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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  Review - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By kurtb34 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I love it, its fun to drive and dependable (so far). Only one minor problem. Great online support community, too.

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  Wow- Were very happy - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Rvman - May 14 - 2:00 am

  After owning the 2003 MPV for several weeks, I continue to be impressed by this van. It is a quality vehicle. After spending several weeks trying to deal on a Town and Country, I came across a review about the MPV. Before I read the review, I was not even aware of the updated MPV. But after a visit to the Mazda dealer and a test drive, I was very excited. Outstanding performance and features at an outstanding price! Why buy the Chrylser/Dodge/Honda, pay more for a similarly equipped vehicle, and look like every other family on the road?

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  A tall-roomy sports sedan - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By LSRHAR - May 13 - 3:33 am

  Ive had my new CX-9 for about a month and can’t say enough good things about it. This rather large vehicle handles like a sports sedan. I have a Lincoln MKZ and I think the Mazda CX-9 is every bit as good in every respect. The ride is quiet, taut with little lean in the curves. No blind spots looking aft – the view through the back doors is like looking through a picture window. The CX-9 has already drawn over a couple of my neighbors with lots of questions and favorable comments. In short, I’m a very happy camper especially when you compare the cost of the Mazda CX-9 to a comparable Audi or Acura of equal size and equipment - $1,000s LESS.

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  Best of Both Worlds - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By mandowen - May 11 - 10:28 pm

  This car will serve different needs, depending on your mood. If you are feeling economical, the fuel efficiency is great. I got over 41 mpg on a recent road trip. If you want to have some driving fun, the car is very responsive and, although I have the automatic, you can flip it into manual mode for more control. The hatchback is very roomy and I recently brought home my sons dorm refrigerator in it. Great car!

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  Mucho Fun to drive - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By PC - May 11 - 3:40 am

  2.0 L 5 speed Manual - absolute blast to drive, comfortable, but very quick and responsive. Overall mileage has been a huge surprise. 34+ MPG all in town driving (Chicago Area). Dont have any highway MPG numbers yet. Engine is very peppy/revving easily, relatively quite inside

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  Zoom Zoom be this Macro/Micro Van - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By dobedo - May 10 - 1:06 pm

  After 2000+ miles in a month and half, my 2010 Mazda5 macro/microvan is still zoom-zooming as expected. A reasonably good sized vehicle with a reasonable price tag, gas mileage and standard GT options, it stands to reason that its a reasonable buy for me, a very reasonable driver/consumer...at least for now. Got me a Garmin GPS instead of built-in navigation system. Missed my old AWD in the snow & rain though. Also, not sure about its reported low reliability rating and tire problems.

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  I love mine! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jean - May 10 - 3:26 am

  Ive had mine for less than a month but I love it so far. I decided to go for the s Sport version rather than the i version because of the exterior color choices. I really wanted the aurora (bright) blue, which is only available in the s packages. The interior features are amazing, especially the steering wheel controls for the audio system. Air conditioning works great driving around in hot Florida weather. Before my friends were embarrassed to ride in my 1996 Mercury Cougar, but now they all ask me for rides in the 3. On the night the Florida Gators won the national championship, I actually drove 6 people in it (2 in the front, 4 in the back) and nobody complained about being cramped. Wow!

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  Fun little car to drive in city - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By hyc - May 9 - 10:00 am

  very god handling, zipping throught the city road with ease and really fun. but lack of power. nontheless, for the money i pay, i love this car (still love my old civic too) Mazda provide a list of very inexpansive options.

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  Miata Shinsen is great! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Swami - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, turns on a dime, solid construction, quiet engine, and any bad day turns good with the top down.

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  Why pay more for an Odyssey or Sienna? - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Brad W. - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Just bought an 03 LX, loaded with everything except power doors, moonroof and DVD, and we love it!! Highly recommend the All-Sport package, which makes it look and sound great and comes CHEAP (about $700 invoice). Paid just $100 over invoice (about $23k, and the dealer invoice matched Edmunds to the penny, which the salesman was impressed with!), and got much more than I could have got in a Honda or Toyota for the same price, if I could have even GOT one for that price. Turns heads when you drive it, drives like a car, plenty of power, and plenty of room for a family of 4. No sulphur smell detected yet, only that great new van smell!!