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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  Good value - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bob - March 30 - 7:53 am

  I have owned my car for 18 months and have enjoyed the experience. Fun to drive and very sporty. Comfortable over the long trip. I just bought new tires after 43,000 miles as I plan to keep this one for a while longer.

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  Wonderful Car - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By markregel - March 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my DX, even with the 4-cyl and manual transmission. While its not going to win any races, it has plenty of power for everyday driving. At only 3000 lbs, its power to weight ratio is about the same as most other 4-cyl midsized cars, and I really appreciate the great 23/28 MPG. Im most impressed by the crisp and smooth shifter which has an execellent feel, thanks to a direct linkage. Steering response is also outstanding. Im perplexed by edmunds quote the interrior "looks cheep", which I find simple but attractive and well thought out.

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  Best Fun in the Front Seat of a Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mkprincess - March 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my RX-8 for almost 3 months and absolutely LOVE IT!!! Ive got over 6000 miles and the only thing I can think to complain about it is the gas mileage - about 20 mpg. but everything else about the car makes the gas mileage easier to accept. Its a huge head-turner. One problem - most of the lookers are 20-year old guys and Im a 45-year old woman. Oh well - I love the car!! When I first drove it to work someone said it looked like a "spaceship"

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  My first five thousand miles - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Stan Mendoza - March 28 - 3:00 pm

  This car is fun to drive! The power band of the V6 is excellent as well as the five speed manual transmission. Getting on and off freeways is fun!! The sport package is well worth the extra bucks.The comfort of the leather seats is perfect for me, and all that have driven with me. My 2001 Honda Accord is boring to drive compared to the Mazda Sport Wagon, so far so good on my first Mazda product!

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  Noble truck - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By Gus Meyer - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle to run errands to the lumber yard, the nursery, the dump etc. It is very sporty, has great handling and adequate cargo capacity for its intended use. It is the right size for city use and can be parked easily in our relatively narrow driveway. Dealer was fair in the purchase process.

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  Mazda MPV 2000 - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By dmacns - March 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great mini van. Handles better than some cars Ive had. Great Quality and solid body. Cant beat the seating that is standard on every MPV.

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  What happened? - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By buzz - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new at the end of the model year. Just got it out of the shop, again. This is the second time in 1 1/2 years that the fuel injector had to be replaced. Both times I took the car in for repairs, it took a while to diagnose the problem. Overall the drive is clean. Only major complaint is inadequate power for acceleration when merging on the highway or driving up a hill (especially if the air conditioner is on--then you can forget it!!) As long as you can get a good "run" towards a hill the car will GO.

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  Ilove this car - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By sunnybuckaroo - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this car

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  Great car for the money - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By rwm - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Keep up the good work Mazda. Got the car in January and have almost 9000 miles on it without a single problem (other than a rock chip in the fog light). As with my Miata, the build quality seems very good. The car could use a more powerful motor, but the handling is great. The interior is well laid out and seems to be holding up well to the abuse of two children. This car is a great deal for what it costs.

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  Great! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Edunbar - March 27 - 10:10 pm

  I love my car, it has been great. I get great gas mileage. Ever since I bought it I have never had a problem. Mazda is a great company and really are striving to make their customers happy. My Mazda Protege5 is like a SUV without the gas mileage. I can fit everything to go camping and rafting in the back without taking all the seating out, etc. It is an awesome car for someone wanting a family vehicle.