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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  Fun to drive and WOW the power !! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dep292 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Mazda so it goes without saying that I enjoy the reliability of them. This; however, is the most fun car Ive ever driven, ok so its tied with my RX7. The sport package (2.3) is worth the extra money and the look of this car gets really turns heads.

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  Problems at 2000mi one week for an appt - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nomoremazdas - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I got my car in March 2004 and loved it. Fun to drive. Just yesterday the trouble started. The check engine light came on. I called to get an appointment at the nearest dealership, 15 miles away. Their next appt was 6 days from now. I wrote to Mazda to complain and their response was to try another dealer. If I chose to not go to another dealer at least 30 minutes away, that is my choice. I was just floored by their lack of concern. If I had read the forums here on Edmunds on Mazda customer service instead of just the glowing reviews here I might have made a better choice. Read them for yourselves.

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  Whoootah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Flexxx69 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  the handling is great....looks cool....fun....different than the SUV my wife now drives......tight on corners and has the ability to accelerate quickly when called upon.....

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  Love it!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris Evans - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for a couple of months now and I have gotten nothing but compliments except for the people jealous that they dont have one.

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  Great car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ND_mazda - January 1 - 8:40 pm

  I have owned quite a few vehicles and this is one of the best Ive owned. Its comfortable with a good amount of sportiness in it. There are a lot of stuff I can add to it to make it look better and have more fun with it. Very good car with not many problems. Have driven 16 hours straight with it about 5 times with no problems. Couldnt ask for better unless it could fly.

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  My sporty sedan - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Lets Go - January 1 - 8:36 am

  The professional reviews are pretty accurate. If you need the comfort and roominess of a sedan but like to drive on windy curvy roads you wont be disappointed. While you wouldnt compare it with a Porsche for handling, I drive frequently on 1 lane roads and the performance is good. With the fold down seats I have room for my stuff when I am enjoying the great outdoors.

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  Engine Failure - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By jrl6 - December 31 - 10:11 am

  Beware of Mazda engine. Our story is like many others I am reading, and if only I were aware of the problems with Mazda engine, I would not have experienced such a financial loss. I bought the 2008 Mazda 3i for my graduate student daughter from a known party, well maintained at 61000 miles. We continued the routine service/small repairs for the last year. at 74000 the engine timing chain broke on the freeway, engine overheated and car is a total loss. Dont go near Mazda, we left the Mazda lot and walked into the Honda dealer, where I have many years of reliability. Never again Mazda! You can google the issue and we are not alone.

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  Happy with purchase of CX9 - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Kansas Girl - December 31 - 5:40 am

  Love the cx9! We test drove several cars until we decided to purchase a cx9. We need the room of a minivan, but wanted something to please our teenage children. They also love it! It drives like a car, similar to mazda6. It is a large roomy suv, but feels smaller than it is. We love using it for our children sport events, easy to bring cooler and gear for needed for games. The sport version of the CX9 is a great value, you get many standard features for your money.

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  Excellent car, fun to drive - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By mjs23 - December 30 - 7:48 pm

  Ive owned my 2011 Mazda3 for about a month, and I have never been happier with a car. I purchased it after a bad car accident, at a time when I never thought Id feel safe or happy driving again. This car has changed my mind. I was drawn to it because of the great safety ratings, and the test drive I took it on sealed the deal. I average about 32 mpg, for a mixture of city and hwy. The road noise can seem a little loud sometimes, but not too bad. Nice acceleration, the handling feels almost sporty and it corners on a dime. The ride feels comfortable to me as well. Finally, I love the way the car looks inside and out, and my friends are always commenting on how nice it is.

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  CX-9 Just picked up today! - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By ferrez - December 30 - 7:31 am

  Just picked up my CX-9 GT. Man this car is awesome. I know its new so Ill return after a while and update everyone. Paid well below TMV price! Trust TMV!