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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  Zoom Zoom Fun - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By nuneswa - June 2 - 9:40 am

  Ive had my RX-8 almost 2 years now. I liked the cornering and the thrust at high revs compared to the competition and I thought the interior was superior as well (besides the location of the cup holder, bad place). My friends do not mind riding in the back and they get a kick of the back doors. The RX-8 really sticks to the road on hair pin corners and switch backs. For about 10 miles my drive to work is full of hair pins and switch backs. This car helps me look forward to getting to work. I love to drive, and this car satisfies me.

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  Capability Review - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By The Fudder - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I had a Corvette before buying the Miata and honestly enjoy driving the Miata much more. The only problem is long distance. Cannot sit in the Miata much more than a couple of hours. Great handling on tight curves. Performance a little weak but expected. A fun sports car.

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  Beautiful car and what a bargain! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By bobabooty - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda 6 w/ the V-6 is an absolute joy to drive! Great performance, handling and sexy looks all for a little over $20,000! The red glow from the performance oriented gauges and the high mounted digital display for the radio and climate control readings help you keep your eyes on the road while wringing the MAZDA 6 through the twisties. This car is a BMW 325 with more room for passengers at half the price! Take a look and build one for fun at www.MazdaUSA.com like I did!

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Beezer - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Mazda6s for 4 months and have loved every minute of it. For reference, I have the 6s with AT, sport package, moonroof, heated seats/mirrors,leather, Bose audio, and rearview mirror w/homelink. As others have said, slow off the line but very smooth and quick performance past 20 m.p.h

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  Gregs review - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By Greg Koerwitz - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Millenia I have owned and have had excellent success with both. I like the ride, the feel of the car and the style. With the discounts the mfgr and dealers are shooting you can get a real value on a quality car. The power is definitely there with the Miller engine on this car. With the 17" tires and other qualities, a mixture of luxury and sports car is evident.

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  Satisfied LX owner - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By SatisfiedOwner - May 30 - 10:00 am

  What an incredible car for such a price! Its fun to drive (great handling) and it has a very nice build quality. The 2.0L is very nervous and its exterior is damn nice to look at. The only thing I dislike is its sound- proofing, especially under the car. You can hear every atom of dust hit the car. This could definitely be improved. But I dont regret bying this car a second... its way better than a civic or VW and you pay less because you dont pay as much for the name (but a the speed they are selling them, youll be soon paying for the name I guess)

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  It Just Screams: "Drive Me!" - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Zante64 - May 30 - 7:33 am

  Kinda stumbled onto this vehicle by accident. We were set to replace our 97 Jetta with a new one but we were not happy with changes VW made. Next looked at the Rabbit, but reviews kept mentioning the Mazda3. We figured it couldnt hurt to at least look at the Mazda3. Wow! We were instantly impressed with it! Its an amazingly fun and agile car. Every aspect of this car feels solid. No rattles or squeaks. The doors feel solid, the controls and gauges are easy to read/use. Initial mpg was a bit low, but with over 2500 miles now, were getting better mpg each tankful. Lots of room in trunk area, good driving position and visibility.

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  silver streak - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By rambler - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely love it. Both of us have hip replacements and have trouble riding long distances,but not in this toy.The ease getting in and the roominess of the inside makes it a dream. Im 51", he is 62". The mild contour of the seats make it possible to sit without pressure on the sides of the hips.The back will easily hold our riding scooters.Lets us feel like kids again. great in traffic superb response, great on the open road.tried all the Comparable SUVS.This is by far the winner.Only complaint, needs a light on the moonroof switch so you know when it is totally shut...try it youll love it...

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  Dont over look this gem! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Bill S. - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I was going to get a VW Golf or a Honda Civic just like everyone else but then I decided to give the 2002 Mazda Protege LX a look and am I glad I did. The car rides great with sport suspension, and if there were a ratio for power to fuel economy, this car has got it absolutely right. Tight steering is a definite plus as well as the view. I like the fact that this car isnt loaded down with a lot of gizmos that add weight and can go wrong in the future. It has just was is needed for driving fun and "zoom, zoom, zoom" in the Phoenix area. Only thing I will need to do is have the windows tinted.

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  Happy that I Got a 2016 Miata instead of a Boxster - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dale - May 29 - 11:42 am

  I had a Honda S2000 from 2005 through 2012 (great car) and I was looking for another fun, small, light, (fairly) comfortable convertible. The two cars that rose to the top of my wish list were the Miata (I refuse to call it an MX-5) and the Boxster. I went to the 2 day Porsche Sport driving School in Birmingham, Alabama to get a "real" test drive, mostly in a Cayman. I loved the Porsche on the track, but it seemed to be the most fun when driven FAST. Great fun on the track, but I dont spend much time there. I went to the Detroit Auto Show to see the new Miata in the flesh. I fell in love on the spot. PROS: The Miata is fun at any speed. The handling is amazing. The seats are good. The acceleration is acceptable (0-60 in 6 seconds), and the mid-range torque is much stronger than I expected. I have been averaging 36 mpg. A fully equipped GT is half the cost of a low-end Boxster. CONS: You probably wont fit if you are much over 6 tall. The trunk is small, but it does fit two 21" roller carry-on bags and some misc. "stuff" on the sides. It requires premium gas. Ummmm.... Update after 7300 miles: I took a drive from Ohio to Las Vegas. I spent 8 days to drive 3000 miles to get to Vegas, most of it on two lane roads. I then drove 2100 miles in 3 days on the Interstate to get back. The slower paced trip and back roads fit the Miata driving style better, but it was OK on the super slab. The only change to my rating is that it should get 4 or 5 stars for value. Great car, and it gets lots of compliments from onlookers.