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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  Great car overall - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By joep9536 - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new in 99 and have had little troubles since then. The car now has 95,000 miles on it and drives like new. I have never got as good of gas mpg as i would have hoped for this little car, but its ok. The catalytic converter went out at around 70k, the power door locks and the cd player also both went out at arount the same time. I was lucky enough to have purchased the extended warranty to 100k, so I paid for none of the repairs. Its a nice little car to run around town in. On the highway its not as comfortabel as i would have liked.

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  No regret - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By VTLee - February 22 - 10:00 am

  bought in August, current 1600 miles, absolutely fun to drive, not a single problem so far, still happy with the purchase

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  Fun at last!!!!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By gh - February 22 - 10:00 am

  On 10/1 I fell in love with my yellow rx8-GT with appearance package. It is a blast to drive and a real head turner. I couldnt be happier with the car but have been somewhat upset with Mazda. I ordered this car 17 weeks ago. Several ETAs came and went with no explanation from Mazda. The car is in a class by itself. I wish I could say that about Mazda Motor Co.

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  Love My Mazda 3! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Martha Ramsey - February 21 - 10:56 am

  This is my first Mazda, and it will not be my last! I love everything about the Mazda 3, from the sporty design, to the roominess Mazda has built into such a compact car, to the great sound system that includes an in-dash 6 CD player, to the huge trunk, to the excellent gas mileage. Im getting 38-39 mpg on standard, everyday trips to and from work. On long trips I have averaged 42-45 mpg! If you are looking for a sporty, fun-to-drive economy car that has a great sound system and gets great gas mileage, this is the car for you.

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  Reliable, good value, fun, but smallish - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Bartman - February 20 - 6:20 pm

  Replacing 8-yr old Grand Caravan. After months of research, considered and compared Sienna & MPV as two most reliable alternatives. Didnt consider Odyssey - too many transmission failures (although some MPV owners had transmission shift-shock issue; now resolved with updated transmission software flash). I preferred larger size of Sienna; even bigger than Grand Caravan. But price was definitely an issue and wife preferred smaller size, maneuverability, handling, and looks of MPV. For less money, MPV ES also has more standard features than Sienna LE: leather, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, 2 power sliding doors, and alloys. If you have a smaller family and smaller size is OK, then recommend MPV.

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  Like a big ol Go Kart!! - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By robtech34 - February 20 - 4:30 pm

  Fun, fun,fun! (5 speed manual) Ive read some 10.2 second 0-60 numbers on the 5 speed to which I can only say, learn how to drive pal. This car is like driving a comfortable, Go Kart!! Tooling around town is so much fun because 35 MPH feels fast in this car. On the Highway, 80 MPH no problem. Very good build feel inside. Lacks some Bells and whistles, but I have zero use for blue tooth and own a much better GPS than is offered in other competing models.

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  great drive and ride, but cheap interior - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Marriedwithkids - February 20 - 1:46 pm

  We traded a xc90 awd as we needed more room in the back seats. Would have never thought about the Mazda cx9 beyond reading the reviews. Once my wife and I drove it we loved it. Cool looking mommy wagon without the geekness of a minivan or suv. Very fast, handles well and looks way cool.

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  Smooth Rider - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Abe - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I originally wanted to purchase the Mazda 5 but my wife wanted a Sedan not a van. So I went with the Mazda 6 and so far I really like it. This is the first Mazda that I have purchased. It rides very smooth, looks very sporty and has pretty good pick up for a 4 cylinder car. The rear seat can sit 3 adults comfortably. The Mazda 6 is an excellent value for the price.

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  Great looks and good handling - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nadeem - February 20 - 4:40 am

  I just bought this car two weeks ago and have already put 600 miles on it. Its just so fun to drive. Even though I deprived myself of a manual transmission (it can be a pain on hills), the automatic transmission provides a fun acceleration. Very strongly built, I had someone bump into me (on the THIRD DAY of purchase!!) but thankfully not even a scratch on the rear bumper! The leather interior rivals my friends BMW 3 Series, and the Bose System is very powerful. However, plugging in both my iPod aux cable and power cable at the same time gives minor buzzing sound (probably something wrong my cable).

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  Compact....??? I say its a sport. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Guto - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I’ve spent about 3 months looking for a compact. What I found? Good cars, reasonable prices, and a total lack of attention to the small segment of cars. Mazda certainly created another concept for compact cars. I bought an M 3i sedan with power package, ac, sport/auto transmission and it is worthy everything single penny I spent. It is incredible to drive; it has an amazing design (exterior and interior), and an engine that needs no comments. The car is unquestionably the best in its segment