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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  A true sleeper - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Dnasty - January 4 - 11:13 pm

  Protege is one the best handling front wheel drive cars in its class still to date. The car moves any where you want it move without much effort. The interior is pretty good better then average. Gas mileage is great on the car. Ive had my protege for about 3 years and its on 93,000 and never gave me any problems as long you take care of the car. I suggest buying some performance parts for the car, cold air intake, and exhaust system. For ride comfort suggest getting 17 inch rims no bigger with sporty tires. Will make a world difference.

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  A new kind of compact - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By accord7 - January 4 - 10:43 pm

  Forget everything you know about compact cars. I traded in my 2013 Mazda 3 for the just released 2014, and its a totally different kind of car. Interior is fitted with high-end materials for the dash and controls, and feels more like a luxury car. The handling and suspension are both top rate... you can be aggressive with your drive with good steering feel, and the harshness of the prior model has all been eliminated. The 2.0 engine is fine for day to day driving, but it lags a little when full power is required.

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  Wow! Thats not a Wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By PM013 - January 4 - 3:10 pm

  Just got my 2005 Mazda 6 Sport wagon. I know why Mazda left out the word STATION in wagon. This car handles nothing like a station wagon, but rather a sports car with the space of a wagon. The comfort and quality for a loaded car with 6 speed automatic/leather/Bose sound/17 inch wheels/ remote starter/ and a sun-moon roof for under $35,000 CDN. Great Deal! Get One!

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  Great cheap car - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By RDB - January 3 - 8:53 pm

  Bought this car about 6 months ago when it had 90k miles, it now has just over 100k miles and I couldnt be happier. Not a thing went wrong with it. Very great reliable car. Inexpensive to repair. I average about 25mpg in the city and around 31-32 on the highway. Small compact car makes it easy to park compared to moms van. Mazda really nailed this car! I also added a Mazdaspeed protege kit (front and rear bumper and spoiler) for less than $500. I plan on getting coilovers for about $300. Good kids car. I drive this car around to deliver pizza, it starts up every times and lasts for a longtime without maintence. It has never left me stranded either.

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  Right on Target - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Eric - January 3 - 7:56 pm

  Bought the 6 in March 07 after much research. After almost 3 years we all agree it has been an excellent car. 33MPG on warm highway trips at 65-70 mph. Typical 22-23 urban mix year-round driving. It has needed only oil changes and tire rotations at the local dealer. If you want blistering acceleration, buy another car, like a new V6 Mazda 6 or a Mazdaspeed 6. If you only occasionally use the back seat for adults, it is fine. If I carried tall adults in back on a daily basis, I probably would choose the new Mazda 6 or a Malibu.

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  Seven great years - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By TT - January 3 - 1:10 pm

  Weve had our 2000 MPV since 2000 and have had seven years of trouble free service. Awesome vehicle!! Has served us well.

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  First Mazda Experience - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By First Mazda - January 3 - 7:26 am

  The Mazda 5 is a unique vehicle that blends traits from a mini van and station wagon. This vehicle is a good bang for the buck. I purchased this car 6 weeks ago and it has met my expectations. The engine is very smooth and despite some reviews that I have read, does not lack adequate acceleration. The trans shifts smoothly. Standard DSC for 2010 was a nice safety addition. Climate control system works well as do the power heated seats. The only problem I have noticed with the car is the windshield seems to creek when the car goes over bumps.The Blue Tooth and Home Link are great features. The audio system is nothing special. Overall its a solid buy for the money.

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  Great Car - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ITO - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car to drive. A little slow out the gate but otherwise quick. Tight, responsive steering is a joy to drive. With the top down I was suprised people still had to ask what kind of car was I driving. Design is still fresh after all these years. Would deffinately purchase another.

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  Ruby goes zoom! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By SherryP - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for less than two weeks and over 1,000 miles on it. I bought the LS 6-spd Garnet Red Mica with Parch Parchment leather and cloth top. Its so impractical and so much fun!

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  The Snappy 2002 V-6 MAZDA Tribute 4WD - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Bill Arndt - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent, good looking, snappy little SUV that offers comfort, performance, and reliability. While generally economical for an all-wheel-drive, the fuel economy drops markedly with a boat in tow. The interior appointments are quite good with little lacking except "quiet". Lets face it... this is a noisy vehicle and the unacceptable level of road noise is the only major disappointment we have had with the otherwise great Tribute.