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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  Check out all minis - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Va.Mike - April 15 - 10:00 am

  The MPV listed for $23,120. I bought the basic LX with a few minor extras. I paid $19,800 for the MPV and am very happy so far. At this price I was well below all other contenders including all the rebates. Ford Windstar had almost $4400 in rebates and another couple of thousand in discounts and my MPV price when everything is compared was a better long term deal.

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  It Rocks - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Dagpotter - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money.

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  Practical and Fun - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jenmorgan - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Im thoroughly in love with my new P5 -- lots of room and great handling. Great price, too. A nice mix of luxury and sportiness.

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  Excellent mileage! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By bonboa - April 13 - 2:20 pm

  I purchased this vehicle on a Monday and it was delivered to me on Wednesday September 10, 2008, and it was worth the extra wait. The silver is (in my opinion) the best color for this vehicle! I am a confirmed Honda man. I only purchase Honda products just because that is what Ive always done. All I have to say is this, Honda better watch their "6". This is a wonderful car 30.5 mpg mixed cty/hwy! This car is better than a Honda. Ive owned 5 so far and may dedicate all future purchases to Mazda.

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  Best zoom-zoom on the planet - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By eastexburt - April 13 - 1:20 am

  This is a road-car, not a dragster. You dont rev your rotary engine at a stop light next to a Corvette. Accelleration is good, but not spectacular. Plenty of horsepower; moderate torque. The car is spectacular on the highway: on a winding road or an interstate. With six speeds (manual) you can accomodate any situation and have a blast all the way there and back. Handling is amazing with the electonic stability gadgetry; interior is comfortable and controls/gauges are intuitive. The basic sound system is great. The trunk is smallish (Hey, its a sports car), but you have a full-size back seat. I cant understand why everybody hasnt ordered one. There is nothing like it near $30K.

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  My first Mazda purchase - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By My first Mazda - April 12 - 5:20 pm

  The V6 is the only engine to get in this car, but Mazda needs to squeeze more mileage out of each gallon of gas, the way Toyota powerplants do. Traction control system is great. Comfortable size car, and agile. Looks great, too. Quality of materials is good and the quality of the finished product is very good.

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  How fun it is!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By The Juan - April 11 - 4:53 pm

  All I had to do is look at this car and I was in love. Then I drove the car and realized I was in heaven taking corners with ease.

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  LOVIN IT - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By pamela smith - April 10 - 9:20 am

  I love my Mazda 6! Its fast, sporty, and fun. Its fully loaded!.Id recommend it to anyone!

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  Love Love Love my Mazda5! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By treyscrap - April 10 - 3:30 am

  Bought this used last week and I am loving it! Drives like a dream for its price. Feels like a more expensive ride. Seats are super comfy and the fabric is really durable and easy to clean. Love the different seat configurations. Mine had the navigation system but since I bought it used, the maps arent as updated as they need to be. My street isnt even on it! For me, its a wasted feature and I wouldnt suggest spending the money on it. The only change Id make is more storage in the doors and a bigger glove box.

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  Rx8 Rox - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Joshua Beers - April 10 - 2:00 am

  FUN, FUN, FUN and more FUN!!! The rx8 although pretty pricy when at the gas station is well worth the fill up. You will find yourself filling the car up all the time because its so fun to drive. If you have the $$$ or even if you dont you should def. get yourself into one of these. Take it for some turn and hear that rotary rev. (even w/ 4 heads in the car) Awesome ride, awesome design & a great all around car. RX8 OWNER