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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  Tens all around - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Christina - July 19 - 9:43 am

  The Mazda 3 is an excellent car! It gets terrific gas mileage, runs well, and with DOHC has great power. Its entirely reliable, and very roomy, yet with a compact, sleek look to it. Many people have asked me if my car is an Audi from looking at the exterior of it! I got a classy look, for a fraction of the price!

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  Best 6 passenger... period - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By TampaRon - July 18 - 5:50 am

  I love this car. It is by far the most under appreciated car on the road. Even though its been out for a while people look at it and dont know what it is. Its fun to drive, economical, practical and sporty enough to have fun in the mountains of NC which I visit often. The adjustable second row seats are great.

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  164,000 and going strong - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Deb - July 17 - 10:20 pm

  My protege has been very reliable. I have kept up with changing the oil every 3000 miles and change the other fluids as scheduled. When I first purchased the car, Id crank the engine and couldnt hear it running. Now many miles later, I can hear just a small purr. Ive had no transmission problems and no problems that have left me stranded. Im hoping this car will last til over 200k and then Im buying another Mazda.

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  I wanted to buy another one - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By A.Lodhi - July 17 - 7:46 pm

  I am in love with this car, I you feel connected with this car.Stylish , no cheap plastics, high end designing and features.

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  Update from Doug - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Update - July 16 - 1:16 pm

  I have now owned the car for four-plus years and have 140k on it. I had to replace the clutch this summer. I switched to premium fuel (instead of alcohol blend) and mileage went from 25 mpg in town to 28 and runs better. Still great fun and highly recommended.

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  protege5 value and style - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By LouP5 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Satisfied with everything about this car. Sporty styling and great handling make this a tremendous value for the money for cars in this category.

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  Love it! - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Wimbimlim - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive only owned my Miata for 1 year, but I already found myself staring at it this spring on a warm day in March while it sat stored in my garage. This is the most practical fun Ive ever had! I have to drive places anyway; why not enjoy the trip?

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  I RENTED IT AND IT BLEW ME AWAY!!! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By George Sanidas - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I rented a minivan to transport my family (wife and three children) to Syracuse, NY. I did not know the type of minivan I was going to get but expected a Windstar. We ended up with a Mazda MPV ES. I LOVED driving this minivan. My other car is a BMW. Guess what? Im in love all over again!!!

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  My Mazda6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Sue Mastel - July 16 - 6:10 am

  Bought new and had a throttle casing problem in 3 days. Was fixed immediately. Otherwise, I am extremely happy with this car. Gets better gas mileage than my Jeep Liberty.

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  Still Love to drive my MAzda 5 - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mazda5 lover - July 14 - 8:20 pm

  I got my Mazda 5 in October, 2009, and I have already put 21,000 miles on it. Just love to drive it everyday. Our 6 and 11 yr old girls particularly love the bucket seats that my 5 comes with. They said they prefer riding in my 5 than my wifes Lexus GS. Good acceleration and I average about 26-28 mpg which is a lot better than the SUV that I traded in. I have driven several different Japanese made vehicles in the past years, but this is my first Mazda. I truly believe that Mazda do make great cars like the old RX7s and Miata (which I had only driven, but never owned). I am planning to put in 150,000 miles on my 5 before even thinking about getting another car.