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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  Most Fun Car Ever - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By G. Wayne Baggett - July 13 - 8:43 am

  I have owned the car a year now and have about 3500 miles on it. It is undoubtedly the most fun car I have ever owned or driven. Also the sexiest looking. The appearance of the 3rd generation version is a major improvement. The handling is exceptional. It could use a little more power and low end torque, but a turbo would fix that. Maybe a MazdaSpeed version in 2008. I wish I had waited a year and got the PRHT, but I would have sacrificed a year of great driving pleasure. You cant go wrong with value and fun for under $30K.

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  I Love My Car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By SarahF - July 12 - 6:00 pm

  I have had my Mazda 3 for about a year and a half now, and love it! It is very responsive and fun to drive. Driving it feels "sporty", unlike other cars I test drove (the Nissan Sentra for example). I also felt like it had more interior room and better visibility than the Civic. It would be nice if the fuel economy was a little better, however, I still usually get about 28 miles to the gallon (suburban driving), and on road trips it averages about 31.

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  nice car overall - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By daphkn - July 11 - 12:16 pm

  I have owned this vehicle now just short of 3 years and it has 27k miles. Overall it is a fine car. Peppy,responsive, and fun to drive. My wife wanted the automatic so that is what we got. The manumatic is a bit lame when it comes to shifting but it still provides some fun factor. Mileage has been pretty good, right around the ratings. All in all it meets my expectations. The negatives that have come to light are the following. The oem tires are awful for wear and handling on wet pavement. These will need to be replaced soon at $550 to $800 for the lot. I was disappointed to read in the manual that snow chains could not be used on models with alloy wheels. Vehicle is not good in snow.

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  Im happy! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Steph044 - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car in April 2003. Im generally very happy. I got it in Lazer blue, fully loaded without leather. The blue is a little hard to keep clean and so is the black interior. If you are a neat freak, go with the leather. Cargo space is not great and 2 sets of golf clubs will just fit. However, this can be solved by flipping down the seats which. Purchased with sport auto transmission. The car is used mostly for driving in traffic so Im happy but coupled with the slightly underpowered motor makes for a lazy drive. All in all I am very happy. You dont have to give up much to get a whole lot!

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  Fun little car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By rodl - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a car with the 2.0 liter engine and a five speed. This car is a great little car. I have 97 626 with 200,000 miles and not one nickle in repairs other than tires, brakes and timing belts. Still have the same clutch. And still going strong!

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  Happy for the most part. - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Artistsoulnme - July 10 - 3:16 pm

  Prev. owned large minivan, but after we were looking for compact SUV or 4 door sedan. What sold me on the Mazda 5 was the design. I loved the fact that its so roomy, has 3rd seat, has storage in the second row seats and its sporty, not to mention the cargo capacity and the double rear sliding doors are fantastic getting my 2 year old in and out of his carseat. Im happy with the performance of the vehicle and gas mileage is great, but things that have disappointed me: No Vents in 2nd or 3rd row. Takes a WHILE for the back of the car to cool off/warm up. Way too noisy,Not a quiet ride: Noise is off the chain due to the sport tires I assume. Not happy with that. Overall though, pleased.

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  Mazda-Fun - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Mark - July 10 - 3:06 pm

  I have had a great time with owning my RX-8. It is an absolute blast to drive! The only problem I had was when I initially purchased the car, it did not like to be started, moved and then turned off immediately. I have found out that with a plug change to a hotter plug and revving the motor for 7 seconds prior to shutting down the cold motor all problems were eliminated. From this point on, I have been very pleased. My two young boys love the back seats and suicide doors. Ergonomically, the car is very adjustable to fit most anyone. I am 6 tall and weigh 212 lbs. Navigation is excellent and not distracting at night. The Bose stereo system is incredible!

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  Great car except for headlights - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By aj - July 10 - 10:27 am

  I could heady see at night driving this car. Poor visibility and very dangerous at night to drive

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  What a Bargain! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve L - July 8 - 6:40 pm

  After doing some research on the Mazda3 and owning a 92 Miata, I found this vehicle with automatic, CD, and air for only $11,985 (lost leader advertisement). Took a test drive and was amazed at the handling and the pick up. Bought the car and have not looked back. The car operates like a fine watch and easily gets through the worst traffic with ease. The seats are comfortable for a tall person. The handling at high speed is excellence, with precision. In fact, this car operates extremely well at speeds well above 70 MPH, so beware. This is truely a fun car to drive. Be aware that this is more like a sports car, so do not expect the soft and quiet handling of a vanilla econo sedan.

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  Fun to drive & great on gas! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By chemobob - July 8 - 6:33 am

  I was looking for a new vehicle to use for work. My wish list included 1. Plenty of room in back for sales materials 2. Combined EPA mileage of at least 27.5 mpg (company requirement to get an extra $100/month in car allowance) 3. Manual transmission 4. Sporty handling & fun to drive. I researched a LOT of vehicles, and the CX-5 was the only one I found that met all of my needs. I have already put over 10k miles on it in 3 months. Fuel economy in mostly highway driving has been over 30mpg. I drive around 78mph on the interstate. In 6th gear the rpms are 3200 at this speed. It would get even better mileage at 60-65mph. So far it has performed flawlessly. Im very happy with my choice!