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 great car to me - 1998 Mazda 626
  By bald eagle - May 1 - 12:33 am

  We purchased our 626 after reading in Consumer Guide that it was highly recommended year and model. We have really enjoyed driving this car. We get an honest to goodness average of 40 mpg. I drive it at 65 to 70 on the freeway and it handles well as far as I am concerned. It never burns any oil and I have gone to synthetic oil. Im keeping it till it dies because we have been so pleased with it. It only has 122,000 on the engine.

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  Mazda continues to lead the pack - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By chicagoaverys - April 30 - 5:10 pm

  As someone who makes it his business to drive a lot of cars out there, I remain very impressed with Mazda. The Mazda5 is a lot of fun and a lot of functional. I cant wait to to get aftermarket toys. The car doesnt need it, but with Mazda always focusing on the individual, instead of bland mass appeal, like some other imports, it should be fun to tweak. My only problem was having trouble deciding between the Mazda3 five door and the "5". They both have a lot of positives. It is just nice to have a crossover vehicle for those of us who dont want to move into an SUV and arent willing to give up the fight and settle into a minivan. The "5" is perfect for my family of 4 and a 90 lbs dog.

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  Zoom Zoom...Cheesy but true! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By EdmundsFan2003 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2003 P5 last month after 6 months of research. Its exactly what this single gal needs! Got rid of a Miata and Saab for my Protege5 (loaded, w/ leather, roof, 6-disc the works) and couldnt be happier with the price, performance, and handling. Highly recommend this versatile, sporty, and (gasp!) economical ride!!

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  ZOOM-ZOOM ! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lee - April 28 - 8:43 am

  I traded in my 03 vibe to get ABS, traction control and a little more power, what I got was a car in another league entirely. I thought the vibe handled good when new, but as time went on I realized it wasnt that great (no ABS or traction control). I was surprised to be getting about the same gas mileage with the Mazda3, with better power.

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  Best choice by far - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Chris - April 27 - 11:06 pm

  Shopped the Solstice/Skye, Honda 2000 and Z3 and glad I chose the MX-5. The drive is great and Im getting about 35 mpg on windy mountain roads in Colorado I drive every day. The PRHT was a tough choice to make at first but after having it and enjoying the quiet and added warmth as well as flawless operation I wouldnt make a change. It may give up a bit of top end compared to the others but the drive is WAY better, absolutely NO COMPARISON. This is my daily commuter (80 miles R/T) except when it snows and the comfort is fine.

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  Love it! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By chickie - April 27 - 10:06 pm

  I owned a 95 Mazda Protege for 13 years before getting my Mazda 3. I am really enjoying this new car. Looks nice and I receive many compliments on it. Rides wonderful and handles wonderful....sporty feel. My hubby remarked how comfortable the front passenger seat is, and hes a big guy. Love the stereo system. Only thing it needs improvement on is gas mileage. Could also use a little more room in back seat. Dont know what the reliability will turn out to be, but gave it a high score based on my 95 Protege. Test drove 5 cars in its class, and this one, by far, was the best. Some felt junky, cheap interiors, handled lousy, or too expensive. This one is best value for the money.

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  Sporty,comfort,convience - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By aussie chicago - April 27 - 12:30 am

  I recently traded a 97 outback, began looking for something sportier, more comfortable, with convenience of space, initially was looking at a newer outback, decided on the 6 hatch. Just had to be patient to find the right one, which took about 4 months. I didnt really need the fully optioned g/s, but I did want the Bose and sunroof, glad I did, feels very comfortable on long drives, power of the v6 is acceptable, handles very well, steering is perfect, love the space of the hatch with seats down, HIDs are nice, economy is not great but not horrible 19 cty, 27 hwy, just love the sporty style. Havent had any problems at all.

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  Worth the Wait - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By kerrot - April 26 - 1:36 pm

  I just love my new CX-7! It drives so smooth. It is getting great gas mileage for a suv. I am averaging 25 mpg with combined city and highway driving. The 166 hsp engine has enough pep for my needs. I would recommend taking a look at this vehicle if you are in the market for a suv.

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  We Love this Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By painter - April 26 - 11:26 am

  We went to our dealer unhappily thinking our lives required a minivan. My husband said MPV or nothing. Whats this one? Its such a wonderful compromise between the minivan and my now-too-small Protege. And the price is AMAZING. All the features my husband "had to have" on my car including the Pearl White color. Mazdas response to the public recall has been more than professional. We werent happy to part with our car, but we feel the company is committed to our safety and am pleased they provided a replacement car. The car is quite zippy and very easy to handle. We have yet to see another on the road although we heard that theyre selling fast.

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  ZOOM ZOOM FUN! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By ZOOM ZOOM LOVER - April 25 - 8:20 pm

  I purchased my 2007 Mazda6i VE 5m back in August of 2007. I love this car! The car has sporty drive and loves to hold the road. This is my second mazda I purchased a 2003 mazda protege es and also loved that car. The car does have a peppy engine for a 4 cylinder. On average I receive about 28mpg on daily driving.