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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  Better than the matrix and vibe - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By anonymous - May 28 - 10:00 am

  After test driving the protege5 (5- speed manual), pontiac vibe (manual), and toyota matrix (automatic), I decided to purchase the protege5 for many of the same reasons that the editors of Car and Driver (June issue) rated the vehicle best in its class. The protege5 handles, brakes, and rides better. It has more usable torque and is more fun to drive. The protege5 is more comfortable and more attractive. It has excellent fit-and-finish and was recommended in the annual auto issue of Consumers Report because of the excellent reliability of the protege line.

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  What a car! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By paulcal2 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  It is everything Ive heard it was. The shifting is pure fun...lots of leg room, even with my 62" frame...and the styling is a real eye catcher. I only wished Id bought one 10 years earier!

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  I Recommend the 5sp Man DX - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Marty - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Got this car for $12K after factory rebate and negociations(A/C and CD included). Fun to drive. Good fuel economy. Makes my wifes 97 Altima seem sluggish. Brakes are very good. Handling is very good and gives a real sense of confidence. Takes a few weeks to become accustom to the stiff shocks. Seats are comfortable but seem to be of cheap build quality. Mazda appears to have great customer support.

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  I Recommend the 5sp Man DX - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By marty - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Got this car for $12K after factory rebate and negociations(A/C and CD included). Fun to drive. Good fuel economy. Makes my wifes 97 Altima seem sluggish. Brakes are very good. Handling is very good and gives a real sense of confidence. Takes a few weeks to become accustom to the stiff shocks. Seats are comfortable but seem to be of cheap build quality. Mazda appears to have great customer support.

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  An Easy Choice - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Fasteddie - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We had the chance to drive and compare the Honda CRV, Subaru Forester, Toyota Highlander and the Mazda Tribute 2WD V6ES. All things considered the Tribute was an easy choice. Compared to a similarly equipped Toyota Highlander, the Tribute came in at $6,000.00 less! The Honda and the Subaru did not have enough space and power (both had 4 cyl engines and no V6 was available) for our needs, and their prices were comparable, less for your money!

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  Big Improvement over last years model - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By lpmiller - May 27 - 7:16 am

  My wife has an 08 Mazda6, which we love, but when I saw the 09 I had to have it. It is roomier without looking like a large car, the 4 cyl has a little bit more kick to it and is good enough for most people. I have the advanced keyless, which rocks, and other than the new engine smell Ive had with every Mazda ever (which goes away in about 100 miles) this car appears very solidly built and corners just like the 08. Stereo is better too, and the control layout is easier to deal with. The dash is gorgeous at night. Its too early to tell MPG yet, but all things considered this is a fun car to drive with lots of the nice things that make long trips enjoyable.

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  RX-8 Performance - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By E.Lizcano - May 27 - 6:00 am

  Youll love the way this car handles, especially on turns. It may not be as fast off the line as "sports" cars, but it can still hold its head up high while handling better than many sport edition vehicles.

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  Great Used Car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Sean Taylor - May 26 - 2:40 pm

  Bought this car when I moved. Starting out, it had a TON of problems. However, after 1 year I had all problems fixed and it didnt even cost more than $1000. Parts are a little more expensive than your run-of-the-mill Honda, but the reliability of those parts is far greater. It handles like a dream and faster than any 4cyl Ive ever owned. There is one CON to this car and its the very common idle problems. The EGR Valve and IAC Valve crap out at least once in this cars lifetime. From experience I would highly recommend spending the money and getting the correct part. No need to pay dealership prices on installing because its MUCH easier than it looks. All in all, I give this car a 9.5 out of 10. I will continue to drive this car until the end of its life.

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  26k miles and I still love my car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By maddie - May 25 - 5:50 pm

  I drive this little sporty car fairly hard and fast, and it has kept up for 26k miles so far. NO major issues at all and I dont expect them anytime soon either. This economy car is fun to drive, is very responsive, handles well and looks good while doing so! A zippy little car with a good amount of power and torque. Sure, its not a race car but what do you expect for less than $20K? The engine provides adequate power for the price, and if you want more, wait for the Mazdaspeed edition to come out! The suspension is solid and "sport" and allows for great cornering & handling; if you cant handle a stiffer suspension, go with a Ford or something softer, like a large Cadillac, lol!

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  best car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By alex1972 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  reallyfun to drive and a good looking car turn a lot of heads