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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  Stay Away - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By AngryMazxa - October 15 - 8:13 am

  Purchased a 1 year old hatch with 24,000 miles, with 50,000 now, I have had to replace the engine and transmission linkage. I had an Explorer with less problems and that is saying something. Buyer beware of this one.

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  Puts the mini in Minivan - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Martin - October 15 - 3:33 am

  My wife has had one for about 20 months now. This car has proven much more versatile then a more expensive station wagon. Handling is exceptional for a minivan and above average for a car. Between the balanced weight distribution and the independent suspension, this car can actually corner! Also, it can be bought in a stick! which makes it all the more peppier. We drive the car in winter (including last years record breaking one) and it is not the best winter car. But if you buy winter tires you wont get stuck. Reliability: In 35000 km over 18 months of mixed driving the only repair has been a shock absorber on the left rear wheel. Not bad at all.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Draygonia - October 14 - 4:20 pm

  Great value and if you can skip the tech package, it is an even better value! Nice entry-level luxury car. Fun to drive, but I would have opted for the automatic. Very, very reliable, very sturdy. I feel as if I can get many miles out of this thing before it dies.

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  4,000 miles in a month!! - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By kfishy76 - October 13 - 7:37 pm

  Yes this car is that fun to drive while also being frugal. Im averaging 35mpg combined. The sport mode when left in drive shifts like a dual clutch (it keeps its torque converter locked all the time) the interior could be at home in a German sedan. It gets looks everywhere. Basically a smaller Mazda 6. Only complaint is the almond leather which stains on the left thigh bolster from jeans. I clean it once a week. Side mirrors are noisy due to wind (they are big!) sometimes the voice recognition for nav doesnt understand a full address. Sunroof is noisy at freeway speeds when open. Can be pricy fully loaded like mine. Close to $30k. But its a lot of car for $$ refined, sporty & FUN!!!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By ZOOM ZOOM - October 13 - 11:00 am

  --A+-- I researched cars for months drove 1/2 dozen others in the class, Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Kia and ended up selling myself on a Mazda3 before I ever drove one. Started out considering larger vehicles, but when gas prices shot up once again and my path was clear, I commute 60 miles a day and had to consider mileage. When I did test drive my Mazda3 it was clear, this was my car, only decision left was color. Problem now is that I like it so much I dont want to put big miles on it so fast (this was a replacing my 1999 nissan P/U which already has over 170,000/miles!). Ive started sharing the commute load between all 3 of my cars so the Mazda3 is in my driveway for years

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  Great Car For The Money - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By yesterdayscruz - October 13 - 5:33 am

  I traded in my 02 Altima for the sport wagon. They gave me a great price on the trade. My sport wagon has all the toys. What a great car to drive for the money. The build quality is excellent, handling is above a 10. The car is quiet and road noise is minimal. The Bose sound system is great. 200 power amp is more than enough for this old hot rodder of 58. I will not spend more that 30 grand for a car. I’m not into status, so I don’t need a BMW or a Benz. This wagon has it all. He is a bad boy and will be with me for many years to come go buy the car. You won’t be sorry.

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  THIS CAR ROCKS!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By dynotrick - October 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car and I love it! It is very reliable and super fun to drive and own. No problems at all, overall a great value. It will wipe the floor with a civic any day, and looks 10000000000000 times better than any of its competitors!

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  Whining - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By db4180 - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Everything is great except for a whining noise @35-40 mph. Then it disappears. Any comments would be appreciated.

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  Mixed Feelings - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kenshin - October 12 - 10:52 pm

  Purchased : December 2013 Build quality may be an issue... Week 2 : the passenger seat trim vibrating noise, probably due to contact when exiting vehicle. Fixed by dealer. Week 3 : front windows vibrating noise when opened slightly. Not bothersome enough to take to dealer, but disappointing nonetheless. Week 4 : right sun visor vibration noise, goes away if opened then reclosed. Week 6 : upper right corner of center console screen intermittent rubbing noise. Since the beginning, theres also been a ceiling vibration noise if only the rear windows are open. Apparently, this kind of wind harmonics problem is common for many cars. Again, more disappointment.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zak - October 12 - 9:40 pm

  Ive been a car man for decades. I love european and asian cars. However, There are some american cars that get my attention. I dont know how much Ford was involved with this car, but Ill say this. Look out Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. This car is quiet, smooth, feels solid, and well made. Did I mention a blast to drive? Ive always loved hondas and respected Toyotas. But these products by mazda is getting my attention. I have had some minor warrenty work after 20,000 miles. A damaged or defective exhaust shield. A bad sensor and a bad battery. Really little stuff. Things that can go wrong on the most high end vehicles. Not concerned. Plus, Im very abusive to cars, I drive hard!