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:
Showing 6601 through 6610 of 10,700.00-
I love my Protege. - 2001 Mazda Protege
By Supergirl - January 3 - 2:00 amThis car drives beautifully. My friend just got a new Accord and he still prefers to drive my car because of the smooth transmission. Great sound system. Nice design inside and out. And while it drives smoothly, when Im in a pinch and need to move, I push that pedal down and it surprises me. Good for driving comfortably or tearing through traffic like a nut. This car is so much more than I expected.
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I have fun - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By cheung - January 3 - 2:00 amI have fun with this car wheather I am driving it or washing it.
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Bring Millenia Back! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
By zarkoe - January 1 - 7:50 amThis is an awesome car that I purchased after researching among more than 50 different cars. You see, there was a lot to look at and compare; I compared from used to new cars. I compared all of the above evaluation points and after 1 full year of looking between newspapers, car books, magazines, websites, and other means I came up with a few finalists. These were Avalon, Camry, Maxima, Mazda 6 and WRX. After driving the Mazda 6 before making my final decision, I had no doubt in my mind that the Millenia was the overall winner, even though it was more expensive than the Mazda 6 with an automatic tip-tronic transmission. My Millenia S is used but everyone thinks its brand new; awesome car!
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Awesome ride! - 2010 Mazda CX-7
By M Parker - December 31 - 8:36 pmI traded in my BMW X3 for the CX7 Sport with the 4 cylinder engine. I test drove the CRV and the RAV4 and felt the CRV had a very rough ride and the RAV4 didnt appeal to me. My CX7 rides and drives as well as my BMW did and handles great. I went on a road trip today and averaged 28.7 mpg with the A/C on. I am very impressed with the entire package. I love the looks of CX7 and although the 4 cylinder engine might not be "peppy" enough for some, it is perfect for me. I would suggest this vehicle to anyone and am most pleased with my choice.
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Great Find! - 2012 Mazda CX-9
By gr8sail - December 31 - 1:25 amI needed to consolidate cars. My 13 year old 4Runner died and while I absolutely loved my Infiniti M45 Sport, I decided 3 cars (99 MX5 Miata 10th Anniversary edition) was one too many. I wanted the cargo ccapacity of the 4Runner and the handling of the M45. I got both in the CX9 Grand Touring. This car is great! Terrific handling, good acceleration (its not the M45) and enough high end features and gadgets to keep me happy. Mazda understands the importance of good ergonomics. The dash and controls are laid out well. The leather seats are very comfortable. There is plenty of room, front and back, ingress and egress is easy. A perfect combination of performance and functionality
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No problems, great on twisties - 2004 Mazda RX-8
By allston - December 30 - 11:26 amIm now at 30k miles, and the only maintenance work Ive had has been the recommended maintenance work. The fuel mileage seems to have improved a little from when I first purchased it, and the oil consumption is also down even though Ive been driving it harder. The car excels in the turns, and its fantastic at the track.
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Perfect Car - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
By hbd2 - December 30 - 10:21 amI was planning on writing this great wordy review but after I thought about it I though, keep it simple. I have driven all manors of cars and owned mostly Hondas and Acuras with a Subaru thrown in there for fun. This is how I feel about the Mazda 3s GT. Its awesome in every way. The clutch, shifter, brakes, interior, exterior, stereo, suspension, mileage and ergonomics. It all just works and works very well.
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Most for your money - 2003 Mazda MPV
By zoompv - December 29 - 10:00 amAt a price just below invoice,and with a $2000 rebate, this minivan beats any other for features, performance, and reliability for the money. Dont buy a Honda or Toyota or Chrysler without seriously considering the MPV.
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Best SUV under 26K - 2002 Mazda Tribute
By Sheila Sullivan - December 29 - 10:00 amVery peppy performing "small" SUV that feels like a mid-size vehicle & corners like a sports car. Lots of room inside for "real" people, including rear seat legroom. Fold the rear seats down & it becomes a serious hauler - very tall & wide rear hatch. Gas mileage is consistently around 20 mpg (& I drive it enthusiastically!) Just cant beat it for the bucks. After a lot of research, we are strongly considering another new Tribute next year. There just isnt anything else in its class that combines great looks, true functionality, economy of operation, and FUN to drive.
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Just what I was looking for - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
By tom - December 29 - 5:36 amPicked up last week. Was looking for a vehicle with some storage/cargo capability yet with ability to carry 4 or more passengers, all for about $20K. Had looked at (photo) HHR and PT...but this was it at first sight. First one sold from my dealership.
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