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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  Its a van! A wagon! Its a sports car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By disneyguy - April 23 - 2:16 pm

  We bought a 06 for my wife, I liked it and bought one for me. Still the best value out there...Mazda has to be losing money on selling these. Loaded, all the safety stuff, all of the goodies, nice looking, versatile, very well built.

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  Practical Performance Bargain - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Kevin - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Nothing from me that contradicts the other positive reviews. Ive driven my car for a few months now, and I have to remind myself of how inexpensive this car is; great handling, powerful engine, comfortable interior with loads of standard features, practical and reliable -- all for ~$23K! When I consider how aggressive the exterior styling is, Im really surprised at how comfortable and civilized the car is. As a middle-aged guy, I tend to feel a bit self- conscious due to the cars styling, but it just drives SO well! Be advised that if you live in an area that gets snow, you should plan on buying a set of snow tires for winter since this car is fitted with summer performance tires.

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  I love my Miata - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Scott - April 23 - 7:40 am

  I love my Miata. Pros: 1.) It handles like a dream and is a lot of fun to drive. 2.) You can beat most cars off the line. 3.) It looks great. 4.) Reliable 5.) Good gas mileage (if you choose not to have fun.) Cons: 1.) No storage space. 2.) Loud road noise. I love my Miata.

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  Best ride under 20 k - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Titu - April 21 - 9:56 am

  I have owned it for 5 months now with 7500 miles on it. I am highly satisfied with it. Its more like a cheap Audi A3/A4 than a compact. There is attention to detail in every part of this car. This is the only compact car to have a personality. I am surprised to see people buying Jettas paying 5k more instead of the 3. I found the 3 to be better in all respects except the interior. Go for it.

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  Superior Ride - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By tennesseejed - April 20 - 8:40 pm

  I have owned my Protege for almost 3 years and have very much enjoyed the experience! It now has 162k and everything, including the power windows and moonroof, is still working well.

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  Mazda CX 7 Review - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By VBM - April 20 - 12:03 pm

  This my first new Mazda. After extensively comparing BMW X3, Infiniti FX35 and Acura RDX, we choose the CX 7. From a value & performance standpoint, this car offered more then ones we compared to. Got the Grand Touring fully loaded with Tech package with NAV and premium Bose audio.

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  Great Car, Great price - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By JB - April 19 - 10:33 pm

  Excellent styling. Price incentives are hard to beat. Excellent car at this price.

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  Great Value - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - April 19 - 6:30 pm

  Bought this car new November 07. Love the way the car handles and rides. Have had no mechanical issues; just oil changes and tire rotations. These cars are very under rated and the Camry/Accord crowd will not consider this ride due to the perception that Toyota and Honda make a superior product. In my opinion that is their lost. This is not a car for people who want interior room. It is smaller than my sons 5 Altima; but I knew that when I made the purchase. I actually like this model more than the new 6. My gas mileage is around 30 in the summer and srops to about 27/28 when it gets cold and we get the winter gas formulation.

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  Passed down to me. - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By devin994 - April 19 - 3:44 pm

  For the small amount of time that Ive owned this car, its absolutely fantastic! However, this car has been in our family ever since 2002. It has an automatic transmission and everything in the car is going strong even after 190,000 miles! This car has battled through many trips from New York to Florida and the only problem during all of those trips was that the drivers side window ceased to function. It was promptly fixed and works as good as new! The story on this car is that my parents had bought this vehicle new the year this came out. This car has mostly highway miles. 3 days a week, it travels 140 into the city and back home for the past 9 years. Never has it broken down!

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  My 5th Mazda Vehicle Lifetime - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By EYW - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Been looking at PR5s for right package (automatic, ABS/Side Impact Air, leather) for 3 months. Wanted silver, teenage girls wanted yellow, settled for red. Got $2.5k rebate, $1.5k Ford "S-Plan" discount and $1k dealer cash. Acted decisively as loaded PR5 tough to find. Am biased on Mazda since I own 95 Protege LX, 03 MPV ES, and this PR5. Owned 86 RX-7 GLX and 93 MPV. Kids love moonroof and I endorse wind deflector. Handled stiff like racing car til I lowered tire pressure from 45psi to 35 psi. Still handles well though. Engine is strong with only driver; okay when you have 4 kids too. Too soon to evaluate MPG, but guestimate it about 20 in city.