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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  Still Zooming! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By DT - April 2 - 3:13 am

  I had driven 10 company cars over the years, and when it finally came time to purchase one myself, I chose the MP5. I had one in 2002 when it was new, and loved it. Have driven Volvo XC70, Cadillac SRX, Ford Freestyle, Focus, Mazda6, Matrix, Fusion and this car beats them all. Outstanding handling, 4 wheel disc brakes, its a blast to drive. This car always puts a smile on my face. My wife loves it because Im like a teenager when theres an errand to be run - I love driving this car! Its stylish, and since it was only sold in the US for 2 years, it stands out without being seen everywhere.

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  Great Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jct06 - April 1 - 1:26 pm

  I just got rid of my 98 E320 Mercedes and I could not be happier. I only have 35 miles on my new Mazda and I love it!! I will never buy a Mercedes again and I should have bought a Mazda years ago. It is a very fun car and I can now rest and not worry if my dash light check engine is going to come on. I am really digging it and for those of you who are reading this and are not sure I say go do it. Buy a Mazda. If you want fun and sporty check out the 3s.

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  Zoom Zoom with room - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By midnightmike - April 1 - 12:53 pm

  I had previously owned a Chevy Avalanche for my dj business. Even though I loved my truck, I felt it was time to downsize. I saw the Mazda wagon at the Chicago Auto Show. My wife and I liked the car very much. The next day, we bought one. She had a 2001 Protege so I knew about Mazdas reliability. This car handles all of my equipment without a problem. This car can really move and handle like a race car. I just love driving it. The color is Steel Gun Grey and it is fully loaded. Everyone I run into thinks its a Dodge Magnum. The Dodge is too expensive and really isnt that much roomier than the 6. You really cannot beat the price of the 6 and everything you get for the money.

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  I love it... - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By tli - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I wish they still made em exactly this way. Its a blast to drive and blows anything else in its range completely out of the water.

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  If it was more fun it would be illegal - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dreamgineer - March 30 - 11:13 am

  In a word this car is FUN! and you cant beat the price or the fuel economy 25MPG (Measured over a year). It drives like a dream, its fun to watch people look at the car and smile, its fun to take corners at high speed, its fun to listen to the great stereo with the top down and the wind in your hair while singing at the top of your voice. Zoom-Zoom!

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  Mazda 3 SP23 Manual - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By landj6 - March 29 - 11:11 pm

  I bought my car in 2005 new with 33 miles on it. I love my car!! Today it has 191,000 and not a single problem with it! I have kept up with the oil changes and have done some work, changed belts, plugs, ect. just as a preventative. I put gas in it, change the oil, change the tires and drive the crap out of it! Im not easy on cars, as you can tell from the 191,000 miles on it in 6 years! I recently have been thinking about trading it in for an SUV, but just cant part with my awesome car yet!

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  9,000 miles of Zoom - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By sh8pshftr - March 29 - 3:03 pm

  I bought this car in late September and broke it in on a 2,000 mile cross-country move. It was the most enjoyable "road trip" experience EVER, the cargo space was great, and the roof rack came in very handy. Acceleration. braking, and gas mileage were great even in the mountains with the car loaded down. It was also great knowing that I was automatically covered by Mazdas roadside assistance program, even though Ive never needed to use it. Im at 9,000 miles now and have had no problems.

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  I found THE car!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By I found THE car!!! - March 29 - 2:03 pm

  When I test drove this car I knew that I would like to own it, and that I would enjoy driving it. I didnt realize that I would love it. For me, everything about this car is great. Im going to own this car for a long time (300k miles or more). Gas mileage could be better, but it is still decent. I get 26-27 around town. I think it would help if I would keep my foot out of it though. I added an iPod integration kit, and now the sound system is the bomb. Mine is not the 6 CD changer, but I dont use CDs anyway since I have the iPod kit now. I think the stock speakers are really good, but some audiophiles might want to upgrade. Buy the car, dont hesitate. Get the 5 speed!

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  mommymobile - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Cris - March 29 - 9:06 am

  So far so good, but it has only been a month. Im so glad that I didnt get the Highlander. The Madza is more agile and less truck like to me. So far no buyers remorse, just hoping the reliability factor is as good as Toyota and Honda.

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  Finally a reliable car! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Pintonite - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I went from a 92 Talon TSi AWD with full options to the protege with only one intention, reliability. I not only got reliability (great 4 year warranty), but I also got a very comfortable car. My Talon was less than stellar for reliability, but it was very fast and had great options. While I do miss the power and surefooted handling I can already tell that I am going to love this car.