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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  WOW! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By hitNrun - July 21 - 3:20 am

  I purchased my 5 door S with about 15K miles (2004 model). 5 speed, moonroof/6CD, ABS package, xenon/tpms, Winning Blue. Bought it for commuting with a little fun. So far my mileage is what I expected; 28-30 mpg in mixed driving. The fun-to-drive factor is outstanding! This car gets a lot of looks, while I have actually gotten my 3 kids in the back seat. Ive owned a Protege before, and it was very reliable. If this model meets the reliability, with the added fun factor, Im a Mazda customer for life. My wife is even learning to drive it.

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  Best choice EVER - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ericka - July 19 - 8:20 am

  I did my fair share of researching on this car and to my delight, it was everything I hoped for. It handles very well and has enough "get up and go" to keep me smiling. The smaller engine is fine for me due to the high gas prices. I still cant believe they packed all this fun into under $20,000.

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  Zoom into the future - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Witch1056 - July 18 - 12:13 am

  I have owned my CX-7 for about a month and I love it. Slow off the line, but once she gets going, she picks up her skirt and "zooms." Handles like a dream and stops on a dime. Fun, sexy and a joy to drive. Only complaint is that it does not have side molding to stop the "parking lot" dings.

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  Most Passengers, Cargo & Mileage in Class - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By HomeExchanger - July 17 - 3:43 pm

  With 2 kids our Subaru Forester was too small. The Mazda5 dimensions are about the same as the Forester but the space is used better. Autoclimate, anti-lock brakes, 6 airbags - Im in. Kids have room to spread out. Huge loads fit, even with 4 riders. Clever storage bins abound. Theres even storage under rear bench with seats up. Only RAV4 is this compact with seats for more than 5. But 3rd row is harder to enter & it costs $5,000 more than Mazda5 with the 7-passenger option. Dont be fooled: 1) third row is fine for anyone under 64" tall i.e. most women & kids 2) cargo is 43 cf with 3rd row down but 77 feet with both rows folded 3) mileage reported on forum is high 20s/low 30s in normal driving.

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  Awesome - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By SDTH - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the Mazda "P-5" as we are calling it. We went for a new car and could not take our eyes off this baby. Used (2002), with 20,000 miles. Mica yellow and fun as all get out. A five minute test drive convinced us that this was our car. Just returned from a 1,900 mile road trip and the car performed exceptional in all aspects!

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  Fun fun fun - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Egprotege5 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a reliable, economical, fun to drive compact, this one is for you. I am the proud owner of a 2002 Protege5 that has 83000 miles on it and it still looks, runs and rides as if I bought it last week. Fuel mileage is excellent on this car as I regularly get 30 miles to the gallon. Even after all these miles, the interior is still rattle free. If I had to complain about onything, it would be the unimpressive power that this de-tuned 2.0L engine produces (130hp/135lb-ft). Handling is impeccable and ride is firm, but not jarring. Braking is of the best that I have ever felt. Mazda made a winner with this car.

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  Mazda 3 Cudos - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Platinum Master - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I have a 91 Miata that has only had regular maintanance nothing else has gone wrong. Wish I could say that about my two chrysler minivans. So buying my kids two safe high quality cars that will last them all the way through collage with out any worries on my part was a no brainer. Plus all of mazdas are preformance oriented like myself. Why buy my kids two 2004 Hondas (boring - boring) reliable & economical when they can have (zoom - zoom) reliable & economical. If your car is fun to drive your much more likely to be alert and paying attention to where and what your doing. It has a good crash rating if they do make a mistake.

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  No Complaints! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By krappster - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Used to have a BMW 328iS. This car drives smoother, shifts faster (thanks to the short throw), rides softer (while still having sporty handling), and even accelerates faster. Mazda really stepped up the interior materials. This car is the best deal out there. Nobody delivers a better overall package for the price. Ive been looking for the sporty car that has four doors and is baby-friendly!

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  Cooooooooool Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By brittany55555 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Nice handling, nice ride. Definatley getting what you paid for. Cute, stylish, and comfortable and "zoom zoom"

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  Great Wagon!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By gwagonman - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 6 wagon with 5M and havent regretted a thing. Bose system is awesome, handling sporty, enough room for the kids. Took the family on a trip to DC and had a great ride there and back. Hit some bad thunderstorms, but the Michelins held the road like we were on rails. This car really is a family vehicle that handles like a sports car, has the room of a small SUV and 25-27 mpg on the hwy. All I wanted and more!