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 Car? - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By LX - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased an LX in Feb. The only minor beef I have is the placement of the inside roof safety handle on the passenger side. Im 6 so the handle sits about 1" from my head, perfect whacking distance on tight curves and speed bumps! Also, according to our dealer, the LX is the "top of the line" but Edmunds and many other websites list it as the midrange. See Pacific Mazdas website: pacificmazda dot com. The only thing I can attribute this to is maybe the scheme is different in Canada. Many of our "LX" features appear to be only available on the ES: Air Conditioning, Power Everything, Cruise Control, ABS Brakes and a 1.8 L engine.

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  The Same, Only Better - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MiataMan - June 17 - 2:00 am

  On a sunny day last week I just *had* to my beloved 1991 Miata for a spin. 11 years old and totally fun and reliable. Ended up at the local dealership and found remaining 2001s at $5500 off MSRP! All the fun of the last one but more refined in every way. British Racing Green with the Appearance Package for just a little over $17k new. The new generation feels a lot more solid. Its quieter, especially when the top is up. The standard AC, power windows, CD player, glass rear window, and extra 26hp are much-welcomed additions. My only ultra-trivial complaint is that the gas pedal is overly light compared to the old one, but this generation of Miata is still simply superb.

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  P5 in Silver - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Kevin Sullivan - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This review is for a P5 with no options (which is strange, seeing as how it is loaded with amenities already). About the only thing this car is small on is the effort to drive it! I have only had it for one tank of gas, but have found it an extreme pleasure to drive. The storage capacity is great (about three weeks of groceries for a family of four). I am a little disappointed in the amount of noise that enters the cabin. I also promptly removed the luggage rack to reduce wind noise at speed. The stereo is easy to operate and has great sound. Shifting through the gears is nearly effortless. And, for a little car, the get-up-and-go is wonderful.

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  My second Mazda3! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lmp180psu - June 16 - 11:43 pm

  I bought my 06 GT 5-door to replace my 04 3 sedan, which I loved aside from the cargo carrying limitations. I have 3 dogs, and occasionally have to transport them 150 miles to visit my mom. I also went for the GT hatch because of the new features (for me anyway) such as leather (heated) seats, auto climate control, information center, auto lights/wipers, and 5 speed auto.

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  DontDoAnRX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By UnhappyRX8Owner - June 16 - 10:36 pm

  I owned an RX-7 and loved it. I thought the RX-8 would be comparable but was wrong. The car has been towed 5 times in the last six months, the battery has been replaced and Mazda said "the batteries installed initially were not strong enough for the car" The car floods and need to sit for "days" before its operable again. If you live in the north east or anywhere it snows, you can kiss you Mazda 8 goodbye until spring, if theres a slight dusting of snow I cant get it out of the driveway. The only silver lining here (if it is really, is that I lease the car and I get to dump it back in Mazdas lap where it belongs.

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  Disappointment - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Donna Miller - June 16 - 9:40 pm

  Very questionable plastics in interior. Have experienced annoying rattling clicking noise on console. Absolutely no help from Mazda with problem. While very fun to drive, the annoying rattle takes enjoyment out.

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  Its fun to be 3! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By johnny2003 - June 15 - 3:33 pm

  Traded in our Mazda 5 in order to pass this car on to my kids, now 12. Now at about 14,000 miles, I am just as happy with it as I was with our 5. Its a great looking car and I really enjoy the bluetooth feature. Love using the manual shift and it is nice and sporty with alot of get up and go. Not thrilled about the gas mileage, but if I keep my speed under control, mileage does become better. Got Pearl White with beige interior and tinted the windows. Pay close attention, it looks exactly like the new Lexus 200CTH at half the price! Would buy it again in a heartbeat!

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  Cant beat it for the money - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jzn2tr - June 15 - 1:00 pm

  I have a 2004 S that I have now put 40,000 miles on, with no trips yet to the dealer for repairs. Had a 2003 S before that which was totaled in a wreck. I took the insurance check and immediately bought a 2004 to replace it - the best kind of statement of satisfaction. Used to drive Toyotas, but neither Toyota or Honda has any sedans that are fun to drive. This car is still fun, drives like an adult sports car. Main drawback is that, as equipped, drives very rough and noisy over rough roads. However, the original Michelins wore out after 38,000 miles and I replaced them with Goodyears, which helps quiet the ride. The 2003 I owned before was never as noisy as this one.

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  Handles great, but not perfect - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By kyjd75 - June 15 - 9:33 am

  This car handles fabulously! Ive owned great handling cars for years (BMW 528, Nissan Zs, Mustang GTs, etc.). This car can hold its own with any of them--that makes it worth it for me. However, it is not perfect. Ive had some problems, such as air bag system failure, peculiar engine noises at idle, and paint chipping. It also has lots of road noise as well. Also, gas mileage is good but not great (24 mpg overall). I bought this car for my wife as a supplemental car to her Mustang GT convertible (didnt want to drive it in bad weather). It serves well in that role. Overall, I would recommend this car, but you need to understand what you are getting.

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  Best Car I have Owned - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin - June 15 - 6:43 am

  I traded my 3 series BMW for the 08 S-GT Hatchback . Got it loaded with the Bose Audio, front Spoiler and the base accessories are mind boggling , Xenons, Leather , Roof , Power all around , heated seats . It was an outstanding value and now that they changed the body in 2009 I realize what a masterpiece of beauty this body style is. Designed By the Jaguar designer and he did a top notch job I must say. It launches with ease cruises at 90 not even breathing and has the suspension to match.After I hit 30K had the fuel injectors cleand and the throttle body and after that the car was like new and started giving me an extra 3 mpg on the fwy with more power. Dealer said stop using 91 it worked!