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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  I am not a GRANNY - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Ericasspell - January 9 - 2:00 am

  I chose this car for its roominess, comfort and looks. I test drove a few cars similar in price and I felt as if I were 90 years old rather than 30. I have no kids, but I liked the wagon stlye for the room and the car itself because it is so sporty and fun to drive!!

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  why wouldnt you buy one - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By juicymay2 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  this is the greatest car i ever owned. out of all the suvs around this is the most exciting one (well to me anyway). it is sooooooo comfortable and so easy to drive you feel as if you have the most luxurioussuv in the world. if you dont have one,go get one..............NOW

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  Love My CX-7! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By almcg2 - January 8 - 9:36 pm

  Love my CX-7!!This is the most enjoyable care to drive Ive ever owned. Its very responsive. Exactly as the advertised. Feels like a large sports car, and this is what I was looking for. The build is extremely solid. Interior is very nice. It could use a few more luxury accents. All in all very sharp and functional. Some reviewers said ride was too stiff. I find it perfect for me. The engine is so quiet, but when you give it gas, it sounds like a sports car should. Fantastic sound system and acoustics. As far as cargo room. Some say its not very big. Ok, its supposed to be like a large sports vehicle. However, in my recent move, I could easily carry up to 8 large boxes at a time.

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  Nice Ride - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Dude - January 8 - 4:10 am

  I have had this car for 5 years and put on 98,000 miles. Over all it has been a nice little car; it is fun to drive and has been fairly reliable. There have been some problems with it - the starter coil has burned out twice and the catalytic converter went on me. All of these problems were covered by the original warranty. Additionally, two of the automatic door locks have broken which is a real pain. I have had 3 or 4 sets of tires and the poor weather handling has always been a problem. If I didnt have a 5-speed to slow the car on snow, I dont think it would ever stop sliding.

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  Better then expected - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tony - January 7 - 3:56 pm

  I came from an Acura TL. Great car but since I have the Miata I dont miss it. Wanted one of these for a long time. Glad I purchased this fine auto. Last convertible I had was when I was 21. Im 62 now and love it. The Miata is surprisingly quick also was surprised and pleased with the handling, and the ride is very comfortable (this is my main auto so was important), noise with top up or down isnt bad either. Bose radio has great sound quality, can hear clearly with top up or down. Engine and tranny work well together. lLots of inside storage cubby holes. Trunk is small but can fit golf clubs in it with some effort. So far having lots of fun... zoom zoom!

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  Emileys experience with Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By rich emiley - January 6 - 6:56 am

  This is our 2nd Tribute, we had a 2002. We never liked the column shift on our 2002, 2005 moved it where it belongs, middle console. Milage has slipped from 22 to 19. The Tribute has lots of room for a smaller SUV. We drive our Tribute in Northern Wisconsin and it handles well in snow, never came close to slowing down in deep snow. The noise at higher speeds seems better than our 2002. The interior looks great and the radio has 190 watts with 7 speakers gives great sound to what ever music you like. Do not feel Mazda had enough colors to pick from and do not like smaller size trailer hitch.

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  good car - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By jeauxe - January 5 - 8:53 am

  good car

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  Another great Mazda - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Another great Mazda - January 3 - 12:00 pm

  Ive had several Mazdas through the years, including a Miata and 2 Mazda 3s. Just leased a CX-7 and its another exceptional car/SUV. Fun to drive, excellent engine performance, very modern design inside and out and generally a very enjoyable vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Brian2001 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought the ES for my wife in August 2001. She still loves the car. Kudos to Mazda for making the car inexpensive, but not cheap. The fit/finish are first rate. It only has 20,000 Km (she doesnt drive much). Only one problem so far - a blown main fuse that disabled the stereo and key fob. Other than that, this is a very easy car to live with. I love the 50 series rubber - this thing corners. The power is good, but not great - another 20 hp would be great. I find the pedals hard to heel/toe. To sum up, it is rommy, fun to drive, cheap to run small car.

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  Great driving car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By owned2ofthem - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Protege Ive owned and they keep getting better. The reliability of this car is excellent, the handling is outstanding for a car in this class and the looks are sharp and stylish.