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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  it flat-out hauls - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By fast-annie - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought in Nov 2002 and have driven my car on long hauls a lot... despite low-proifle tires it rides well, handles beautifully and only needs a good exhaust system to make it perfect! wish the gearshift action was tighter and had more power, but aside from that, no complaints at all! dealers do gouge a bit on oil changes, so Im looking for a good mechanic instead

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  I like my 626 - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Free - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have not had any major problems other then the regular oil change and rotation of tires.

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  Finally bought my Shinsen! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By SluggoJD - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I agonized for an entire year, and finally did it last night. The car is exactly what I expected - mainly, beautiful yet muscular styling, perfect handling, great sound system, etc. I could go on and on - but other owners already know all the adjectives.

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  6 Month Review - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By EYW - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I bought an ES in early June to replace my 93 MPV. Got a deal with $2k rebate, $2.1k Ford "S-Plan" and another $500 S-plan bonus with no more room left to negotiate after all that. My wife ejoys the minivan because it is quick with responsive handling and a nice stereo. I am probably biased since I currently own a 95 Protege LX and 03 Protege 5 and use to own an 86 RX-& GLX and 93 MPV. I have listed lots of good things below. A few other things of note include great leather seats and rear heating with the "4- seasons" option. Another thoughtful item is the left side sliding door does not open when you are gassing up.

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  mazda rx-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By blu-1 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  perfoms very well in all catigories. runs very smooth. sounds great. beautiful interior. wonderful sound system.

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  Brilliant but Flawed - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Herfosaurus - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Lousy fuel economy and un-Japanese build quality. My avg gas mileage (40% highway, 40% 2-lane country, 20% city) was around 16 mpg. My car had a few common RX-8 maladies -- door-sill trim that became unstuck, an oil light that came on at high speeds, and the finish starting to wear off the shift knob. Interior has far too much cheap-looking plastic for a "premium" interior. AC not particularly capable on hot days

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  Youll break necks driving this car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By cash_money - April 19 - 2:00 am

  If I had $1 for everytime someone checked out my car, I would be rich. Ive literally had lots of people roll down their windows at stop lights and converse about my car. If you dont like dealing with people, dont buy the car. Ive also taken my two sons (3 and 2) in the back around for 4hr family days. The freestyle doors really help and ARE USEFUL. Audio system is very good contrary to other reviews (Im thinking they want their music WAY too loud). I looked at BMW, AUDI, Infiniti, etc... but Mazda had everything they did and you will not see this car every mile.

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  Very Very Happy - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By billinalex - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Im so happy with my Red Protege 5. Many of my friends have Civics, and they feel and look so dull by comparison. Its a fun car to drive, and very versatile car for urban folks like myself. My only complaints are minor, even downright silly, see below. I agonized over the decision, but opted for an automatic instead of a 5 speed. Its still fun as heck to drive though, and the transmission seems to always shift exactly when it should.

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  love at first sight - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By marky mark - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I love the car to death. I found it handles great, gets great gas mileage, and is lots of fun to drive. This car is also very practical, makes going to work almost fun.

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  what a dissapointment - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By ears - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Like may of the other people who posted comments, I too liked my Tribute when I first purchased it. With under 10,000 we had to have a new trans put into the vehicle. Since then its been in the shop 4 additonal times (another major problem was the rack, which had to be replaced). The final straw was when the vehicle stalled in traffic. Ive contacted a Lemon Law attorney.