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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  2002 Mazda Protege ES Automatic - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By nealnick - July 5 - 10:00 am

  We were in search of a 4 door, compact car with an automatic for a reasonable price. When we drove the ES, we were very impressed. The car drove like a much more expensive car and had very good steering and road feel. Decent automatic with smooth shifts. Good brakes. Interior very nice. 1% over invoice pricing and a $1500 Mazda rebate sealed the deal for us.

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  Fun Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rich - July 5 - 8:36 am

  I have owned the car for 6 months and no problems. Fun to drive, enough power for around town and great mileage. Plenty of room for two full size golf bags in trunk probably three.

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  Super fine and super fun - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By aquab1 - July 5 - 1:20 am

  I think 2004 was the only year for "mellow yellow" love the color. The exterior design is sleek, confident, gorgeous. The interior fits perfectly--Im 510", much taller wouldnt work. The gas mileage isnt THAT bad--I average 18 and get 22 on the highway. Driving something thats this much fun. I actually think, "This car is awesome" almost every time I drive it--is worth a few extra mpg. Flooded it once, my bad. No significant repairs in 5 years. Everything original 2004 except tires and breaks. The rotary engine sings like a jet engine all the way up to 8500 rpm. The RX-8 is super fine and super fun. Handling in rain is bad and in snow is downright hazardous.

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  All this for under $20K! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By dontnomuch - July 4 - 5:36 am

  Ive liked this model since it was the Protege5 and circumstances finally got around to where I bought a Mazda3 last week. I actually prefer the exterior of the P5 to that of the Mazda3 but the interior is a huge improvement (bye-bye econo-car.) My car has True Red paint with a black leather interior, 5 speed and moonroof/CD package. I also looked at the VW GTI, Passat wagon and Audi A3 and just couldnt justify spending the extra money on German "engineering." Sorry, the domestic competition was just too underwhelming to consider. The car is not perfect (see suggested improvements) but the positives FAR outweigh the negatives. MPG is 20 with all-city driving and a cherry motor.

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  Mazda Millenia - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By SOOSIE - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Every where I go, people stop me and say wow what a great looking car. It drives smooth, has been very dependable, great gas mileage 21 around town, 26-28 on the road. One problem, I live in Oregon it rains, the trunk when opened after it rains drips into the trunk. The only other problem, I think there is too much street noise. It is great fun to drive, very dependable, good looking and I would buy another Mazda based on performance and ease.

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  2000 Base with convenience pkg - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By T Square - July 4 - 2:00 am

  You have to feel this car to believe it. If you need an abundance of straight-line acceleration, a Detroit V-8 may be a better choice, but when the road starts to twist, this car shines. No other vehicle has steering with as much feedback as a Miata. The gearshift feels like using a bolt-action rifle. The top is weathertight, reliability is excellent.

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  Matrix? PAH! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Edgewater Joe - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Thought about the Matrix, but this blew it away! Its handsome, its hot, it turns on a dime -- this is going to be a wise blast!

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  My Tribute ..... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike P - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy this truck. I also own a 91 Miata which was my daily driver before I bought the truck. My wifes car is a 2000 Maxima SE. The truck has a tight and comfortable feel. Very responsive and rides more like a car than a truck. I test drove the Xterra, Sante Fe, Rav 4, CRV & Suzuki & Escape. I like the Tribute best. The Escape has a cheaper looking interior and unpainted body moldings making it look unfinished in comparison. The others either were under powered or felt more truck-like in their ride. The Hyundai had nice styling but felt slightly underpowered.

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  Awsome car for a first timer - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By AFwestPunk - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the bad boy and and having a hella good time. great size and price for this first time buyer

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  Great Car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MissileMax - July 3 - 7:23 pm

  This is my second Miata, and will have a Miata until the day I die. No other car delivers the driving experience the Miata does. It is a rush to drive, but is friendly enough to use everyday. The top can be opened and closed in mere seconds from inside the vehicle, and the trunk is large (and stays large with the top down!). Maintenance is easy, and the reliability canÂ’t be beat. The Miata maneuvers like it is thought controlled, simply think it and the car responds elegantly. I have driving many sports cars, and love most of them, but none compare to the Miata.