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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  LUXURY VALUE STYLE - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By MARK BETTERLY - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Ived owned my Mazda for just a few months and I love to show it off. I got a great deal which made me apprehensive but the more I drive it the better I feel about my decision. I looked at acura, the avalon and infinity, I saved thousands. Ill admit this is my second Mazda, the last one was so reliable and the dealers services were so professional I had to go back, atleast to look. Yup they got me and I couldnt be happier.

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  Our favorite van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Bobaran - December 25 - 2:00 am

  We looked for over a year researching and driving vans, basically waiting for the right deal to come around. If price was not a consideration we would have gone with the Mazda. It just so happened that we got 0% and dealer invoice so we got our dream van, no settling for a Caravan.

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  Mazdas comeback!!! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jammocaz - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with this vehicle. I got a great deal! I am so glad mazda set the pace for others to follow!(hatchback market) The competition is stiff but mazda comes out a notch ahead!

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  Again&Again&Again&Again.... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By bgfeordjr - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I love Proteges,I bought wife an LX & Pro5 for me. Remarkable car for the money. Perfect steering. Five-speed is fun & not too long in the throw. Ample power, with 2300 through 4000 rpm producing very good response. Weighs 2716 & produces 135 feet pounds of torque. Beauty of the car as a commuter--dont need peak rpms to get power/gets more than 30 mpg. Id have liked some choice in the interior colors, but dark charcoal looks very nice with the Black Mica exterior(found some silvery-grey floor mats that look great). One word describes exterior-BEAUTIFUL. Thanks Mazda(and Browns) for the wonderful car at the great price(less than 15K).

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  Getting more for what you are paying - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Met - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my car with 4 discounts combined, CustomerCash, AutoShowDiscount, CollegeGrad, ManufacturerDiscount. I checked 2003 Corollas, but, smaller in size and gets more expensive with the options. Protege is fun to drive compact sedan.

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  Sporty - Reliable - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By sclwkr - December 24 - 5:20 pm

  58000 mile on my zoom mobile. Needed tires @ 32000 mi. No other major issues. Gas mileage is 31 city/hgwy. 35 mpg going long on hgwy. To work & back daily 2.3 engine rocks. dont be afraid to rev. Great wet, ok in snow. Thank God for ABS. Minor probs: console intrudes somewhat for long trips. Odd oil filter to change. Floor mats look good but wore thru quick. Took off Toyo oems and put on Yokos. Sticks to curves. Sound system rocks. Sunroof a must. Golf clubs fit nicely in trunk. Highly recommend! ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM

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  My second awesome mazda 3 ! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this mazda 3! I bought a 2007 mazda3 in 07 and now I bought a 2010 mazda3 S grand touring this year. I love everything about it, the s gt comes with everything a BMW has. Power seats, heated seats, power locks, windows, rain sensor, sun roof, Bose sound, blue tooth for phone and ipod, aux port, leather seats, 2.5l 4 cylinder that will kick any 4 cylinder in its category. Stability and traction control are awesome in the snow and for high speeds! Never had any problems owning my 07 for 3 years and never had a problem with my new 2010, now with 14,000 miles on it. I get 25 mpg average and i drive like crazy person lol. This car does curves like a champ and responds really well!

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  My Mazda6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Sue Mastel - December 22 - 8:20 pm

  I had one problem 4 days after I got it. The throttle casing had to be replaced. No fun trying to drive under 30 mph when in a 50 mph zone. Was fixed immediately, but had to drive it all the way back to the Mazda dealership, 2 hours away. Overall, I am very satisfied with how it runs now. Would recommend it to other potential buyers.

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  much more than expected - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By cosmoK - December 22 - 7:36 am

  incredible. hats off to mazda for making a fun and a solid-value vehicle. for the price i paid, i got much more than a civic lx. Handles sure-footed around turns and the interior finish is simple but nice.

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  Pure Driving Machine - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By Oleboy - December 21 - 4:50 pm

  This car is excellent for people familiar with rotory engines. Knowing up front that the car needs the oil checked every fillup and let it run for at least five minutes before you turn it off. That is really the only obligations you have from regular cars,that I am aware of. This is no problem for me. The sound and unique. The car is not lightening quick but is very fast once to speed. Handling is a dream,at any speed. Nice leather seats and all the stuff that comes in a loaded vehicle. It has a great warranty and the redesigned rotory eliminates the problems (internal leaks) from 04 to 06. It drives great. Get brocure from dealure and test drive one,thats the best way to decide on any car.