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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  First MX-5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KO - July 3 - 12:33 pm

  Well, I wanted a sports car and I found one for sure. This is a third car for the family for fun driving so I was trying to keep the price lower and fun factor high. This car definitely achieves EXCELLENT price/performance. And even though it is priced less than other roadsters - the build quality and careful design shows the minute you drive it. You cannot go wrong for the money. And I have owned 5 other sports cars over my driving career including a late 80s 911. Technology has advanced incredibly fast since. If you want a car that is cheaper and safer than a Harley, and yet reach the performance levels of an 80s vintage Porsche - then do yourself a favor - and test drive one today.

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  Grand Touring Rocks! - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By crisrn - July 3 - 9:16 am

  Weve had our CX-9 for just a week and we love it! It is very comfortable and it does not feel like we are driving a mid-size SUV. When going on the freeway, the accelerator is extremely responsive. The turning radius is surprisingly sharp, which makes parking in tight spots and u-turns effortless. The ride is also very smooth, even with the 20 inch rims.

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  Fun, Practical, and Good Looks - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By richee51 - July 2 - 12:37 pm

  Have driven for a week now, love it. Traded a Prius with great mileage, for something I can enjoy, with 6-speed manual, I can shift, sun roof is great, interior and exterior are just cool. Really like the car so far. Gas mileage seems decent so far, wont be on the Prius level, but willing to give up mileage for a bit of sportiness.

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  The best vehicle out there! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Geo - July 2 - 5:03 am

  I just traded in my 3 hatch for a 5 Sport and am so happy I did. This car, like the 3, just exceeds any and all expectations in every way. That is how I felt about the 3 - but they have improved some things and the car feels bigger. Its quieter, smoother, still tight, plus all the room is unbelievable. My 2 kids are under 4 and one is in second row, one in 3rd row - that way you can still sit with them and use the cubby under one seat for toys! Mind boggling the space inside - it doesnt look that big from outside ... elegant, sleek ... classy inside and out. I love the cloth and dash; it just works for me as do all the new Mazdas.

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  WOW! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Scott - July 2 - 2:00 am

  My family and I love this car! It has ample room for a family of four with the flexibility to accommodate two other passengers for playdates. We love this vans athletic profile and performance. It has a lot more kick than what you would expect from a 4-cylinder minivan. We have the autostick transmission with power sunroof and 6 CD changer. I tell everyone I know who is considering a minivan to buy this car.

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  1999 Mazda 626V6LX - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Donaldavid - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car, it has not cost one cent in repairs, handles very well, has plenty of power, and is very quiet. I am a Mazda fan, as this is my 3rd Mazda and I have no complaints about any of them. Just as good as an Accord or Camry for a lot less money (although the resale value is not as good). I cant wait to buy the new 6, but will have to wait till this one is paid for.

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  A better G20 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By santag - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I replaced a 95 G20 with this car. It is $5K less with more features. I have a fully loaded 5sp (leather, ABS, Moonroof, auto dimming mirror, security system) except for the roof rack. Fun to drive. I can understand why Car and Driver rated it #1 in 6/2002 issue. Doesnt match my Miata but I would rate it very close to the G20 if not better.

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  2000 Mazda MPV LX - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Michael Oglesby - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is wonderfully designed and fun to drive. It features a sleek exterior look and a sporty interior look with the wood-look trim. It is different than most minivans.

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  You cant beat it! - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By schmammel - July 1 - 10:00 am

  You can get a car that is more fun, faster and merginally better handling. But only if youre willing to pay another $8000 at least!

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  Its great...but light - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By littlepriest - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Having bought my tribute three months ago and 5,000 miles ago I so far only have one complaint. It is so much lighter than my 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee...I have had problems with zoom zooming too fast around turns and sliding. Road noise is not too much of a factor. The gearshift for some reason doesnt bother me at all. Nice stereo with the luxury package. Another complaint, I know I said only one earlier but I think that this is just a fluke, the power to my rear view mirror (temperature and compass) cuts on and off...some electrical problem there that I am sure the good people at Lawson Mountain Mazda will fix pronto. Great Car!