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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  Poor gas milage - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By lordmetalz28 - June 16 - 10:45 am

  although i love everything about this car. i bought it for the gas milage and the gas mileage is disgusting. so now im locked into a 5 year 13k mistake.

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  Minivan mom - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By dcr - June 16 - 10:00 am

  I had driven several mimivans and hated the way they all drove. I decided to stay with a station wagon until I drove the MPV. I love it! Its roomy, fun to drive and has to be sturdy with my three children. Although it is not a performance vehicle, I didnt need one, I needed a reliable form of transportation that would stand up to the test of rowdy children and thats what I got.

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  Excellent car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Boudrot - June 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. After driving many other models, the MP5 was clearly a superior vehicle. It is fun to drive, great looking, comfortable and the quality is top-notch. It handles like a dream. The ride is a bit rough and it is a tad noisy, but these are minor complaints. Overall, this is a great buy.

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  GO CART HANDLING - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By MIKED - June 16 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS A SUPERB HANDLING CAR. ITS 16 INCH DUNLOPS REALLY GRAB THE PAVEMENT. COULD USE MORE POWER (EXHAUST AND COLD INTAKE ADDS A BIT) SHIFTER AND CLUTCH REALLY SMOOTH. BEST SPORT COMPACT SEDAN THIS SIDE OF A 3 SERIES BMW!! EXCELLENT FIT AND FINISH - A GREAT CAR!!

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  Zoom zoom mpv mom - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By vanmommie - June 16 - 10:00 am

  The van really is easy to drive. Love the Moonroof, the windows that go down in the back. The tumble under seat for getting your stuff back there. Perfect height to side in and out. Not to big. Not a big brick in the wind.

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  Only possible car for short people - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Kara - June 15 - 12:33 pm

  Im five foot and have the greatest visibility Ive ever had with any car in the Miata. Has strong headlights, amazing steering, quick and easy to put the top down (at a traffic light. The Miata is small, elegant and always smiling. Greatest car ever and would recommend it to anyone who is under 62".

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  New CX9 - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Keith - June 14 - 4:53 pm

  Purchased new CX9 AWD GT a couple weeks ago. Replaced 2002 Chevy TrailBlazer that was wrecked and totaled. Looked at Toyota Venza & Highlander, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX and Chevy Traverse. In comparing features, style, size, towing, performance and price, the CX9 was an easy choice. 0% for 60 mo. was the deal clincher. Leaps and bounds ahead of the TB. Wife drives it regularly and loves it - very important. Only disappointment is mileage, but expected this based on research done. Have owned Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, Chevy, Toyota and Honda as daily drivers - so far very happy with the Mazda - hope it stays that way.

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  The Best - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Run - June 14 - 3:00 am

  Dont think that this is a waste of money. This car has done a lot for me. I had a Honda and it broke down. So I decided to buy a Mazda; since the day I bought it my life driving a car has been great compared to drivina a Honda. It might be pricey but I can say it was worth it.

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  Still getting to know mine but liking it so far - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Dave - June 13 - 5:43 am

  I was looking at BMWs and saw the CX5. I found it to be very stylish for a medium size SUV. Everything in the BMW appears to be in this car. Quality leather, electronics, entertainment, safety feature, smart cruise, sun roof, heated seats, custom attractive wheels, smart key, etc.... You get a lot of car for the money in the CX5. Its quiet, smooth riding, and comfortable. I have less than 1000 miles on mine so I cant speak on reliability. I am not giving it 5 stars because there are some minor things: 1) I wish it had more HP. A turbo engine would have been great. 2) The automatic shift lever was not designed very well and could use some improvement. I often get my fingers pinched in the spring loaded lever on the knob. 3) The break peddle is too close to the gas peddle. If you wear boots while driving, it is hard to put your foot on one peddle without it being on the other too. 4) I would like a little more support in the driver seat. 5) and like all Japanese cars, they just dont design around American long legs and come up short on driver side leg room. But it is a fine 4 star machine.

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  2007 Mazda 3i Touring ROCKS! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By 2007 Mazda i Touring - June 13 - 1:50 am

  I researched for 3 months which car would be the best value for my budget and I am so glad I did. The Mazda 3i Touring is everything I expected in regards to value, what I didnt anticipate was how much fun it would be! I commute 98 miles round trip to work and you would think that driving would be the last thing that I would want to do for entertainment--HOWEVER-- this car changed all that for me. I have rediscovered my joy of driving and my family fights me for the keys. I am getting on average around 500 miles per tank of gas which makes driving for fun even more inviting, not to mention the surprising power--this thing drives like a sports car!