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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  It thinks its a van... but its not - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By dee - August 17 - 8:46 pm

  Thought it would be a smaller alternative to a van, bought it when gas was $4.00+. It is way too small, can haul 6 people/4 with stuff, but not both. Cons: non-lighted mirrors, small useless cubbies without lids, industrial looking fabric, door ajar light doesnt specify which door, gas cap is very hard to get off, wimpy horn, cant close windows with car off, small sunroof, would switch volume with placement of radio change buttons (dont change volume often, but you always change stations, add on/off button), cubbie under middle seat cant be accessed while driving, sunshade is too short-useless, light in truck have off/on/door, armrest must be up to access back.

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  Transfer case go BOOM!!! - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By sleepyspeed3 - August 8 - 5:53 pm

  My wife took her our cx9 on a road trip with our 2 girls. On the way home she heard a clunk trying to back up. Then at low speeds she heard a grinding noise, pulled over and had it towed to a dealership. They said it had mice nesting near the bell housing. Today I was suppose to go get it back and the mechanic called and said he tried to back it up and CLUNK. Cracked transfer case. It will be another 2 - 3 weeks before its fixed. It looks like many other owners have had this problem. Ours only had 17k miles on it. Mazda should recall their cx9.

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  great mileage, cramped and impractical cabin - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By clee15 - August 5 - 9:47 pm

  I drove a Protege5 for 10 years and I loved that car. I fully expected to love my new 2012 Mazda 3 but have been disappointed--no love yet. Yes, it gets awesome gas mileage -- but it is not nearly as spirited or fun to drive as the Protege5. Hugs the road well, but quite sluggish acceleration. If you have the 6 spd manual, plan to do a LOT of shifting very quickly. Disappointing driving experience compared to Protege5. Interior cabin is cramped due to enormous dash and console, and ceiling in rear is much lower than Protege so if you have a dog in the back, it better be a short one.

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  Big mistake - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By diana37 - July 1 - 11:09 pm

  I wish I had known how uncomfortable this car is for driving more than around the block in a test drive. I bought a new 2013 Mazda 3 three days ago, and it hurts my back. I will have to sell it and take the financial hit. I am sick about it.

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  Worst mistake of my life - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By carma8 - July 1 - 9:44 am

  Do not buy this car. If you are thinking of buying this car go to the Rx8 forums, everything that can go wrong with this car will go wrong. This car has been the financial ruin of me. When I bought it the KBB price was $17k and thats what I paid. 3 years later I tried to trade it in, and was offered $3k. Bear in mind that it is in better condition now than when I bought it. Every year I spend at least $2-3k on repairs. The only luck I have had is the engine seems to be the only one that works, for now. Thats right $2-3k/year with a healthy engine. The car is crap. Other cars are just as fun to drive with much lower cost. Save yourself and run away.

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  Great handling....poor quality - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By newtonguy - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Mazda has created a car with tight steering, good pickup (with the manual transmission) and a sporty appearance. However, check this list…roofrack loud road noise, new auxiliary fan, rusted rear brake caliper pin, new EGR valve, poor power window performance, new rotors needed at 18,000 miles, and A/C turning on without me pressing the A/C button. Gas Mileage is poorer than on the sticker and exterior paint and sturdiness is less than adequate. At 1 year, my trade value was $9K. I spent over $15K. Its a shame because the car is fun to drive and looks great but steer clear of Mazda.

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  Breakdown - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Ed Darnell - June 22 - 3:30 am

  Purchased vehicle new. Unresolved problems with automatic sliding doors (sometimes they work other times not) 68k miles, engine light on, transmission range switch inoperative, replaced at cost of $326. 70k pull off interstate for lunch car stalled in parking lot. Able to restart by depressing gas pedal to floor, but stalls when gear is engaged. Tow to dealer $87.50, two nights in motel awaiting part and repair $236.00, replace AJ57-18-84A water thermo switch, $178.

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  2007 Mazda CX-7 - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Donna - June 19 - 9:10 pm

  Very pretty head turner but not impressed. Horrible gas mileage and premium fuel need is painful! Peppy turbo has power but very jumpy/jerky. Pretty, sleek interior design but ZERO places to put anything with only a deep, dark cave of a console to fish through. Into shop already for headlight repair with 15000 miles on it. Stock tires are winter death traps. MUST purchase snow tires at $200+each or risk death. What traction control? CX-7 is all style but no substance! Dont bother!

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  Mixed feelings - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By DJ - June 18 - 4:56 pm

  One one hand, I love the power and handling you get with such a small sticker price. The Protege killed the Civic and the Corolla in the test drive. Its been a lot of fun!! However, Ive had to throw a lot of money at it in the four years Ive owned it. Ive replaced both wheel bearings twice and the stabilizer links twice also. Very disappointing. The mileage isnt all that great either.

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  The Worst Stereo/Electronics Ive Ever Encountered - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By ec0516 - May 17 - 9:54 pm

  My 2015 CX-5 GT AWD has the poorest excuse for an infotainment system Ive ever seen, bar none. The "premium" Bose stereo sounds more like someone glued a transistor radio to the dashboard and the TomTom navigation system is extremely buggy, requiring constant updates and is agonizingly slow. Ipod support is in name only, Ive stopped using it. Voice recognition is a joke. The Bluetooth interface stumbles constantly. Various automotive sites (including this one) have referred to the electronics/audio in this vehicle as sub par or mediocre. The reality is living with it day and day out is enough to taint the entire ownership experience.