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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  A new car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Haihu - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a automatic protege this july. I like it. The internal space is big enought to make me comfort. Mint in steering and braking. However, when I use cruise control at 70 mile/hour, the engine is at 3100 rpm. A little worried about that since the other cars (civic, sentra and corolla) only need 2600 rpm to maintain the speed.

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  Whoo Hoo - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KellyK - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Great Fun sar. Better to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow ... but this car is not slow. Had it for 6 weeks and have not driven it with the top up yet! Snug fit but thats part of the fun. It was the Miata or the MINI Cooper S. When I thought about reliability, (top down) fun factor and styling the Miata won. Ive got a minivan for the 2 kids. This is a Sports Car.

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  Its still a van, but I like it! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By MPV owner - December 26 - 10:00 am

  With 2 kids, a van was the logical next step, but I went into the buying process kicking and screaming. Only thing I dont like -- the center console is pretty much worthless -- no place to put my sunglasses for example - - you lose the sunglass holder when you get the sunroof.

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  The Perfect Family SUV - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Gregg Kuroda - December 26 - 7:56 am

  Having driven this vehicle for almost a year, I have to say this is the most sporty, comfortable, stylish and roomy SUV Ive owned. It has plenty of room for car seats and soccer equipment as well. It is like driving a luxury vehicle at a reasonable price. It is packed with features. The blind-spot monitoring is fantastic. Thought it would be a bother, now its a must. It has plenty of power and can go 375 miles on one tank.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lee - December 24 - 5:00 pm

  For the money (and even for cars that are more expensive), this car is phenomenal. GREAT sound system, very fast, comfortable, sleek features, many options that you cannot get with other non-luxury cars. Cant beat the performance, style, and overall quality for under $30,000. I used to have a Mercedes coup before the kids came along and this even beats that

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  Great commuter car, Good for tall people - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By twozeroone - December 23 - 9:10 pm

  I bought a 2005 Hatchback Automatic 2.3S. Great little car. Fun as can be to drive alone on long windy roads with lots of tight turns. Very good handling, similar to BMW. Built extremely well with many stock features. I am about 63" tall and had a tough time finding a car I was comfortable in which was good on gas. I drove the 5 speed and was a little tight due to the clutch, but the automatic has a perfect spot where the clutch would be that is empty and I can extend my legs all the way to the fire wall. Great car for tall people like me. The seats hold you in position good on fast turns.

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  The Horn - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eroteme - December 22 - 10:10 pm

  Overall quite satisfied. However, I will say I am not pleased with the silly horn, it sounds like it belongs on a small scooter, maybe a motorized bicycle. The bird chirping horn does not match the quality of the car. And I cant say I am all that pleased with the heater, it takes 15 minutes or better to attain comfort, at which time I am usually at my destination, freezing from the cold. Also, the panic button on the switch fob has a range of about 20 feet. My previous car panic button had a much greater range, helping me find where I parked the car on occasion. But as said, I am quite pleased with the car.

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  Best of the Best - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Heads Turner - December 22 - 9:56 am

  I considered Audi Q7, Acura MDX, 2008 Toyota Highlander, GMC Acadia, etc., but no one can come close to this vehicle in terms of performance, quality and price. This car is 100% built in Japan and proves to be the best of the best available today. This car is a true head turner. After my research for three months I bought a 2008 black on black CX9 GT AWD with Bose and moonroof. Drive it once and you will realize what you have been missing.

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  Best of its Breed - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Andrew - December 22 - 6:13 am

  When you purchase this car you must have the understanding that this is a basic roadster. It doesnt pretend to be something else. Its raw, tiny, a little unrefined in some areas but definity fun. It will be hard to come from a complete car such as an Accord or an SUV to go to Miata because somethings just doesnt work right in the Miata. The cupholders in the center are completely useless because they intrude into the elbow space while shifting gears. The grade of plastics is from the 70s and thats not a good thing. And the sound the comes from opening and closing the truck is truly horrible.

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  Test drove the rest and bought the best. - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Rude Dog - December 22 - 4:03 am

  I do not like minivans but my wife wanted one. After testing the Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Kia I liked the drive and creature comforts of the Mazda. Some of the features that blew my mind away were the acceleration and handling. For a minivan this thing hops! The interior is nice and there are plenty of cupholders. We havent had any problems with the MPV and would recommend one to anyone looking for a minivan.