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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  Best of both worlds - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By scarls13 - June 14 - 11:50 am

  We purchased our CX-7 in January of 2007 and so far are very pleased with it. The engine is surprisingly powerful for a 4-cyl, and the turbo lag isnt as noticeable as some reviews led me to believe it would be. (Granted, Ive never owned a turbo before, but compared to an 02 VW Jetta 1.8T I test drove once, this turbo lag is nothing!) I love the feel of the car - its much more nimble than one might expect. Gas mileage, as everyone else mentions, could and probably should be better. (So far were averaging around 20mpg with a decent amount of stop-and-go highway driving.) There are a few annoyances that Im sure will be worked out in the 08, but overall Id say its a winner.

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  I Love My Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - June 13 - 12:10 pm

  I have a automatic Mazda 3 S and I love my car. I usually drive it in the manual mode and I get better gas mileage than when it is in full automatic. The AC takes awhile to cool the car (especially because my car is dark silver with black interior) so I got the windows tinted and that solved the problem. I listen to a variety of music and the sound system handles all of the music I play very well. I especially love my sunroof and 6-disc in dash CD player. The only things I have to complain about is the fact that there is no truck release on the key fob (I am a guy and I could care less about a panic button) and I wish it got a little bit better mileage in the city.

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  awesome car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By clcgirl79 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had my pro 5 since last November and havent been happier. Great gas mileage, great sporty look, and many compliments from everyone. Also, great price, not too expensive!

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  Mazda3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By LDW - June 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!

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  Great Mini Van for the Money - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Karen - June 11 - 4:16 pm

  Have had our Madza MPV about 4 weeks now. We had a Subaru Legacy Wagon, and really liked it. Decided to take the plunge and trade it in for a mini van. Had been casually looking for some time, but the Honda Odyssey, Nissan Sentra, and the Toyota Sienna seemed a little bit pricey. Stumbled upon the Mazda MPV and were pleasantly surprised at how nice it was. Has great pick-up, drives like a car, and has lots of room. We have 2 kids and just needed more room. This was the perfect solution for us! So far, no problems at all! Great vehicle!!!

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  Gotta love the growl - 1999 Mazda 626
  By MJR - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Solid car. 2.4L V-6 GROWLS...and I love it! Lots of room inside, fun to drive 5-speed, simple but sharp styling.

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  Damn good truck - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By Happy Zoomer! - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The truck is tall! I like being up just a little bit in a pickup that is sold as small. I find the truck is a smooth ride with the michelins that replaced the FS that were on it when I bought it.The transmission is smooth, and the power is enough for me (I traded in a 95 Isuzu Pup) I havent done any off road stuff and proably wont since that isnt my life style.

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  fun in kazoo - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rsawall - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Great second car. Great fun for the buck. Would like a little more h.p. but not lacking much else.

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  Best compact sedan money can buy!! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Jhatfi - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, plain and simple. I bought my 02 Protege ES because I had to downgrade in order to save money because of my new son. Its 2.0L motor is peppy for a 4 banger that allows for pretty easy passing and decent acceleration even up steep hill grades although another 20 horsepower would be appreciated. The interior is very nice and well laid out. The ES actually has a tight and solid feel of a higher priced car and handles great, although the supspension is a little stiff.

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  Control your drive - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jazzman - June 11 - 7:13 am

  I got this car just 6 days ago but already felt compelled to write something. I have the touring i automatic and the engine gets you off the starting line very well. I love good handling in a car and this one delivers with precise steering, good road feel, holds center real well. I own the 2009 mazda 6 too and its been fantastic. The 3 is sportier and I hope to have great driving experiences with it. The dealer was good to me and the price and financing were excellent.