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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  Loving it - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rachel - November 29 - 11:00 pm

  This is my first car and I am extremely satisfied with my pick. The 2.3 liter 160 horsepower is the best in its class. This car gets the job done and does it well. Always fun to drive, its a zippy little car with an excellent turning radius. My little brother is a new driver, and he prefers driving my car over my Dads 2005 Acura TL and my brothers Honda Accord.

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  Best Mid-Sized Sedan - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Andrew - November 29 - 5:00 pm

  I got the Mazda 6 iTouring with convenience package. I looked at the Accord, Camry, Altima, Fusion, and Jetta - Mazda 6 is at the top of its class. The only other car I was considering was the Accord, but I found the Mazda to have better overall value for the money, and the exterior/interior styling is a bit better. The speed, ride, and handling of this car is excellent. I find myself taking fast turns for no reason because its simply just fun to do. The quietness of the car is very good - my dad, who has drives Mercedes, was even impressed with the quietness. If youre looking at the Touring model, I would highly suggest the convenience package - excellent value for the money.

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  Best choice - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By mazdagirl - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Protege5. I spend alot of time in my car and these seats have to be the most comfortable of any vehicle Ive driven! The 5-speed is FUN and the car handles great. I couldnt ask for anything better at this price.

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  Car Full of Joy - 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Doug Shaffer - November 28 - 1:20 am

  We were looking for a hardtop Club with an automatic transmission and found one at the first dealer we visited. The car is exactly what was expected and is a joy to drive with the power hardtop down in sunny weather - we live on an island in Puget Sound with winding roads and gorgeous views. The model we found has an automatic shift, but can be moved freely to something that simulates a standard manual shift, even when underway. There are four steering wheel finger-operated shift levers that you can touch up or down operating the automatic transmission manually. The simulation is quite realistic. Had a Chrysler rag top in Florida and will not go that route again, but this powered hardtop is wonderful. Aside from the quick powered raise/lower and the ease of keeping it clean, the hardtop is not as noisy inside as the rag top. And Im quite sure that its warmer in the winter. We really like this little roadster - it brings us a lot of joy!

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  Love the car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By shinka lover - November 25 - 10:26 pm

  This is an outstanding sports car. If you know how to handle a rotary engine, it should last you a life time. Read the owners manual carefully and follow its instructions on warm-up and down. It doesnt take that much time for either. My wife and I have taken it on a few road trips and were pleased with the overall comfort. It has an incredible stereo system. The shifting (manual) is very smooth. The seat heaters can burn your fanny off if you are not careful!

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  4 Year Review - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By MN Mazda - November 25 - 4:23 pm

  Bought car new at great price in March 03. Still like the looks of the car. Car is very quiet and smooth riding, a luxury ride yet handles extremely well. Main complaint is seats are painful on long trips. Solved problem with a sheepskin seat cover. Gas mileage is good, 27-28 on highway and 22-24 in mixed driving easy on the acceleration. No expenditures on than normal front brake replacement/maintenance. Car sits low compared to todays cars making it harder to get in and out but doesnt bother me. No squeaks or rattles. Looks brand new after 4 years. Great silver paint. If you want a luxury look and feel vehicle without the luxury price this is an awesome car.

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  We Love It. - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Melissa - November 25 - 2:03 pm

  Our Subaru station wagon just wasnt cutting it on comfort and size with a large carseat in the back so we were looking for a new car. We didnt feel ready for a minivan, didnt want the low gas mileage of an SUV. I was so thankful when we came across this car that we bought it almost instantly. I love the feel of it and the price is GREAT! All the other vehicles we were looking at were well beyond this range. Lots of room in the back when the seats are folded down, and comfortable 2nd row seating. The 3rd row is a little small, but it would only be for some extra in a pinch anyway. I love that we have that option. I dont understand why other car companies arent making similar models?

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  Zoom Zoom Is Definitely True - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott B - November 23 - 12:06 pm

  I traded in my SUV (gas prices too high) for my Mazda 3s Touring Wagon. I needed to get better gas mileage since my commute is 70 miles each day. I fell in love with the car the minute I sat in the drivers seat and drove out of the parking lot. The price was great for all the features you get on the S Touring Model. I cannot wait to see what they do to the Mazda 3 over the next few years. They are moving in the right direction with their line of cars. It was difficult to find the Pearl White S Touring Wagon in CT. They had to get the car from NY. This makes it a little difficult to bargain since there is only one car within 4 states. The dealer did not want to take much off price.

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  2001 Miata SE - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By icecreaman - November 23 - 2:00 am

  A wonderful car that continues to bring a smile to my face, and encourages the development of good driving skills. Plenty of power for normal driving, a responsive and fun ride at highway speeds. (Under 40 mph, in town, nothing to brag about.) Stylish exterior, well designed and thought out interior, and high quality, both cosmetically and mechanically make this car a winner. The trunk holds more than its appearance conveys, and so if you can accept this car for what it is (2 seater, firm ride, limited cargo room, I believe that you will be quite pleased, and experience the same pride of ownership that I have.

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  4dr S 2.3l - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joseph8 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the 4 door sedan fully loaded and am very pleased with it so far. The car rides smooth and handles great. The engine is very quite and has impressive power. A nice balance between performance, style, safety and comfort. Going 75 MPH on the highway feels like your doing 40 MPH with a smooth quite ride that makes you feel safe.