CP - December 12 - 1:26 pm

  Great at first then around 5000 miles, check engine light came on for recall that I was never made aware of. At 12500 miles turbo blew leaving my family stranded. Took 3 weeks to get fixed then 1 week later power windows dont work correctly. Now has 13000 miles and passenger side front tire is balding on the inside. Dealer told me that this is not uncommon for this vehicle to need new tires by 15000 miles which is not covered by warranty. Have had vehicle for 11 months now and is worth more than $10,000 less than paid for it. Lots of engine noise, you need the Bose stereo.

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  I love this car... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike Hogan - December 9 - 1:43 pm

  I love this car. It handles great and it greets you with a zoom-zoom and hello and then a goodbye when you leave. The joker grin grille is a bit much, but it suits the personality of the car. Im tempted to get a Joker license plate. The hatch allows me to carry my mountain bike or whatever from Home Depot. Theres one thing I would change and that is the seat width in my upper back area. Its too narrow for me. My son just bought a new Subaru WRX and the seatback width is perfect. So Mazda make the seats as wide in the back so that the side bolsters surround the driver, not dig into my back. Funny I didnt notice it when I test drove it. Other than that I love the car. Its practical fun!

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  Great car for the most part - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By bond_fanatic18 - December 9 - 7:31 am

  My dad bought a gold 01 Protege brand new when I was a kid. It was never driven much, mainly used as a backup car. When I got my licence it was my ride to high school and in general as I hated driving my mothers van. I drove it for a year before my dad traded it for a 2012 Honda CR-V. It did its job fine, got me to school and back without fuss, was fun to drive with the 5-speed and great on gas. The only problem I had was the alternator crapping out in the middle of the freeway and I had to have it towed. Apart from that it was pretty reliable. Id recommend it, just watch out for rust problems and keep it to a meticulous maintenance schedule. Also not the best car to learn stick on.

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  Best looking car in the parking lot - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bob NJ - December 8 - 12:03 pm

  Handles like an expensive sports car. 4cyl has good pep, manual shift is fun. The exterior design is number one with the great paint job. Getting 25 mpg around town with air cond full blast. Should get 400-500 miles a tank full.

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  Another buyer - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By fourbe - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine two weeks ago and waited to drive it a little bit before putting the review... I love the car: its good looking, handles well, and cheap! I have all the amenities you might want in a car (fully loaded). Its a great time to buy it since the 2004 model comes soon. I got it at $450 below invoice (thanks to reading the advice of edmunds.com)! Its not a power beast, but I was surprised to be at 95mph and be relax and feel safe. Also the braking system is great, which was one of the most important points for me.