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 Price, but I am 62" - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By pearsonkj - September 10 - 10:00 am

  This car kicks ass! Although I am 62" and it can be a little cramped, the performance and value is excellent. I picked one up with every available option, Hunter Green, beige leather, for $23988. Find a deal like that any where else.

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  A Nice Little Package - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By DTKWOK - September 10 - 10:00 am

  After looking at the likes of the Nissan Altima 2.5S, Jetta, Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla, the MP5 is a lot of car for the money. Great looks, awesome handling (for a front driver), good passenger room, decent gas mileage and good amenities make it a serious contender in the sub $20K market.

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  Even better than I imagined - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By da - September 10 - 5:20 am

  I needed a family car as we were expecting our first child. This was particularly traumatic for me as I had to trade in my beloved Eclipse, but this car has it all. It performs excellent with quick acceleration in the city and an oh so smooth ride. Im converted to SUV-dom and Mazdas. We change the oil and it does the rest. It is worry free, has that sporty look I love, has the room my wife loves, the safety for my daughter, and my family and co-workers are instantly impressed once they get inside and go for a ride. It pulls trailers just fine and does all I ask it to do. The only reason its not a perfect car is the mpg, but I knew what I was getting into. Two years of happiness!

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  Mostly Im lovin my car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By risitaluv - September 9 - 11:53 pm

  I actually traded in my 2002 protege because I fell in love with this car before I even bought it. I love how it has a soft growl when I start the car sounding powerful. The seats are comfortable for long drives which I have done. The trunk is huge and helped when I moved. I am currently at 81,000 and just recently changed the brake pads for the first time. I am just now having a few problems but thats given with the mileage. The only other complaint that I did have was the stems on the wheels seem to snap off when you tighten your lug nuts and Ive lost about 5 of them. But either then that this car has been very reliable for me these past 7 yrs.

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  Fun, but noisy on highway - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By hockeyfan8112 - September 9 - 8:38 pm

  I have had the Mazda 3 iSport for about 3 weeks now and I find it is fun to drive. However, the road noise on the highway is overwhelming. Mazda could have spent a few more bucks insulating for road noise. Additionally, the back seat legroom could have used a few more inches. The car though is very fun to drive and the accelaration is great. You do not have to worry about getting up to speed on highway on-ramps.

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  Good but could be much better - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By lmabadie - September 9 - 7:47 pm

  This car is fun to ride and very comfortable. Fuel consumption a little high. Worst by far are the Navigation System, voice recognition and the electronic interfaces, such as the Sirius radio and Bluetooth. Those do not seem to have even been Beta Tested, such a poor design that makes you wonder about the rest of the car. Sad part is that it it is just poor software, which needs an urgent upgrade.

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  Exactly What I wanted - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By spewgilist - September 9 - 4:05 pm

  I bought my 2009 Mazda 5 GT new after stumbling on the model while looking for a car that would provide a comfortable ride for 4 adults and let me carry all the things for which I normally have to have a mini-van. I wanted sliding rear doors, I wanted captains chairs, I wanted a leather interior and heated seats and a few other amenities to which I have become accustomed and I was able to get them all in the GT for around $10-$15K less than a regular minivan. Ive had the car for 4 years now and I have put over 76K miles on it and I still love it and find it an incredibly versatile and reliable car.

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  Thought it would be faster! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By I want to go fast - September 9 - 3:56 am

  After turning in my Mazda 6 I decided to try out the 3. The Grand Touring is worth the extra bucks with heated leather seats, moon-roof etc. The gas mileage for a smaller car kinda stinks since the best I could get is 24 mpg. The handling around tight turns is fun although I wish the car was faster. I thought the 2.5 engine on a smaller car would be better. The best 0-60 I could get was around 8 seconds. My manual shifting days are over so when they come out with the Mazda Speed in an automatic, Im there!

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  More fun that you may think - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By DL - September 8 - 11:40 pm

  I bought this new, auto w/ manual shift, minimal other frills. Overall, it rides a bit like an Euro car, feels bit stiff but soaks up bumps well. I dont like how most Japanese cars wallow but then kick you when it gets bumpy. Engine w/ auto is slow-ish, but fast enough to get you into illegal speeds anyway. Handling is far above average; I find it more engaging even than my 09 G37. It did have a software glitch, stalled a couple of times the second year; fixed under warranty. No other problems in almost 95k miles driving in the punishing Boston climate/traffic/pothole combo. No regrets. If the new Mazda6 wasnt so corpulent, Id get another one.

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  Nice mid size sedan for the buck - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Moon - September 8 - 2:03 pm

  It drives like a full size car with the gas mileage of a compact. More than enough power, luxury and safety features.