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 Value - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By JMac - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Real supprised with the performance of this car. Gas milage as high as 38 mpg. Very good car for in town running around, not real comfortable on the highway and some road noise. No problems thus far...

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  Quick hatchback with a lot of room - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Tetonman - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the P5 for about 5 months now and really think it is a great little car. The engine is peppy and with the 5 speed is quick enough for most city and highway driving. Gas mileage is okay (around 27 mpg mixed driving). We have the sunroof and roof rack on and have never noticed the so called whistle like some others have, even going above 75 mph. We really like the room this car has. It is surprising just how much stuff can fit in the cargo area (similar to the Protege Sedan trunk in terms of surprise). We also liked the fact that we could put two car seats in with our seats back and travel in comfort for a 6 hour drive.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Her truck - November 14 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 99 Ford Expedition for the Tribute.Really fun to drive. Handles great in the snow, better than the Expedition. Much better gas milage. Enough room for a family of 4. Can get many options and accessories without spending lots of money. Great vehicle for the price. Very happy with it so far.

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  Wagon o sports - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike St - November 14 - 12:26 am

  I have had way too many cars first off. This one ranks in the top 3 or 4. I recently acquired it from my wife a few months ago as we thought she needed a minivan again. This car drives absolutely awesome, a little soft on low rpm power. Handles better than many "sports" cars. Great brakes. Solid quality feel. Loaner car during service is great. I avg 23mph, 27-28 on road trip in the mountains. Bose is great. It just feels right to me.

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  Nice, but.... - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By tracknut - November 13 - 11:11 pm

  Had since new, 28k miles now. I tested everything at the time, traded an 08 Pathfinder. First impression was good; comfy, good power, nice interior. I almost passed for two reasons that now have me shopping again; FWD, and steering position. I prefer RWD or AWD but wanted best fuel econ. Although torque steer is not an issue, it IS a heavy steering feel and quick acceleration out of a tight/emergency spot just spins the wheels.#2, I just cant get comfortable with steering position. The wheel is slanted too far forward, making the reach at 10/2 a stretch (Im 58"). Not enough adj to make it right for me. No lighted window/door lock swtchs, boomy sound and no flat cargo area are other gripes

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  Wow - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By DasHand - November 13 - 10:03 pm

  I use this as my daily driver and commute before rush hour. The car is so much fun to drive and the mileage is a real plus. 36.9 mpg on my last road trip with the a/c on (top up). I even got 31 mpg on a high speed run (85-90 mph)… amazing!! The six speed gearbox is so amazing that I don’t mind getting caught by red lights… it gives me another opportunity to go through those gears!! Acceleration is exceptional if you really get on the gas, but still really good if you just go through the gears. With the top down, the day’s worries just float away. There is a surprising amount of space in the trunk. Interior space is ok for me at 6ft tall.

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  3i - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By jim - November 13 - 7:00 pm

  i chose the 3i because i commute around 65 miles a day to work. the 2.0 liter engine is suprisingly powerful tip-tronic is a fun little feature for those of you that dont want the hassle of driving manual all the time, but still want that little extra oomph on the highway. not to mention its fun! interior is so roomy for its class suspension is tight and responsive, may be a bit rough for the casual driver

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  Best value in America - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jim - November 13 - 6:10 am

  I have had this car for 2 1/2 years and it is a great car. I have never had a problem with it and I must have gotten a freak because it gets 35 mpg highway and almost 30 in everyday driving (which is a combo of highway and city). I am looking forward to trading it in on a new 2010 model Mazda 3.

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  The Perfect car for us! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By roughntumble - November 13 - 5:20 am

  We were getting around in a compact car, but when we bought our own house and adopted a 90 pound dog, our compact wasnt working anymore. We are also outdoor people who love to go camping, so we needed a car with room for all our rig and our dog that could put up with some rough terrain. The Mazda5 was the perfect choice for us and we dont have any regrets. We paid $17,500 for it.

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  Best Looking/Great Drive - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By ZoomZoom - November 12 - 4:46 pm

  I just crossed 36000 miles on my CX-7 FWD GT. I got it with the tech package, so it is loaded. Have had all the recommended services done. As I write this, the gas cap problem occurred way back in June 2007. Otherwise, the car has been exceptionally fun to drive. Get about 21 mpg (what I expected) and drive 60/40 highway/city. No a/c to rear, which is a bummer for the kids. That would be my biggest gripe. Also, the tires lasted to 30k, and im on my 2nd set. Otherwise, this has been a great car for me and my family. The fun-to- drive factor is off the charts. I live driving down two-lane country roads with inclines and curves. The car just responds so incredibly well. Go for it!