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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  OUTSTANDING VALUE - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By dmarsh - October 1 - 8:16 pm

  Purchased car used from the original owner in June 06. Car had only 15k on the odometer. Ride & handling are exceptional. My P5 is a 5 speed & I consistently average 30 mpg around town. Exterior fit & finish is terrific while the interior materials are comparable to those found in more expensive cars. The car feels tight & solid. Layout of all instruments is very intuitive. Red illuminated instrumentation is easy to read and looks sporty too. I absolutely love this car & find it to be superior to many of the small & midsize cars that GM currently manufactures (I am a former 15-year GM employee). This is not sour grapes, just the truth. Great engineering & content planning by the Mazda team!

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  Mazda 3: $21,000 worth of fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By StukaFox - October 1 - 6:16 am

  Dropped $21,000 cash, not a BIT of regret: car is surprisingly peppy; suspension like a racecar; snaps to attention when right pedal is pressed. Expecting laggy and plastic, got a car out of a videogame. No bad habits on the road; does what its told without complaint. Visibility like a F-16s cockpit. Interior is luxury-car roomy. Cargo space that would make some SUVs blush. Piled on leather, airbag package, and ABS, still only came to $21,000 out the door. Was never going to buy import, Mazda 3 totally changed my mind. Detroit, wake up: Japan is about to eat your lunch again!

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  Low quality Mazda - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By needquality - October 1 - 1:21 am

  I made the mistake and believed Edmunds when they talked up the Mazda3. I bought a 2009 Mazda3 with 10K miles. I am very sorry I did. The car is covered with very low quality materials. Some examples... The carpet and upholstery are of the lowest quality I have ever seen. The body panels are like aluminum foil. You do not want to lean on your car. The trunk latch is all plastic. The huge irritant I have now is the drivers seat. It squeaks horribly whenever I adjust my position even a little bit. Dealer cant fix and Mazda refuses to replace seat. I am looking for a after-market replacement. Do not buy any Mazda if you care about quality. Thanks, Edmunds, for nothing.

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  Awesome... - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Talis - September 30 - 11:13 pm

  I bought my Protege5 to replace my first car (a 94 Grand Am). I looked at used and new cars all over NJ, but when I saw this dark blue baby sitting in the back lot I fell in love. My Protege5 is basic with only floor mats and wheel locks added. I love the 5 speed tranny, but I sometimes wish I had 6 to row, and the buzzy 2.0L is lack luster after about 70mph (and 3500rpm in 5th). The rear eats up just about everything and my 6ft-something friend can sit in the back (short trips only) with little complaint. The radio and HVAC controls are VERY easy to use.

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  Everything I expected. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Peace Brotha - September 30 - 10:36 pm

  I couldnt pass up the incentives on this car I had been interested in since 2004. My old car, though reliable, was 8 years old and rusting. It was time. I appreciate the Mazda3s straightforward interior design and comfort, unique styling, and quality of materials in and out. I expected a little extra wind and tire noise compared to my old mid-size car, and I got it, but its more than acceptable. The 2.5 engine pulls very strongly throughout the range and has a lot of pep. Mileage is average to good for this class of vehicle. Very satisfied with the vehicle and dealer.

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  Pure happiness - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By larry b - September 30 - 8:50 am

  I am 67 years old but feel like a 20 year old driving this car. For only a portion of the cost this car handles as well as a Volvo S40. It is comfortable and surprisingly roomy for my wife and me. The fuel mileage, while not great, is tolerable for a car that has such get up and go.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By EastRidge - September 30 - 2:00 am

  We previously owned an 00 MPV DX. It was nice, but lacked a few creature comforts. The combination of subtle and not-so-subtle improvements is absolutely fantastic. The extra horsepower, torque and 5th gear in the automatic translate to cleaner shift points and better mileage. We got an incredible deal on an 03 leftover, and are thoroughly enjoying the luxury. If youre considering a minivan and dont need the long wheelbase of a GM or Chrysler product, give this a try. It handles like a sports sedan, and is every bit as equipped as the top-ranked Odyssey.

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  great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Patrick - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The car handles like no other. It never loses traction. It accelerates great, has a great engine noise. The interior is sporty and fun and you can even fit the kids in back no problem.

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By 6n - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had it now for 8 months and still cant wait to drive it every morning. Great all-aroud vehicle and more stylish than the plain looking Accords and Camrys. The manual transmission really complments the cars engine, more fun than ever driving this car. Zoom- Zoom

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  My Precious - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Barticus - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent handling makes this car not only fun to drive but a responsibility to drive it well and hard. It demands nothing less then tight turns and hilly roads so it can show you what it is to have a blast while driving.