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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  Zoom,Zoom,Zoom - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By loconn11 - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I now have the sports van since April 29th. I have 600 miles on her. I am dying to take a long distance drive but it rains here in the northeast every weekend. I paid $21,300 for the LX. The ride is solid and so far the transmission feels SUVie (I guess since it is from the Tribute) Excellent acceleration and handling. It is a sharp looking vehicle and I am frequently stopped and asked questions. Considering all the other minis are around 30K this is a great value.

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  A Family Car a Man Doesnt Mind Driving - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By AFAngryWarrior - November 24 - 11:50 pm

  At first I told my wife there was no way I was getting a Mazda 5. It looked like a cross between a minivan and a station wagon. How would I ever show my face on the military installation driving what looks like a minivan. I decided to test drive it though figuring it would drive like a minivan and we could finally stop talking about the Mazda 5. Wow, was I wrong! It drives like a Mazda RX8. I got on the highway to see what it could do, popped it over to manual and off we went able to pass anything that stood in my way. Even did a little stop sign challenge with a Mustang who never knew what hit him. This definitely isnt your typical family car!

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  A Drivers Car - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Jshores - November 21 - 10:00 am

  The Millenia S drives uncommonly well. I consider it a luxury sports sedan. The driver sits low in the car in a firm comfortable leather seat. The view over the low hood line is virtually unobstructed. The car accelerates willingly and its taught suspension and wide low profile tires on oversized rims give excellent traction, enabling the driver to take substantial liberties with speed limits in turns. The car has a nimble and solid feel to it.

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  a very good urban transportation - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Jason Lam - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Sporty design but not overdone. Good value even with the base model with features essential for safety, handling, comfort and space.Competitive pricing and factory incentives makes a great buy. A great choice for those who wants the space and convenience of a hatchback but not as big as the traditional wagon.

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  my opinion on the 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By angies8 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car 1 month and have put about 1000 miles on it. It is a very nice sports car. Since it has a few miles on it I am exploring the upper rev band and its plenty fast for me. It has a few blind spots in and you have to pay close attention with lane changes on the freeway.The air conditioner is also weak for a high temp area. I am concerned since with depreciation now Mazda has announced it will buy back the first 3000 rx8s from dissatisfied customers because of the misstated horsepower numbers.I think I will keep the car and accept the $500.00 offer along with the free maintanence offer instead. But I have until Oct 1 the make up my mind.

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  fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By cjb - November 21 - 9:33 am

  Fun car to drive, peppy engine that loves to be pushed and comes alive at higher rpm`s. Gas mileage is so so with a heavy right foot even with a stick shift. If you live in a snow belt you better save $600 for a good set of snows as the Goodyear all season stink in winter driving. Cheap to insure.

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  My Best Car Yet - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By My Best Car Yet - November 20 - 9:16 pm

  Its been two years, 32000 miles and Im just, as happy with my car as the day I bought it. I like the improvements on the, all new, 2008 but there are two improvements I would, still, like to see. All wheel drive shouldve been offered on automatics and five speed manuals, especially the manuals with insufficent weight on the front wheels and quieter tires, such as, Bridgestone Serenity. The original Toyos are noisy and dont grip the wet. I especially like it being one of a kind, a non van with sliding doors, like Mitsubishi and Nissan had 20 years ago, but much better. Some features standard, not offered on the others, also, the stick shift.

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  Bang for the buck - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Cameron - November 20 - 8:50 pm

  Excellent car for the money. Leather interior, all power doors, windows, moon roof very good stereo w/ 6cd in-dash player, 6 speakers and subwoofer. Excellent mileage average 30 mixed. 73,000 miles and runs/looks exactly as brand new. Complaints include very noisy driving conditions. Engine revs very high, 5 speed needs to be upshifted very quickly to gain speed Car will not win many races. Not the most quiet, compliant ride but again this is a compact car.

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  Great car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rod Bamat - November 20 - 1:50 pm

  Been looking around for midsize sedan either accord or camry for months now. Then we stop by Mazda to try the new Mazda 6. When we test drive the car it was more powerful and fun to drive compared to accord and camry so we buy it immediately. Its really quiet and has tons of upgrades available only on luxury cars.

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  Gets ahead, stays ahead - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Daro - November 20 - 10:16 am

  Have you ever taken the curves on Lower Wacker Drive or on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago? Have you ever tried to enter a busy metropolitan expressway at the speed of traffic - say, 75 mph before the end of the entrance ramp? This car does it. It adheres tightly to curves and accelerates smartly into traffic. Great gas mileage, strong performance, enduring reliability, roomy interior, and distinctive looks combine to make the MP3, all at once, both affordable basic transportation and a pleasurable driving experience.