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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  my new pro 5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By christi - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Well, I just got my Pro 5 this November and I am loving it. If you are looking for a nice, sporty car with great gas mileage you should get one! I have had the car for nearly 3 weeks now and glad I made this purchase. (It was my first car I have ever bought on my own and Im very satisfied)

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  Great Van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Aaalaaan - May 14 - 2:00 am

  As a previous owner of minivans, I found the MPV to be a very well designed Minivan and it seems that they thought of everything. There is no timing belt to change and that is important as this is an interference engine which means if your timing belt breaks or jumps you will bend valves. The flip down rear seat, radio controls on the steering wheel, large and nemerous drink holders, thick leather interior and power sliding doors are among my favorite features. Get the power sliding doors. They are worth the money. At first I wasnt going to get them but I worked the dealer lower on the price of the van that had them. Buy one, you will be glad you did.

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  Mazda6 is OK, not Perfect - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Stewart Crawford - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Generally peppy performance, but low- RPM torque not what I expected andcar has disappointing fuel mileage. Only average 19-20. My car is automatic, not manual.

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  wow - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By The Aggression - May 14 - 2:00 am

  this car is absolutly amazing. First of all it is a blast to drive. It handles great and the acceleration is perfect. Also the design. When i first got my car you can see people looking to figure out what model it was. It definetly turns heads. Now the interior, Best interior I"ve seen in awhile. Everything is right infront of you, controls on the steering wheel and all. The design inside is orignal and every one thats been in my car has loved it.

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  Love My 6s - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By hlj821 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  No other sedan is more fun to drive than the 6s for this price range, period!

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  A great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Clif - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I sold my 03 Accord for this car and am happy I did. It looks great, rides great and is a blast to drive. This car has personality. We got it loaded with the sport package, leather, and the Bose stereo system. It is the best looking sedan on the market and a joy to drive. If it is like my last Mazda, it should last for years with no problem. We put 2600 miles on the car in 18 days so far. Its just fun to drive!

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  A nonminivan lovers minvan - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By marylizus - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I really wanted a large station wagon, but no one makes those anymore. The MPV comes the closest to what we wanted. I LOVE the MPV..and we have a pretty stripped down LX model. Fun to drive, too.

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  Frequent Maintence for the 2000 Mazda - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By adingle - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Once this vehicle started aproaching the 30,000 mile mark it requires alot of maintenance. Trasmission problems, fuel injection problems, check engine light comes on repeatingly even after getting the require servicing.

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  A Great Value - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By tc - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven Hondas in the past, but the price comparison and features of the Protege outweighed brand loyalty. I was also frustrated by the awkward position of the parking brake in the 5-spd Civic I test drove. I bought the LX Protege with moonroof,abs,side airbags, floormats and cargo net all for $13100 plus tax and tags, (includes $1500 rebate). Entrance is easy and the driver seat adjuster is great for my back. A quiet, fun car to drive.

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  Best small car out there - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Vk - May 13 - 7:40 am

  Forget boring Civics and Corollas. This car is stylish and handles beautifully. Platform is based on the new, yet to be released Ford Focus platform and is also used in the new Volvo S40. Very lively in the handling department and the interior is a refreshing change from the mundane plastic seen in other cars of the same class. Who says small family cars cant be stylish.