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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  Follow up review - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By kevivoe - June 29 - 6:10 pm

  1st tank was 23 MPG. Our 2nd tank was 26.6 MPG. Our third is looking like 25 MPG. I would have to say so far this car is not quite meeting expected 25/31 MPG but it still has some more miles to go before break in.

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  Best mid-size family sedan, + extra Zoom - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By ZoomFan - June 29 - 3:00 am

  After totaling our Honda Pilot, we decided to go with a sedan. Vehicles we compared against were Fusion, Malibu, G8, used G35, and Accord. Out of the bunch, we kept coming back to the Mazda6. Heres why: Fun to drive factor: theres no question that this car will be putting smiles on our faces for years to come. Our 13 year old son even says it looks cool. On some back roads in Talledega Forest, this car begged to be driven fast...80+MPH is where this car feels best. Interior design and room: Only the Accord has more room, but the Mazda6 GT definitely has the best options...bluetooth, blind spot monitoring, top quality interior workmanship for this class, and an awesome audio system.

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  ZOOM ZOOM = FUN FUN! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By mkgyre - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 2003 ES for a month now, do not buy anything until you drive a protege! I am 63 and 310 and I can actually move the drives seat FORWARD and still be comfortable! I refused to get anything but a manual so while the HP output could be better,the manual provided plenty of low-end and highway passing power. I have run my car hard both in the city and on the highway and only gone under 30mpg once. This cars handling is UNBELIEVEABLE! I took a 90 degree banked corner at about 40MPH and the car stuck to the road like a suicidal squirrel. My wife loved my car SO MUCH that we went back to the Mazda dealer and got her a Mazda 6!

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  If it was only rear wheel drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bryon K. Baer - June 29 - 2:00 am

  My wife love this car.A 6s loaded. She says she is always being asked, "what is it?" Its so beautiful and sleek. I find the car easy on the eyes with nice style. Performance is very good with the 5speed but a 6speed rear drive platform would leave the 3 series BMW in the dust. Seats are ok just alittle to wide and to hard for my back. Could use tighter suspension with less body roll. Bigger sway bars front and rear and a strut bar for the front would do the trick.

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  sweet ride - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By mgr - June 27 - 12:46 am

  My wife & I are just having way to much fun. This ride is way above our expectations. We originally set our sights on FX-35 (infinity) & RX-330 (Lexus), until she found this. With the quality & reliability of Mazda. We ordered ours through Costco & they delivered it to the nearest dealer, no haggling just a great deal. Ours is pearl white with sand leather, Homelink 6-disc Bose & moonroof. We also ordered after market wheels & tires. This SUV really turns heads. SWEET RIDE.

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  Im a Very Happy Boy - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By tman - June 26 - 6:36 pm

  Ever since the Protege5s first came out I have always admired them for their sleek design. Every time I saw one on the road I drooled with envy. Recently, when I found myself needing a new car I found one at a local CarMax with only 21,000 miles. Took if for a drive and absolutely fell in love with it. I did a lot of research beforehand and one thing I read over and over again was regarding the lack of power. Honestly, I dont understand what everyone is talking about. Maybe it is because I was driving a pickup the last couple years but I can honestly say that if this car has plenty of pep and energy for me and I am someone who likes to drive hard and fast.

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  Best Car I tested...and purchased - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By RUDE E - June 26 - 4:26 am

  I test drove several cars, new and used. I must say that this was the most valuable (bang for buck) of the bunch. Very responsive handling, great on gas, and looks are appealing. Coming from a Tacoma its a big change, but well worth it in my eyes.

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  Thank God - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Lepriapus - June 26 - 1:26 am

  We bought our car 31 Dec. 05. We knew we were going to purchase something to split up the kids, but had no desire to purchase a minivan, way too big for us. We also own a 2003 P5 with 103k+ miles and have had no problems with it. We love manuals, and when we saw this car, we knew we would be making a purchase as soon as the hit the market. Everyone one rides in comfort, because the kids each have their own little space where they can stretch out on the jaunts around town, or the trips from DC to Atlanta. We get great gas mileage; DC to Atlanta on 1.5 tanks of gas. Many people have asked us about the vehicle, and when they see it has most of the minivan items, they are stunned.

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  Great MPG. Well engineered. Priced right. - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By edz3 - June 25 - 7:35 am

  The only Mazda I have owned are Miata (three cars). I loved them for their performance oriented handling and reliability even when they are over 10 years old. Therefore, CX5 was the first crossover vehicle I researched when I started looking for a bigger vehicle to replace my last Miata. I did comparison with other make and models over and over and I always came to the same conclusion. CX-5. Some competitors were ranked higher than CX5 by Consumer Reports. However, none of them had better gas mileage or had lower MSRP when equipped similarly. I went and traded in my Miata for a CX5 after a couple of test drives. And after 4 months of ownership, I have no regrets. Mazda hit a home run

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  nice - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By audielee80 - June 24 - 6:16 am

  I like my new car, enough room for a family of four, fit the stroller and not need a van!