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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  Love My Protege5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By pciskowski - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle. I dont think it is underpowered like the press does. I think the styling is better than the Matrix or Vibe. I have removed the roof rack, and the ride, noise, and gas mileage improved considerably. I have noticed a rattle in the front passenger door. On the plus side, I find the seats to be very comfortable. Given the wheelbase, wheel and tires, and suspension, the ride is somewhat harsh but the handling is excellent. Note that the tires develop a slight flat spot after 24 hours and need 5 minutes of driving for the ride to smooth out, so dont judge the ride before that point. I would buy this vehicle again in a second!

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  GREAT AFFORDABLE ES-V6 TRIBUTE - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By TREXY - December 8 - 10:00 am

  CAR-LIKE RIDE, GREAT ACCELERATION, STEREO SOUND IS GREAT....limited package at TOYOTA`S HIGHLANDER starting price !!!!!!!

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  Love it! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By MichaelB - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Tribute for almost a year and absolutely love it. I have had one minor problem (faulty sensor caused check engine light to come on).

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  Yup - I love it - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - December 8 - 3:53 am

  I replaced a 1999 Audi A4 ($35K+) with a new Mazda3, GT, Bose, Nav. This car has more features than the A4, is just as much fun to drive and cost almost half as much!

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  liked Miata so much, I now sell them - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miatadude - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my first Miata in 1992 and loved it so much, I decided to get into the business in 94 and sell them. Im now the sales manager and OWN my 4th Miata personally. No finer bang for the buck anywhere - and it comes with a huge family (Miata clubs all over the country.)

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  Perfect! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Sporin - December 7 - 2:00 am

  We are very happy with the car. It is the perfect combination of cost, capability and fun-to-drive. It gets plenty of looks, and there arent many around in my area so it has some exclusivity. There were a few car that I thought about waiting for.. the Matrix/Vibe, the SE-R Spec-V, and even the Altima. Im glad I didnt wait. Those cars have all come in at higher price points, or have been disapointing in some way. My Pro5 was $17.5k out the door, and I cant think of ANY car Id rather have at that price.

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  Wow what a fantastic car - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By 40yroldkid - December 5 - 9:18 pm

  I had a 2005 Mazda6 Hatchback and loved it but the 2014 takes the 6 to a whole different level. I fell in love with the exterior styling as soon as I saw it. When I had the opportunity to test drive it I was blown away, the car drives and handles wonderfully and the interior quality is second to none. I do agree that the navigation system seems a little cheap but it works and everything else is so fantastic I dont mind it at all. I read somewhere in a review "If Porsch made a car under $50,000 this would be it". I couldnt agree more and I only paid $28K for the Grand Touring Edition (it was a demo the sales manager was driving). Oh yea and the fule economy is excellent!

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By 6sDriver - December 4 - 3:06 pm

  I just bought my new 6s 5 door with the leather package and the 6 speed AT. Looked at one with the Bose/Moonroof package but wasnt overly impressed by the sound of the Bose stero and the head space was limited with the moonroof so I went with the leather instead. Handles wonderful, very smooth on the highway and fun on the backroads. I disagree with other reviews that I have read saying that the ride was overly harsh; I think its where it should be for a sports sedan. Huge space in the back makes it practical and sporty which is a hard to find combination. With dealer incentives and rebates I paid more than $2000 under invoice. After much looking its a very tough car to beat for the price.

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  Still lovin my MP5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By gfree - December 3 - 6:10 pm

  I have had my black MP5 for over a month and I still love driving it. I have heard a lot of knocks against the HP, and I admit a little more would be good, but I like the 130hp, because it is more than the vehicle I had before so it is an upgrade for me. People have asked me what kind of car it is, and some are suprised when I tell them it is a Mazda Protege5. I have received lots of looks and lots of complements. This car has given me a renewed interest in driving.

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  Move over BMW, Lexus and Infinity. - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Wikoli - December 3 - 10:56 am

  Traded an 09 Santa Fe: ran well but unexciting & subpar fit & finish (another review). Improvements on the 10 CX-7 GT are significant, and and are the reason we purchased. And hopefully Mazdas addressed all issues (A/C compressor, turbo, ride, quietness, MPG etc.). I find this car a lot of fun to drive, and the new interior is very nice. Think youd have to buy BMW, Infinity or Lexus to meet or beat this thing. Got the Red on light leather and it looks fantastic. Some turbo lag, but you have to drive it right. Finese it, and once its rolling, it flies. It does have road noise on rough roads, but worth the trade-off for great handling. Hopefully its reliable cause Im Im lovin it.