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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  Tough choice, but went with the Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jerchri - August 9 - 5:23 pm

  Mazda vs. Honda. Mazda won. Great European inspired design, comfortable interior, peppy engine, appears to be solidly built, and pretty smooth ride for this type of car. Nice little surprises like a radio that finds the stations with the strongest signals and programs them into a separate location. Great for when youre in unfamiliar territory. Wish it had better gas mileage (only 35 highway compared to the Civics 40) and I wish ABS/SAB/SAC were standard (ended up getting the package...well worth it). Jurys still out on its reliability, I suppose. Hope it lasts for decades, otherwise Ill be upset that I didnt go with the Honda. Tough for Honda to beat the overall package.

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  WOW! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By jlynreid - August 8 - 5:30 am

  While it may be a bit premature having just bought the car a week ago... but WOW is all I can think to say. Beautiful on the inside & out. Comfortable, roomy, classy, smooth ride... everything within reach. I researched cars for 2 months prior before finally settling on the Mazda 6 & fell in love as soon as I got in. Drives as beautifully as the Volvo S40. 24.5 miles per gallon (city) & Miami traffic is constant stop & go. Im completely impressed with this car. I love it!

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  A Best Kept Secret - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Thrilled - August 8 - 4:00 am

  It has been 3 years, and it is one of the best decisions I ever made.Who would have thought that an inexpensive grocery-getter (which is why I bought it) would handle like a $30K-$40K car? It does not perform like a high end performance car because it is not supposed to. The 2.0 liter 4-banger is loads of fun because I can keep my foot in it if I want to play. For my normal commute I average 29-33 mpg mixed driving. on the Freeway, its around 37 mpg. But the HANDLING!!! OMG! This has got to be one of the best-kept secrets in America! Would I like more power? Sure, but not at the cost of mpg. The fit and finish on this little gem is excellent. And for $18K out the door! Im a happy camper.

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  We love our Pro5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Clif - August 8 - 2:00 am

  We needed a small, fuel efficient and flexible little car. We owned 3 Miatas in the past and they were dependable and a blast to drive. The Protege 5 is the same. A great all around little hauler that corners like a sports car and zips through traffic easily. And you can still haul a healthy load. We are very happy with it. Plus it would appear to be rock solid and dependable like every other Mazda we have owned.

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  Just love it! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By CX9ZoomZoom - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Most reviews have captured what I have to say. It such a pleasure to drive! Really sporty for such a big vehicle. I just love this car. Mileage could be better but it is not too terrible compared to others in this class. Quality of construction of certain interior components could be slightly better (compared to luxury vehicles). Overall, I love this car.

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  Fun Fun Fun - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By debbe - August 8 - 2:00 am

  My little Mazda was a replacement for a Honda. This car handles much better and is more fun to drive. I chose the 2.5 because I was driving a 200 hp car and thought the car not have great pick-up if i chose the smaller engine. This engine has fantastic pick-up and handles well and best of all uses regular gasoline. The dash is very modern and it has ample lighting for night driving. The white/gray display screen is not attractive and does not match the other parts on the dash. Its like an alien screen. Also I would have liked a leather option but grey not black.

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  Love My Mazda5!!! - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By kbstagg - August 8 - 1:37 am

  So far I am loving the Mazda5. After extensive research and needing to be able to seat 6. This vehicle had the most bang for the buck, without the horrible SUV gas mileage. Engine could use a few more HP, but really not bad. Acceleration is good and the transmission shift is so smooth. I traded a 2011 Honda Civic for the 2012 Mazda5 and couldnt be happier. I drive about 70% Hwy and am avg 25 mpg with a little over 1000 miles( I was only avg 27 mpg with my Civic). Even has all the bells and whistles, with a great sticker price. It really is fun to drive and handles just like a car. I cant say enough good things about this vehicle.

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  Wow II - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Trebor II - August 6 - 9:33 pm

  I evaluated the Tribute after 400 miles earlier here. I have dutifully, every fill up, recorded fuel consumption for over 5000 miles now. The mileage is incredible and I have only done a few minor things to it --put in a K&N filter (at 4000 mi) and Mobil 1 at 3000 mi. Here are the stats: overall avg. mpg 28.5. High: 33.11 mpg, low 25.5 mpg. On last tank full, averaged 32.6 (90% highway). If I drive between 60 & 65 and get it into 5th at 30 mph, I can get 32+. Between 65 & 70, I can get 30-32 mpg. Driven between 70 & 75, 28-30 mpg is possible. Above 75, it tails off as you would expect. This has got to be the most economical small SUV with a stick shift. Very pleased with it.

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  Just buy one! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By franz - August 6 - 10:23 am

  Ok. This is coming from a "German car snob" all my life. Ive owned Mercedes, BMW and Audi and finally got smart. I had a great deal lined up for a Mercedes ML430 (used) then did some reading on the horror stories and breakdowns. So decided to test drive the Mazda6 before I went for a 3 series BMW. Guess what? Save the 10k! The Mazda6 is outstanding, sexy and "prances" down the highway at 80 mph with a solid, quiet feel. Yeah the beemer is a little quieter, better turning radius, and tighter on hard turns, but get over it for thousands in savings with the Mazda6. This company knows where the market is!

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  Lots of extras - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Mike from East Islip - August 5 - 3:53 pm

  I like driving Mazda 626 and the dealer was good to deal with. This car has a zippy 4 cyl. engine and is good on gas. The car is comfortable and has some nice extras like the headlights turn off automatically. The engine is a bit loud for a sporty effect and I replaced the radio because the display wasnt work most of the time but the radio I put in it has a I-pod jack. I have 98,000 miles on her as is still running good. I hope to have this car for a while.