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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  Practical minivan alternative - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By yendor - April 22 - 1:06 pm

  Top choice in practicality, especially for an in-city family. MPG between 22.5 to 30.5 (with roof rack installed). Peppy around town, but requires higher revs (3000-4000) to climb steep hills with a load (although redline is far beyond that). We hear a boing sound from the suspension when we back up over a bump, but dealer says its OK. Opted for tinted-windows to compensate for lack of AC vents in back. Opted for roof rack to compensate for lack of cargo space with 6 passengers. Opted for aftermarket heated leather seats.

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  A Great Little Big Truck - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By Engrteam - April 21 - 10:46 pm

  This vehicle has been a great vehicle. Not only does it have a sporty look but it has the power and versatility you would expect in such a vehicle. I have hauled mountains of wood pellets, sheet rock and other building materials. I have no need for a bigger truck. Dont be afraid to try the manual transmission. Put the money somewhere else.

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  A Great Minivan/Crossover - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Robert G. - April 21 - 10:03 pm

  Drives great, has sufficient power for everyday driving, quiet ride and no engine noise, versatile seating with many options. Japanese built with Japanese parts, nice stereo and it comes fully loaded with all the features I needed. Sliding doors are a blessing with four year old twins. Alloy wheels with low profile tires look sharp. Looks very attractive inside and out. For a purchase price of $16,888 I cant be any happier or satisfied.

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  I would do it again - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By dsr1sdj - April 21 - 10:00 am

  I needed a replacement vehicle for the company car that was removed from me as part of a cost reduction. I have just under 5000 miles on the car currently with no problems to date ... I drove ALL competitive compact vehicles , yes I said all Toyota, Honda,Nissan,Ford,Chevy,Saturn,Mitsubis hi..Any way this Mazda was by far the best driving of all the cars I drove..Best handling and acceleration.least amount of noise at freeway speeds. Overall a pleasure to drive for a compact car.

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  Great van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By ADow - April 21 - 10:00 am

  We went from a larger minivan to the MPV and we love it. It handles extremely well, has a lot of pep and is very reliable (a standard 3 yr, 50,000 mile warranty)The cargo room is decieving because the place where the bench seat folds into holds a lot of cargo. We can actually fit more in this van than in our old one because of this well. The rear seat is also larger than it looks and our kids have never complained about the room. You cannot beat this van compared to others on the market. Mazda has excellent customer service and they back up their product. Dont let the size fool you. You wont be dissapointed with the van.

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  GOOD SCOOT ABOUT OR ROAD CAR - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By zippadeedudah - April 20 - 10:26 pm

  I am averaging 23 mpg around the city and recently got 26 mpg on trip from Atlanta to Virginia. The 4-cylinder engine is all most people need for the pep they would expect. Price is extreme reasonable if you negotiate and stand steadfast. This car is stylish and has been extensively engineered. I am a staunch proponent of it.

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  Its a Kick - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX8tive - April 20 - 3:13 pm

  Mazda RX-8 is nothing but fun, capable of putting a smile on your face in 5.7 seconds. Excellent balance, redlines at 9K, great wrap around bucket seats. Goes through tires quickly, too small for a married man with kids (me), trunk space with spare tire installed is a joke... shouldnt be called a trunk.

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  Hot hatch levels of performance in sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Will Levine - April 20 - 6:23 am

  This car is amazing. Sure, some of the cars interior feels cheap, and the comfort levels could be better, but remember this car was cheaper than all its rivals, yet drove even better. Performance is fantastic from the 220 bhp 3.0 V6 engine, sometimes you dont realize exactly how fast youre going. A complaint would be that the manual mode is jerky and dim-witted, and doesnt auto blip on the down shifts. Both down shifts and up shifts arent instantaneous. Fuel economy is atrocious. Granted, I drive in a "spirited" manner, but i only average 17.4 mpg. I recommend the 4 cylinder model, that car weighs less, gets better mpg, and probably handles better. In short, its great, buy it.

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  Fun To Drive - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By New Jersey RX-8 - April 19 - 10:00 pm

  Very fun to drive except for the horrible gas mileage. Everyone says its a sports car but for a car that cant turn a sub 14 second quarter mile, 14 mpg is pretty sorry. I will concede it does carve corners as well as probably anything else out there for the price.

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  Add more power, please. - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mark - April 19 - 6:50 pm

  I have 10th Anniversary. It has been a reliable vehicle and I am still amazed that people comment on how good the car looks. I am happy with everything, but the power. It lacks power. It does. There is a circulating slogan that it is fun-to-drive. But it would have been infinitely much more fun if it had more power. I have no clue why Mazda is so reluctant to add reasonably powered engine to this wonderful roadster.