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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  Not just a girls car... Street Legal GoKart!!! - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By thewheelman1 - December 13 - 11:32 am

  I have owned my 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata for about a year now but have been racing miatas for about 5 years now and i would recommend these cars to anyone who wants a car you will never be bored of driving, outstanding reliability, the handling is matched with that of $100,000 cars, I have personally seen miatas smoke Z06 corvettes and Ferrari by half a mile on the road course, and by whole seconds on the Auto-X course. These little cars receive little respect from muscle car owners, but the real drivers car owners (ie. Porsche, Lotus, Aston Martin) they know whats up... As a daily driver, midlife crisis car, or a professional racecar the miata will always come through.

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  QUALITY - 2001 Mazda 626
  By pdrwc - December 12 - 10:00 am

  the overall quality of this car is great,i have been an automotive technician for fifteen years and this car rates with the more expensive models from other manufacturers.

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  Lots of bang for the buck. - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Moosejohnson - December 12 - 10:00 am

  I live up here in the Great White North so I have the Canadian version of the P5 Only options A/C, Auto, Moonroof. Got them all. Total out the door $27000Can now thats a Great price with all the with all the standard options included...PS, PB(Disc),PW, Airbags,CD player, ABS, Speed sensitive steering etc etc. No other car offers so much. I tried the Focus ZX3 but found it to be a very badly made vehicle although the engine/transmission setup was better. I would suggest a K&N filter to improve power and gas milage.A good $40 investment.

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  Very happy - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tim W - December 12 - 4:00 am

  The car is a blast to drive. The 2.0 has plenty of power, and gets great mpg (over 30). The manumatic is a fun feature, controls for stereo and cruse are located in perfect place on steering wheel. To me and everyone I have talked to it is the nicest looking car in its class, and is on par with much more expensive cars like Jetta and Altima (if not better). It drives like a sports car, the engine sound is clean during acceleration and almost silent when cruising. It has a massive trunk for a small car. The car looks bigger than it is, and I am 62 and I find the front spacious and the back tolerable but tight. Interior lights are red and dash has cool blue shine. Did I mention PZEV engine?

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  On Par with my last Suv (Murano) - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Tap - December 11 - 7:13 pm

  Coming from a loaded 2005 Murano XE one thing I could not do without (key fob). This narrowed my search considerably. Needed the extra room and wanted a vehicle that looked slick like the Murano. Interior is awesome as well as the exterior. Front grill bugs some but not me. Love the led brake lights and the rear view camera is okay but could be a bit more detailed. The Navigation system is okay but coming from a hand held garmin it seems a bit clunky and non user friendly. The seats are not as comfortable as the Murano and the ride is on par since I came from the SE and not the SL. They should have went with Yokohama Pradas instead of duelers. So far Ive been very happy!

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  Best Minivan for the money! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By David Link - December 11 - 12:13 pm

  This has been a rock solid minivan. The car has performed wonderfully without even the slightest repair. We have enjoyed the front wheel drive and traction control as its handling has been great in the snow and ice. The van has been terrific on trips and is comfortable enough to drive from Washington DC to Orlando Florida in a non-stop drive with the children. Ours is equipped with the factory DVD option so that helps on those 15 hour drives. Overall we love this van and it has been very reliable!

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  lives up to the hype - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By eric - December 11 - 11:26 am

  My Mazda3 wagon has completely met all my expectations in terms of driving enjoyment, sporty feel, and style. Everyone who has taken a ride in my car has nothing but praise for the design and performance, as theyre usually surprised to encounter such a satisfying experience in a compact vehicle. The Mazda3 corners better than any other car in its class, always maintaining the drivers intended line no matter the sharpness of the turn.

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  Fun to Drive and few faults - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By MikeL - December 10 - 11:53 am

  After driving and owning Vipers and Corvettes I found this little car a blast to drive. Got the 2.5 Sport Touring. Build quality is better than the hand built Viper and you do get used to the smiley face look in a few weeks, great first car for my lucky kid to take to college.

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  1st Mazda is a keeper! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Gavin - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Have had this one for almost a year and havebeen satisfied with it overall. While it is a small car, it has plenty of room in all the right places. Drove 10 hours straight to Georgia in it and was never uncomfortable

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  A must-drive before you buy - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Westcin - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Wow. I thought the "fun drive" thing was hype, but I was wrong. A real joy to drive. I drove them all, Porche Boxster, Audi TT, Nissan 300, BMW Z-4. Thought I was going to get the Z-4 until I drove the Miata....AND I can get my golf clubs in the trunks - NO OTHER CONVERTIBLE COULD DO THIS - and its about 60% of the price of the Z-4.