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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  No more Hondas after driving this car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jake - November 23 - 4:26 am

  This car is great. Smooth ride for a smaller car, nice and zippy. Getting 27mph combined and hopefully better after a few thousand break-in miles.I have been a Honda guy forever, but this car beats any Honda I have driven. Good choice if you like a quick car that has some cargo space and better than average gas mileage.I was impressed with the suspension, soft for a smaller car, with a Honda you feel every little crack on the road.Love it!

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  Best truck in the world - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By WOW!!!! - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my new Mazda B3000 last month and I love it! It has a great interior and tons of great features. I will never buy a Chevy truck again!

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  QQUUIICCKK!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By robfosse P5 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Very QUICK car, good for driving in traffic, and curvy roads, until you get up to high elevations and you lose that last amount of power that seems so important. Quickness is its best virtue, and most descriptive adjective, which is more important than speed, because, were not racing, are we? SPeed limits favor quickness over power. Super comfortable. The leather seats are fabuloso. The sport trans is fun and fairly functional in many sitations, like mountain roads, traffic jams (you wont need to move to the brake pedal as often). Smooth is another applicable term for this vehicle, especially when driven moderatly. The brakes seem superb.

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  Best Small Car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By RLT - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Have had no major problems. Interior may seem cheap, but really is more simple and meant to hold up for a long time. On the highway the road noise can be loud, But the 6 way stereo is great. A lot of options on this car for the money and still was cheaper than the Civic. Its the best car for the money.

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  99 MX-5, CONV,LTHR - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mole - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Its obvious-fun car to drive. Needs more ummph off the line. High RPMs while fwy driving (4k@73mph) 6th gear should be OD. Economical (30mpg). Great build quality. Image?-everyone has an opinion when you buy this car ("mid-life crisis?" or gender specific pre-concieved notions as to ownership...could be regional?). Tight handling. Minimal trunk space. Useless cupholders. Roll bar should be option. Short throw shifter is A+. Overall great car. No regrets - Buy this car.

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  Competent Performer - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Fun to Drive - November 22 - 10:30 pm

  This vehicle is fun to drive. A lot of vehicle for the money. A lot of extras are standard like fog lamps, tire pressure monitor, rear window wiper,washer, defroster. Great AC!

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  Best thing going... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mdavidm - November 22 - 7:23 am

  After seven straight new Honda purchases, I bought my son an 04 Mazda3s a few months ago and was very impressed. So when it came time to purchase a new car for myself I researched all of the potential options with Honda, Nissan, Acura, and Mazda. For my needs, the Mazda6 quickly became the leading contender, and after comparing new and used car options, I decided an 04 or 05 loaded Mazda6s was the way to go. After a few weeks of searching, I found one with every conceivable option, and in a color I like, so I bought it. This car is a blast to drive. Excellent road manners, comfortable interior, sporty. It is great!

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  Mazda 06 - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By mazda06 - November 21 - 11:06 pm

  We liked the Sienna LE okay but didnt care for its almost $29,000 price tag. Saw an advertisement in the paper, Mazda MPV LX 2006 for $16,397. Called the dealer, confirmed the price, got the color and stock number and went to pick up the car. No hassle negotiating! The Mazda was about $7500 off MSRP. Have been driving almost a month now and love every minute of it.

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  Comfortable with power to spare! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By SHAWN HILL - November 21 - 10:10 pm

  We purchased the Mazda5 to replace an aging and not very fuel efficient Ford Freestar minivan. As we still needed a vehicle that could sit at least 6 people but we wanted something more economical the scope of our search was limited. After test driving the Ford TaurusX, Rio Rondo and the Mazda5 and comparing the prices for each it was quickly obvious that the Mazda5 was the best choice. After 6 months of use we are thrilled with our choice. Weve been getting 26 mpg in all around driving and 30 mpg on exclusively highway miles. The engine has plenty of pep and you can chirp the tires at a moments notice.

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  Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By FrenchTeacher - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I needed an economical SUV and wanted to buy a Honda. I ended up with the Mazda Tribute after finding the Honda dealers in my area unwilling to negotiate on price. Thinking I was accepting second best, I was thrilled and very suprised at the great performance from this economical four cylinder five speed. What a fun little jewel. Despite the four cylinder engine, the car is very peppy and really does ZOOOM,ZOOM ZOOM! I live in West Virginia where we have very steep hills...no problem!