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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  Terrific sport wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rrrockhound - December 30 - 7:06 am

  Ive always had a soft spot for Euro-style sport wagons, but Audis and Volvos were out of my price range, and forget about BMW and Mercedes. But I discovered the Mazda6 had sleek looks, strong performance, and truly sporty handling. The engine is buttery smooth and I recently got 28 MPG on the highway, not bad for 70+ MPH with the air on. The steering response is truly sports-car like and the brakes are strong, so much so that Im considering taking this car to the track instead of my Porsche. With premium audio, multiple airbags, and auto climate control, the feel is like driving a luxury car, and I get compliments on the sporty looks.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By jphms - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Have owned this "luxury" vehicle for 18 months now. Best $$$ I ever spent on a vehicle. Excellent styling & comfort. Loaded with extras. Would do it all over again.

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  Fully Functional - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ajm558 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the Automatic with Sportronic shifting due to its relatively close feel to driving a real manual transmission ( also allows my wife to drive the car). Has good acceleration and muscle for a car with only 130 hp. Fully functional whether hauling around people, dogs or furniture. I am a bit frustrated by the fact that the gas mileage is about 5 mpg less than posted for both city and highway. Fun to drive. Zoom Zoom!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By dogs love it - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I love my Protege5, I got so many complements from peolple on the street. Its definately a head turning car. It is so fun to drive and performes well in the rain and snow. The interior is very spacious, and passangers in the back seat have ample leg room. My dogs love it too.

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  It really is the fun to drive car.... - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By ZoomZoom02072 - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This Car is really the fun to drive car. This is the first car that I bought, I had been driving a 1991 Ford with 136,000 miles. I bought a pre- owned Mazda Protege that had 8601 miles on it. Its a 2000. It really Zoom like the Mazda ads say.... I know have a 2000 ES with all the features I wanted. When first looking for cars, I want a Civic badly! I couldnt afford a Civic with a Moonroof, CD player and keyless entry wiht low milage. I came across this WONDERFUL car in my range and I LOVE IT!

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  So Far - Luvin It - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By DWolfe - December 30 - 2:00 am

  So far, have had the car less than a week. I admit - I love it. while it could use more HP (I think every one is in agreement on that) - it is a blast to drive. Handles fantastic. Right now I look for excuses to drive it around - normally it would just be for the commute.

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  I Love My Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Randy - December 29 - 3:56 pm

  This was my first brand new car purchase and my first Mazda and I love this car. I thought the automatic transmission was trash so I got the manual. I get about 26 to 27 miles per gallon under mixed highway and city driving. I drive it pretty hard (I cant help it; its fun to drive). I got rid of the whip antenna and replaced it with a Shark Fin Antenna and the car looks really nice with it. My friend says it looks almost like a BMW! The car looks REALLY nice in Black.

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  mazda tribute lx - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Justine Ryan - December 29 - 1:46 pm

  I decided to buy a 4 wheel drive SUV as my purchase due to the fact that I drive frequently to VT and it is very hilly and snowy in my destination area. I compared many type and model SUVs and opted to purchase a mini SUV. I then selected the Mazda Tribute for its looks, its desent gas mileage for an SUV and its excellent safety record.

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  2009 Miata (Grand Touring w/Power Top) - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By John from Dallas - December 29 - 9:10 am

  This is the first non-Toyota vehicle I have owned since 1985. I have owned it for about 6 months and it continues to be a pleasure to drive. I considered a few other cars (Mini Cooper S, Nissan 370Z and the Audi TT). The Audi and Nissan were about 10 grand more and the Mini dealer was extremely arrogant). Overall, I chose the Mazda because of the styling, performance and power hard top. The reliability was also a big sell for me.

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  Very Pleased - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tim - December 27 - 11:30 pm

  I really like the car. It truly is the most fun car to drive. I have had mine almost 6 months and I love it. The power hardtop is a must and works like a charm. I have the upgraded suspension with limited slip differential and traction control. The handling of the car is extremely balanced. The car has been flawless mechanically and the fit and finish is better than cars even in the next class. Power is very good but not exceptional - but I would rather have the mileage anyway. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a fun, good looking roadster but doesnt want to spend a fortune to get it.