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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  Mazda is a Great Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bleslie - April 9 - 4:46 am

  Interior was the main disappointment - quality of material for the floor carpet could be better - seems to wear quickly. Seat material (black interior) shows all the dirt, doesnt release dirt or hair easily when vacuumed and does not release spills easily when cleaning. Static shocks constantly when exiting car. Gauges and speedometer are recessed making them hard to read - need to turn on lights in order to see them well. Great big huge glove box! Great leg room in front and rear. Handles beautifully, good mileage (promised 39 MPG, get 31 MPG on average, but that is a lot better than the 21 MPG on our previous car).

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  Mazda Good, but Needs Improvement - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Freebird - April 8 - 4:16 pm

  Quality car, with great handling, solid build quality and lots of interior room. Handles like a $25000 sports car. This is a reliable car with great mpg. Problems include constant idle shake, LR power lock went at 65000 miles All 4 suspension links failed around 80000 miles. Come on Mazda! Suspension is also a bit jostly on bumps. Seats are also uncomfortable on long trips. Trunk is too small.

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  I LOVE MY MAZDA3 - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dobermanlvr - April 8 - 7:03 am

  I bought my MAZDA3 about 3 months ago and I love it. It is a pleasure to drive every time I get in and start the engine. My husband has a new 4 door jeep and he even loves driving my smaller economy car. The pick-up is fantastic and the exterior styling is so attractive! I could not have purchased a better vehicle!!!!

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  Looking For Reasons To Drive - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Duke - April 8 - 6:46 am

  Traded in my 2006 Mustang GT Convertible Premium Upgrade Package for this vehicle. Initially this was for practical reasons, I needed a Nav system, 4 doors and a larger trunk. Test drove BMW, Honda, and Toyota. All had pros and cons. The most awesome drive was the BMW but dollar for dollar the Mazda outshines all. Read all the reviews here and noticed a pattern, Mazda owners and BMW owners really rated their cars very highly and were passionate about their cars. Its amazing that I continually find more features about this car that I didnt fully appreciate. Now I am looking for reasons to drive! Also found a dealer that put zero pressure on me and invoice pricing without hassles!

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  Surprisingly good vehicle...follow up - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Trinbago Foreigner - April 7 - 5:56 pm

  Well Im sorry for all of those that bought the automatic. The standard has been fantastic (knock on wood). Ive had to change the oil pan after some rust. Thats about it. Next to the usual maintenance work the car runs the same as it did before. I also take back the A/C comment since it doesnt seem to affect the gas mileage that much on long rides. In town driving shows a greater gas mileage drop off with the A/C. Annual driving given in kilometres approx. 40,000 km or 25,000 miles.

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  low end version of a german car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By MaZda@NY - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for about a year now and i havent had any problems with it. It definitely requires more power, cant do much with a flashy spoiler if it has 130hp!! Overall looks good. Should definitely have cup holders at the back.. it sucks to have nowhere to put the cups! Nice interiors.

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  soaking in the rays - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miata man - April 7 - 2:00 am

  this is my first convertable-its 35-48 degrees and top has not been up yet except to wash car. handles great!! so far gas milage is great

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  Love at first drive. - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Mike LaRusso - April 5 - 2:19 pm

  Best handling SUV Ive ever been in. Feels like Im driving my 6 GT! Beautiful in and out.

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  Great car! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By bmd8534 - April 5 - 10:10 am

  I bought my car used almost 4 years ago and love it! It is fun to drive, sporty, and gets pretty good gas mileage. It has enough pep and pick-up for me, but I can see how some people would want more hp. I have had a few problems with it - Ive changed the thermostat, replaced both belts after they shredded, and have replaced the brakes twice. But it was a used car and has more than 80K miles on it so I figure its going to have some problems. Nonetheless, I love my car and am looking into the Mazda 3 for my next car. Mazda delivers on its "zoom zoom" promise.

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  Sporty SUV - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Mid life crisis - April 5 - 12:10 am

  Touring AWD purchased 2/29/08. This copper red/sand leather sports wagon replaced my 2005 Tribute. Came with Sirius, 6 CD changer, fogs, wheel locks. The standard speakers are above average for a non-upgraded factory sound. The drive reminds me of my old Eagle Talon, turbo 4 AWD. The suspension is a bit firm, but for that it corners on rails. Nice steering wheel and tight steering feel. Other than the feeling of the vehicle size, a very sporting ride. My three kids (13,12,9) find the rear seat wider and with more leg room than the Trib. The leather seats are quite comfy and supportive, worth the upgrade.