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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  Almost Perfect - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By blunte - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Saw it, drove it, bought it. I test drove the 5spd, then the auto (just for grins). The auto was excellent, and the auto-manual mode was great for times when I wanted specific gear control. Car is gorgeous, especially in the super-metallic red. (Edmunds doesnt list the Auto, so I review here.)

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  Good Mazda - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Budd Ditchendorf - November 21 - 3:53 pm

  We purchased this van with 62,000 miles on it in 2008 for a great price. Made me wonder if it was a lemon. We had to have a van and it was the right price especially compared to Toyotas and Hondas. This van has been a blessing! 25 ,000 miles later and it runs perfectly. Do all my own maintenance and the fluid levels are always spot on where they were before. Ours is decked out with all the modern options of 2003 and was way below the cost of comparable other vans. I would venture to say you must check this van out if you are in the market for a van. This seems to be a reliable used purchase flying below the radar thus a much more reasonable price.

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  Still Trying To Decide - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Joe N. - November 16 - 1:42 pm

  I test drove the CX-5 Grand Touring along with others in this class and price point. Ive narrowed my choices down to the CX-5 Grand Touring and the Hyundai Tuscon Limited. Love the sleek look of the CX-5 inside and out. Some features missing that Hyundai offers are panoramic moonroof, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and Apple Car Play (though Mazda says Apple Car Play is coming). I love the look and the driving feel of the CX-5 over the Tuscon but I love those added comfort and convenience features that the Tuscon offers over the CX-5. Still waiting to see which car maker if either can fill in the gap between the two first. Will wait to see what comes from both in 2018 and 2019.

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  great - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By angel Kania - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I love My MIata!

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  the wierd sound issue after 1700 miles on it - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jangk - November 15 - 8:29 am

  2 weeks ago, I directly emailed to Mazda company with the problem. Then, the issue was transferred to the representative of the dearlership in which I bought, so they was informed by me that issue, and they drove the car with me, but they just explained that " problem is because of new SkyActive transmission, so we cannot sovle the problem fundamentally because the wierd sound is part of manufacture." So with disappointment, I returned to my home.... ....I live Philadelphia suburban area, which means I live in a little bit cold area, but the wierd sound is not related to the cold weather.........

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  Boxter to wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By C. Rooney - November 14 - 12:56 am

  Selling my Boxter was a very hard thing to do, but, I needed more room for my business. I hate SUVs and still wanted a sporty fast car. A wagon was the obvious choice. I drove them all. The only other car I considered was an Audi, but the A4 was too small and the A6 too much money and impossible to find without an automatic. The "Six" has a great smooth 5 speed, a strong v6 and comfortable interior. Mine is fully loaded and a great value for $28K! I love the cargo cover and standard pull-up cargo (dog) screen. The center console is also great, tons of storage and looks great at night. Kudos to Mazda for leaving out the "fake wood" and designing a classy original dash.

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  Great car - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By jonrpatrick - November 12 - 2:00 am

  After 15 years of pontificating the vices of japanese cars, I finally gave up on my slow, unrefined, unreliable american cars and bought this Mazda. Ill never look back. This car is rock-solid and after my first year, I still look forward to driving it (unlike my american cars of yore!) The Protege is a blast to drive (lots of zoom-zoom), handles great, and is pretty peppy when you dig into the gas. Its also roomy, with a fantastic interior (Mazda is making the best interiors in the business right now!!) and refinement, refinement, refinement.

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  Great Minivan - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By rstar - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Weve been having fun with our van since we got it. Perfect for a family of 4 and when you need to bring some frinds along just lift the third seat out of the floor.

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  Nice Car at a Fair Price - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By genetix - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife and I find myself "borrowing" it often. The car has great styling that are agressive but too agressive. You get a lot of nice things for the price, For example really look great and light up the road well. The interior and features are nice as well. The steering wheel Audio controls the "quasi-manual" transmission are great features. The rear seats can be folded down from inside the truck. Things that annoy me: Creaks from the suspension when you go over rough roads or speed bumps. Things that annoy me: Creaks from the suspension when you go over rough roads or speed bumps. The truck release is nowhere near the fuel door release. Engine is peppy, needs more HP!

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  Run it to death - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Canton Chris - November 10 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is my workhorse, as far as packing on the miles. In 1.5 years, I have put 47,000 miles on this car. New tires, front brake pads, and periodic oil/air filter changes are pretty much the only costs so far. Gas mileage keeps getting better are the car gets more miles on it. I love the pickup it has in traffic and around town. It is zippy when you need it. Its a great car.