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 car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By mrend - August 25 - 8:50 am

  This car is great and very fun to drive. The 2.3L gets about 26 city and about 32 hwy mpg. The trunk is large for the size of the car. The Bose audio is a nice and sounds GREAT! This car has great handling and smooth riding. I love this car.

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  Looks good. Runs good. Excellent value. - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bestdaddyo - August 24 - 2:46 pm

  I like driving this car, even though I generally dislike automatic transmissions. I bought this mainly for my daughter, but shes away at college 7 months out of the year, so I get to drive it often. It shifts smoothly and quietly. Has plenty of quickness and power, and doesnt feel too small, like the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Scion xD. Excellent steering/handling. Plus, the gas mileage is pretty decent. I drive 90% city, and average 26.2 mpg. Road noise is a little high, but not a big distraction. It has every comfort and convenience feature one could ask for, yet the price is ridiculously low. Heck, in a BMW, you could spend the price of this car in accessories alone!

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  Best in price range - 2000 Mazda 626
  By SuperRevs - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I have my car for a 1.5 years and have had no problems. I had to replace freon which kind of annoyed me cause I really think the car came with it low. Car handles well, looks great and the V6 model is plenty fast. I do not like the downshift feature of the automatic sometimes it is a little rough. I have not noticed the engine noise like so many posting, but I play my music loud. I definately recommend this car over Camry and Honda. I am a previous Camry owner and this handles much better.

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  King of the sport wagon - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Seth - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded my 1999 miata ls in for a loaded 5 speed protege 5. This car is awesome. I get more looked and asked more questions about this car than my miata. I worked for a mazda dealership for almost 4 years and now work with BMW, but would rather be with mazda anyday. This car has great comfort, handling and so many features available. I truly believe mazda has a better product overall than honda and toyota, but just doesnt have the nameplate. I love my car and i think anyone that has one will agree it is a best buy in anyones book.

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  My 6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lindsay - August 24 - 9:50 am

  When shopping for a new car, I wanted something sensible yet fun to drive. I must have driven at least 30 different cars. Each time I walked away feeling that it was ok, but something was missing. Then I drove the "6". I fell in love. I walked away feeling like "This is it! This is what Ive been waiting for." I bought my 6 two days later and a year later I still feel the same way.

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  Zoom Zoom Baby! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jonathan - August 23 - 3:13 pm

  This is the first time I have ever had a brand new car. I bought the Mazda3 SGT in Mica Black, and I skimped on the navigation, but got everything else. The car is amazing! My only complaint is it is hard to keep clean, and those low-profile tires make me feel EVERYTHING on the road. Even after the 7500 miles Ive put on it.

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  Slick Car, Great Comfort and Best Buy - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By vmrchitect - August 23 - 1:23 pm

  Car is designed and handles like a slick-looking sports car. Ride is quiet and handling is tight. Interior layout is wonderful with ergonomics that rival high end luxury cars. Instrumentation is accented with nice red backlighting and slick looking silver trim. The 5 speed shifting is smooth and acceleration is quick and nimble. Storage space is plentiful especially with the rear seats folded down. This car is well built and is the car for people wanting a sports car for a family. A best buy!

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  luvmytrib - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Trib05 - August 22 - 5:00 pm

  This is my second Tribute, my first was a 2001. They sure have improved the gas mileage and I always get 20 mpg which I think is great for an SUV. This is such a reasonably priced vehicle with such great standard equipment such as the 6 CD changer, sunroof, abs, all power and more. I so highly recommend this SUV.

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  Mazda5 - Great Versatile Family Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By ddemania - August 21 - 10:36 pm

  My wife and I with two small kids (4 and 1) have owned our Mazda5 for about 6 months. We love it! Its versatility is unmatched. The sliding doors, make entry for kids easy, but the cars size, low profile, and sporty design make it "non-minivan" like.

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  Our 2013 CX-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By 185911 - August 21 - 10:27 am

  We have had our pearl white CX-5 now for 7 weeks and could not be happier with the purchase. Mazda build quality is everywhere along with great handling. No..its not a power house but not under powered and @ $4.00 a gal for fuel thats ok with us. It is just fine the way it is and do not understand some of the talk of lack of power..it zips right along! The rear back-up camera is great to have..Bose sound system rocks and so far fuel economy with very little highway is 29.5 Mpg...grab one..not the Chevy or the Ford!