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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  I cant believe how reliable this car is - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mikeyp70 - May 4 - 6:50 pm

  I now have 85k on this car. I change the oil every 3-5k miles and change the antifreeze and air filter at the recommended intervals. Thats it. Changed the brakes (pads only) at 60,000 miles. Thats right, original rotors. I had to change my last GMs at 20k because they warped (under-designed). Kuhmo tires only cost $68 and I put 50k+ on my last set vs the original tires without much change in performance or ride quality. This is a great car and the 28-30 mpg couple with low maintenance costs makes it very economical. And oh yeah... its fun. Nimble and sporty.

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  too small for this 6 ft. man - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By jim - May 4 - 1:26 am

  The ride of the MPV is wonderful. Very car-like. Unfortunately, if someone with legs is sitting behind the driver (if its me), theres not enough room for both of us. The lack of room is my biggest gripe. We also have no Mazda dealer in our town of 46,000, so we have to drive it 45 minutes away every time the check engine light comes on, which is a lot. Then I have to drive it back down for the repair. Its a hassle. And for such a short van, the gas mileage is terrible, between 19-21 mpg. On the positive side, if nobody is sitting behind me and Im not worried about mileage, its a very nice car to drive.

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  You Wont Be Disappointed... Zoom-Zoom! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By dan_clear - May 4 - 1:00 am

  Love this car... there is an s-turn near my house and this car eats it up. Looked at the Civic, Matrix, VWs, Nissans etc. but I chose this car because it is a blast to drive. Build quality is great and there are features that you would expect to find on more expensive cars. Leather seats were a deal breaker and rarely found as an option on smaller cars. Also, I am 62" and there is plenty of room for me in this car. For just a shade over 20k you cant go wrong!

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  Excellent Crossover - terrible Nav - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By PO - May 3 - 8:53 pm

  Got the CX-9 10 months ago and we are very happy with the car. Performance is great with more than enough power and fantastic handling for a vehicle this size. Incredibly smooth, sporty ride. It drives like a performance sedan. 20" wheels provide an athletic look in a relatively unique vehicle. Build Quality and fit/finish are solid. Interior styling is tasteful, and traditionally modern. AWD worked great in the 2 blizzards in DC this winter. Seats are comfortable on short trips and long hauls. I guess mileage is not great, but not a lot worse than the minivan it replaced - you have to pay for the driving performance somewhere. Its a great CUV. Kids like it too.

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  Best Midsize Sedan - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By dankocke - May 2 - 3:01 pm

  Researched and drove most midsize cars. Nissan Altima is cheapest with the most stuff but extremely bland and a terrible CVT trans. Really liked Passat and Accord but then decided to give the M6 a try. I was instantly impressed with the driving dynamics and the nice interrior. I had a 2008 M6 a couple years back and this one blows it out of the water. I like that I was able to get the Nav package as an add-on. I wanted to keep the price low but I like Nav... and this one DOES have traffic updates. . I have 1000 miles on it and all three tanks have gotten me 33mpg mostly highway commuting. May not be the best deal in terms of incentives, but got $1500 off price plus mil discount.

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  Porsche or Mazda + Diamond? - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Lady Driver - May 2 - 10:56 am

  The last time I owned a mazda miata was when I was in college. After college I drove Porsche. Now Im back to the Mazda miata and I love it! Performance has improved tremendously. It is a super fun car to drive. A car with this type of handling for 30k is a value. I could have purchased a USED Porsche 911 for over 60k. Instead, I got this brand new cute fast little car plus a bigger diamond ring AND I never have to worry about maintenance issues all for under 60k. A smarter and more fun decision by far! My husband ended up getting a porsche so we would have one in the family. It is a better drive no doubt. But I am thrilled with my decision to go with Mazda.

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  Outstanding machine - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Diego - May 1 - 9:53 pm

  This is a car that makes you smile when you drive it. I am extremely satisfied with my Miata, I think the only thing I would improve in this car is the little trunk space.

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  07 grand touring mx 5 - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By wiseman - May 1 - 8:26 am

  i bought a 07 grand touring hard top conv. it had 10,00 miles is all. i love it. a blast to drive.a real attention getter. seats could use a better lumbar support. otherwise its great. mine is silver with black leather. its all that and a bag of chips. good job mazda. and bose sound system is just another bonus. my recommendation is check out other two seaters and compare prices. mazda is the best bargain for the buck.

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  125,000 miles and going strong - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By michdude - April 30 - 10:02 pm

  I bought my 2005 Mazda 3 as a used, certified car with 48,000 one owner miles on it. I had just started a new job which is 25 miles one way so I needed a reliable, fairly fuel efficient car that looked sharp, was fun to drive and could seat four adults when needed. Im 63" tall so I also needed a car that could handle my lanky frame. I have to say my Mazda 3 has been a pleasure to drive over the past three years. It has also been reliable. The only mechanical failures Ive had are the serpentine belt tension pulley and the drivers side front wheel bearing. I have replaced the brake rotors and pads and bought new tires (Continental ExtremeContact DWS. Overall I love my 3!!!!!!!

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  my zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ohio mazda - April 30 - 3:00 pm

  I have not had any problems with this car. I currently have just about 25,000 miles on it. Fun to drive.