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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  LUV IT! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Johany - May 13 - 2:30 pm

  I just bought this car less than a week ago. I agree with all those who love this car! I was skeptical at first, as I am used to sedans, but the CX7 drives like a sedan and has the convenience of an SUV, without the big price tag or size. The CX7 has standard features that you would expect in higher end cars. As far as turning heads on the road, I cant tell if theyre looking at me or the car! (HA). I highly recommend it!

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  Bad rap - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By cornja - May 13 - 11:43 am

  All Ive owned are fast cars, of every type. If I could change one thing about the car, I would give it more power, in fact Im considering turbo charging it. Handling is perfect and tight, the car is a blast to drive, and it runs smooth as butter. I have had absolutely no reliability issues with my car, and I hit the 9000 RPM mark on every trip I take, every day. I highly recommend this car to all those who enjoy driving.

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  Junk! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Joe - May 13 - 11:02 am

  This car is a [non-permissible content removed].. i bought it on december 2016, and i already spend 2k fixing the timing chain and also had to replaced the turbo, just last month started acting weird it looks like its having a problem with the transmision, im sick and tired dealing with this piece of junk i dont recomended to anybody! I almos forget burns a lots if gas

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  Best value I could find - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By moleman - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I basically agree with most of the other reviews: the PR5 is fun to drive (w/ 5 spd), especially around a city where you can dart around quickly, and the 6 CD changer w/ 6 speakers is so good it makes me love music even more. Mileage is OK, probably average for this size car. The seats are spacious and comfortable for all but the largest individuals, and the interior layout is quite pleasing. Previous car was 98 Civic w/ no options so I suppose Im more easily impressed than others.

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  cant get enough of the PR-5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By mom2maniacs - May 12 - 10:00 am

  WOW! I am so impressed by this car and would more then recomend it to others. The handling is great, it has alot of pickup, and a great stereo. Also, its small sleak and sporty yet roomy enough for 5. Go buy one!!!

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  Perfect Van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By MPVSport - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a great van, excellent options and pricing. Dealer was great to work with, pricing done via the internet. Service department has been outstanding. The dvd player is awesome and worth the money if you have kids. Didnt even look at other vans, loved the size and sporty look. Owned Dodge Caravan, nice but not the image for the sporty van we were looking for, switched to Mazda, known longterm quality and longevity.

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  Lovin my new ride! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jen - May 11 - 11:46 pm

  I just love this car! It is a super sweet ride to have with two small kids. I have to agree with the editorial review on all points, there are tiny drawbacks, but this car still rocks.

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  No snow bunny - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bluemx5 - May 11 - 2:43 am

  Love this car, but have to give it up. Do not, DO NOT take your Miata out in the snow! Slides on straight-aways, even with concrete blocks in the trunck! If this will be your only car and you live North of the Mason-Dixon, buy something else. Ill miss it in the summer.

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  Really Like It - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By BobD - May 10 - 3:50 pm

  We have only had it a couple of weeks, but we really enjoy driving it. Our only issue is the fuel economy (and need for premium) but we knew about it before we bought it and are willing to trade the mileage for the fun. CX-7 is very responsive in most driving situations even in full auto mode. We do worry about risk of tickets while enjoying the CX-7 (even though were over 60).

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  Easiest choice I ever made - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By blackMPV - May 9 - 10:13 am

  Nice van to replace our 04 trailblazer (nightmare car!). Great handling, peppy drivetrain, compact package, quality looking and feeling interior bits. Reliability has been great despite warnings to contrary-drove rental MPV for 3500 miles with no probs and liked it well enough to buy an 04 which now has 2000 mi on it. Stable, surefooted handling and silky smooth tranny make for a fun drive (in a minivan?!) Kids like roll down windows in side doors. People complain about shift lever in way of radio-no problems if you use controls on steering wheel (actually, no real problem anyway). We enjoy this van as much as our first Honda Ody but without the transmission problems of the Ody.