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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  Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By riqqie - September 20 - 11:53 am

  This car is great. It is amazing to drive. It grips the road and corners like a dream. It isnt the fastest car from a stop, but it more than makes up once you get moving. If you plan on buying though, do some research. The rotary engine should not be driven like a normal piston engine. It requires high rpms to run correctly. If you try to baby this car, you will have problems (carbon build-up, flooding). The best advice Ive seen about this vehicle is drive it like you stole it. BTW, get the manual transmission, it gives you a lot more horsepower than the automatic version. Make sure you check that the engine recall was taken care of before you buy and you shouldnt have any problems.

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  The Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By kurthumbug - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my new Tribute. The only down fall about it is the wind noise. It could be reduced. I love the car so much though, that it doesnt bother me. I looked around at almost every kind of SUV, and this was the best one I drove. I would highly recommend one, to everyone.

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  "Right Sized Zoom-zoom" - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Gerry - September 20 - 3:46 am

  Finally, a family friendly, smaller than a tugboat, affordable vehicle. The Mazda-5 will seat up to six (although rear seats for smaller folks), peppy enough to scoot through the hilly roads of W. Va. and Kentucky (recent road trip), yet still get better mileage than the EPA estimate. When rear seats are down, you have as much cargo room as some so called station wagons, plus more available height for larger items. All in all, a super value for less than $21000 ( including moonroof, fog lights, 6 disc CD, automatic climate control, projection headlamps, etc. - all standard on the touring package).

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  Nice Car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Esteban - September 19 - 3:20 pm

  Impeccable ride, unbeeeelievable!!! amount of space 45sf with the 3rd row folded and more than 60sf with the 2nd row folded. (Compared to only 14sf of my previous Corolla.) I recently travel overseas and placed 5 big suitcases, 2 carryons and 1 stroller in the car without losing visibility and without folding the 2nd row of seats. Everything in the car is in the right place. Sporty engine and handling and loaded with options for the money. I definitely recommend this car for a young and growing family.

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  My Baby - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Blake - September 19 - 11:10 am

  I just bought my Mazda, used of course, and I just love it. Something about the Protege5 that has everything I need. Sleek look, great for towing and moving, fun to drive. I love it! I just wish they made newer models.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By lbdelite - September 18 - 9:03 pm

  This car has a lot of power under the hood. It takes off very quickly and the ride is so smooth. I love the size and it is very easy to handle in traffic.

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  2000 LS - Reliable and Fun - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Brandon - September 17 - 10:53 pm

  This car has been a blast. Super reliable and fun to drive. This is my daily driver as well and the car saw an icy New Jersey winter last year. Was fine with a set of 4 snow tires. I only broke the end loose once. These cars are a great buy and will last well beyond 200k miles with some TLC. I think the 160-180hp range would have been better suited for the car as it feels kind of slow down low with lack of torque. If youre looking for a low maintenance, reliable 2 seater convertible, this car is probably for you.

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  Best cheap "fun car" to drive - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Travis Anthony - September 17 - 1:34 pm

  Looking for something that will put a smile on your face? Want something to tear up the back roads on a nice sunny day? Look no further. This car will bring lots of joy, but keep you out of trouble. The GT package delivers great tech for the price if you want to make this your daily driver. The blind spot is very useful with the top up. The moving LED headlights are amazing for night driving. Lets not forget something I dont think I could live without, heated seats. These things are amazing on a slightly chilly day with the top down. Yes its not a pratical car, but thats not the reason why you buy this. You buy this to enjoy the driving experience. The smile has not faded, nor will it.

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  BEST BUY FOR YOUR MONEY - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By ROBERT - September 17 - 7:43 am

  Drives great, this 2.3 engine is fast with the 5 speed. Nice looking for a 5 door. Close ratio gears makes it easy to shift.

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  perfect for me - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By john dixon - September 16 - 10:00 am

  Not the fastest acceleration in the world, but between cargo space, comfort, quality, HANDLING, and style this car is perfect. It also comes very equipped at a very good price.