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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  I LOVE MY MAZDA PROTEGE 5! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Phatgirl254 - November 29 - 8:03 am

  I bought my car brand spanking new on November 12, 2003. I looked at the car without even test driving it and bought it. The color is what reeled me in! It is now August 2008 and I have not had ONE SINGLE PROBLEM out of my car. The only parts that Ive replaced on my car are the front headlight bulbs and the tires! Still as the original brakes, clutch, transmission, radiator, etc. Its so much fun to drive and I have absolutely no problems making quick maneuvers in and out of traffic. This is my second Mazda and Im a customer for life!

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  Very Disappointed - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By abnmedic - November 29 - 2:00 am

  In 2007 i purchased the cx7. It already had 200 miles on it when i took it off the lot. It was fully loaded. I found that programing the nav system was very complicated, so i ended up buying a garmin. Would you believe it costs $200.00 to buy a new navi disk every year? After 36,000 miles the a/c compressor went out. That cost me $600.00 to replace. Then the fuel valve out and that was going to cost me another $600.00. Hey, my payments were over $600.00 as it was. I just dont have that kind of money to keep putting it in for repairs. So i traded it in for a 2010 Jeep Compass with a life time warranty. I am so sorry i wasted my money for three years.

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  Solid and Fun - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By gfrawley - November 28 - 4:40 pm

  I bought the 2007 MX-5 Grand Touring in 2007 and sold my original year 1990 Miata to a friend. That car had 202,000 miles on it. He still drives it. I have plenty of experience driving this vehicle to know it is reliable. If you want to get from point A to B and have a blast doing it this is your car. This is one of those cars that when the weather is right and top is down on the car you can get in a zone driving and you dont want to stop. The word fun is thrown around a lot with this car and perfectly fits what this car is. For the money its like getting a much more expensive sports car. About the only con is this rear wheel drive vehicle is not meant for snow. If you live in a cold climate have another car to drive during those months.

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  A good value, real looker but needs improvements - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By jr60 - November 28 - 11:33 am

  I have had it for a year now with 15k miles and it has its good and bad points. The fuel mileage was a major factor in my choice but also wanted performance and drivability. Generally with a 4 cylinder you a lack the torque and power that you normally get with a V6. I am happy with what Mazda had achieved with this high compression 2.5 liter DOHC. Nice is being able to run on regular gas unlike the competitors who are using 2.0 liter turbo to get the same result. The fuel mileage is excellent averaging over 34 mpg under 60/40 highway/city driving. I figure every fill up and comparing against the electronic display with similar results. The six speed AT with manual override is awesome.

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  Better cars out there - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By greg - November 28 - 6:36 am

  This car is sharp looking and hatchback is awesome. Gas mileage and lack of hp is poor. Had a lot of brake rotor problems and a wheel bearing out at 50,000 miles. Eats tires every 30k despite correct alignment and quality tires. Car has excellent paint quality.

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  Outstanding car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lenora - November 27 - 8:56 pm

  I traded in a Toyota Camry on the Mazda 6 wagon. This car is a load of fun to drive. It allows me the feeling of owning a sports car again when I now have four children. I cant believe what a great solid car it is for the money. Congratulations to Mazda for the new generation Mazdas.

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  Should have bought the Honda... - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By nomoremazdas - November 27 - 6:13 pm

  I have owned the MPV for 40,000 miles now. Just had the rotors replaced because of all the hotspots, warping and bad quality. While the fit and finish are good, the transmission feels like it is about to fall out when the engine gets heated up, and thats WITH the tranny cooler! Of course Mazda cant figure out (or admit) anything, nor will they help. Im sure that the dealer will be able to figure it out 1 mile after the warranty runs out. The DVD is junk. We have it replaced annually because the screen burns out. No replacement foam earpieces for the IR headphones just insures that we will be buying another make next time. Looks good, but its in the shop far too often!

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  ZOOM ZOOM FOR REAL! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sandy - November 26 - 6:23 am

  This car is a blast to drive! The fit and quality of the exterior and interior are very good to excellent. The road noise at highway speed is acceptable, you can still have a conversation with your passenger. The car has plenty of power, you dont even need to down-shift when passing at highway speed. The short shift close ratio gear box is precise and easy to use. The cup holders in the center console are pretty useless as anything in them will impede shifting. Gas mileage has averaged about 25MPG but that is with a lot of city driving. And .. ITS FUN TO DRIVE!

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  Still Having Fun - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Peaceflmeadow - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Mazda 6 in Sept 2003, and 5 months later am still having fun. Notes say that it is lacking power, but I find it quite decent except maybe out of the starting blocks. If I switch over to the manual ability, I can get a better reaction time. The handling is awesome, and I love the tight steering. Overall, I was looking for a 4 door car due to a growing family, but wanted to stay sporty and Mazda has filled the bill perfectly. Also, I didnt want to be in just another 4 door family sedan, and I still feel I have avoided that. Overall, very satisfied, especially for the money I spent.

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  3rd Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By CJ - November 25 - 2:46 pm

  This is my third Mazda, and probably not my last. As always, I am quite impressed with their product. Tons of fun to drive, and fairly economical. Averaging 26 MPG thus far with "spirited" driving, have reached 31 when taking it easy. Not bad for a car that is this fun to drive.