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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  Fun to drive! Great car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Chris - February 23 - 2:20 am

  I bought the Mazda6i hatchback automatic in August and I am very satisfied. Actually it has exceeded my expectations in comfort and driving experience. Gas mileage is average. I expected better since it is a smaller sedan. Acceleration for a 4 cylinder is excellent and the auto-stick is fun to use.

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  Love it - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Zipper - February 22 - 9:23 am

  Traded 2002 for this true red Club Spec and with a little over a 1,000 miles Im glad I did. No a/c, no cruise, no fog lights, all the things that went to waste in my 02 became a real selling point. The 5 speed shifts like a knife in butter and with the lights in low beam I can actually see! The 02 was quick but the Club Spec is quick and you dont even realize it. The cup holder doesnt bother me, after a week I dont even notice it.

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  the perfect car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By happyP5 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many cars. None have performed like my Protege5. It is fun; it is roomy; and it has never needed any significant work. I take long trips with it. I use it for weekend ski trips, kayak trips, canoe trips, camping, and every day to and from work. At 90,000 miles, I paid about $1000 to have a total overhaul including new timing belt/chain. Other than that, Ive never done anything more than routine oil changes. I dont think the newer Mazda 3 is this good. In fact, its about $5k more (I bought my protege5 for $14,999) and not as good quality and not as fun. Im a lucky man! Oh, the cd stopped working, so I have an aftermarket Sony stereo. Everything else is stock.

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  Has everything - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By dodo - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car new. Has everything one could want: -Great gas mileage avg 32mpg -Room for the family -Slick -and I mean slick!- manual shifter -Fun to drive -Reliable (have not had a single problem)

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  left stranded - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By frustrated - February 22 - 2:00 am

  had a mazda 3 before and now wanted something bigger. transmission and turbo charger went in the first 6 weeks. mazda did replace the vehicle, (very nice customer service there), but the 2nd one is in the shop getting the turbo charger replaced for the 2nd time. anyone else having troubles?

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  No regret - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By lovetodrive - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Reviewed CRV/RV4/Forester/Rogue. We were impressed by CX7s refinement, material quality, style, handling, and features. I mean, where else can you find another CSUV with back-up camera, auto A/C, sun roof, power/heated seats, and bluetooth all for $25K? Considering its relatively larger exterior size, CX7 should have a more competetive interior room, but it fulfills our needs. As for the engine, it is fairly smooth, and the power feels no worse than the others in its class, but there is defintely room for improvement if you have a more demanding commute. For the price, it is hard to ask for more. Did I mention it looks stunning?

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  grab bag - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By wbsully1 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, LOVE the turbo. Serious problems though. Problems with A/C Compressor that was covered by warranty, problems with timing chain that wasnt. The chain and related damage added up to over $1,600 Harsh ride. Nice stereo though. Have had a continual "groan/creak" in the rear end since I bought it. Four different places have reviewed, none have found the cause. Dealer that does service has been very good though, prompt, and work well with me. (Crain Mazda in Little Rock). Doubtful Ill buy another though.

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  No comfort at all - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By vvv - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Seat cannot be moved all the way back. I am 510" and even then I would need to move the seat at least 5" back to have my legs not too much bended. Ironically, they sell this car as sporty one. Next, I cannot reach the steering wheel when laying back even a little bit. Again, you dont drive any car completely upright like a tractor. Now, when I am upright, the steering wheel covers the view of instrument table. If I want to see the table, I must move the wheel all the way up and that really looks like driving a tractor. Overall, not being able to sit comfortably in this car makes me problems on long trips due to my sensitive back. 24mpg at 65mph without A/C. Thats ridiculous.

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  More than I expected - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joeymann - February 22 - 2:00 am

  When I test drove this car I was impressed, but after purchaseing and driving it every day I am amazed at what a great car this is. My wife loves it and we both love driving it. A FUN car ! Tons of standard equipment and a very reasonable price. A no brainer if you are looking for a compact with pretty good gas mileage and lots of zoom zoom.

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  Easy to Drive and fits in my garage - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By jkons - February 21 - 10:26 pm

  This car handles beautifully (drives like a car), very smooth ride, has very comfortable seating, good view of the road, has a nice look and fits in our garage. We cant wait to take it on a long trip.