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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  Great Car!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mike___#! - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Wow wonderful car, excellent handler and nothing touches a rotary at 9 000

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By panch34 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I just got this car about a week ago and I cannot wait to drive it some more. The exterior look surpasses anyting in its class as well as the interior look. For the driving part, it is a lot of fun. Great acceleration combine with tight steering make this car a joyride

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  GRRREAT!!! ;) - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By J@Y MONEY - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I TRADED IN MY 2003 PROTEGE 5 FOR THE NEW 2004 4 DOOR MAZDA 3S NICE RIDE;) THE BIGGER ENGINE IS WORTH THE DRIVE&PURCHASE ALONE, NO COMPARISON TO THE PROTEGE 5 OR PROTEGE. IVE DONE ALOT OF WORK BORING OUT THE ENGINE IN THAT CAR!! AND STILL DOESNT COMPARE TO THE 2.3 160 HP BESIDES ALL THE GOODIES YOU GET IN THE S MODEL FOR THE PRICE, IS GRRREAT!!! SPORT SUSPENSION, 17" ALLOY WHEELS, SUNROOF, XENON LIGHTS ETC ITS DEFINATELY WORTH THE PURCHASE!!!

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  Take the Long Way Home - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mz6i - October 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is incredible to say the least. This car performs incredible with the 4-cylinder engine with 5sp manual. You’ll want take the long way home, I find every excuse to drive this car. This is the best handling car that can actually fit 5 full size adults for under $30k period. The handling is far better than the Acura TSX. I option forgot how big the car is when driving it, it feels like a subcompact most of the time. With a starting price under 20k, its a great value, with every option you’d expect from a car in this class. To sum it up, an inexpensive car, that’s comfortable, that hands down outperforms anything in its class, and looks great.

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  Great car!!!! - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Technowitch - October 13 - 10:00 am

  One of the greatest things about a Miata is, even if you have one thats less than perfect, people will often think you paid 2 to 3 times as much as you actually did. Its a great value car for the price -- handles wonderfully, looks spiffy, and can make driving fun again for even the most jaded driver.

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  Fun 3rd Car - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By NJmark - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car for a weekend road trip or a commute to work. Visibily is not great with top up when it is raining and you are on a busy interstate. Would not think of using it if the steets were snow covered. Driving is nmever so much fun than in a Miata when the sun is shining.

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  Im Driving a Luxury Car? No way! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By MyMillenia - October 13 - 10:00 am

  So my wife and I went to go test drive the Tribute and of course I was drooling over the Millenia but realized the sticker would end my life as I know without debt. Then my trusty salesman pulled out the VERY LAST 2001 Millenia. We went for a ride and asked what I thought? Great car $12,000 too much thanks but no thanks. Long story short, my wife and I brought the car home yesterday for the same price as the Tribute!!!!!!!!

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  2008 Mazda 3 2.3L - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sea Cay - October 13 - 8:53 am

  After a full year of driving, I am still very happy with my 3. I researched several cars before purchasing, including the Ford Focus and Civic, but I got the most car for the money with the 3. Build quality and creature features are superb. Performance and handling are excellent, fun to throw into turns, and though it does not have the umph at acceleration of the Speed3, it is still fun to drive after a year. I live in snowy New Hampshire and went last winter without snow tires, and was sorry that I did. That being said, I still got through several storms with no problem. As a testament to safety, I was rear- ended at a stop light the first month I owned the car(!!!), and was uninjured.

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  Can it be any better? - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By cycling40 - October 12 - 11:30 pm

  Picked up the car on Presidents Day. Put on a hundred miles on it. Best car Ive ever owned if you compare to the cars Ive driven and owned (Trans Am, Camaros, Datsun 280ZX, Toyota Corolla/Camry, Honda Civic/Accord). As others have said, could use a little more power but quite adequate as is. Bought the car based on reviews, no test drive. The five-speed manual is a honey. If the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe can improve on this, Id truly be disappointed. Just a gem of a pocket rocket.

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  Reliable Family Sedan - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By CGR - October 12 - 11:40 am

  If reading about this car being underpowered worries you, then dont buy it. There is not much low end power, and at high revs its not very smooth or efficient. Its not a sports car, find something else if thats what you want (thats why I am selling mine after 2 months). As a family car driven sensibly, the Protege is comfortable, solid, handles well and stops quickly. It has plenty of room for 4 adults, and generally its pleasant to drive.