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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  Alot of Bang For your Buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By fonzi37 - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Very quick and handles excelent. The brakes are exceptional, probably overkill. ave. fuel economy 31mpg. What more could you ask for out of a $16,000 car. The most bang for your buck out there.

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  Lovin Every Minute of It - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rongrut - August 27 - 8:43 am

  My wife told me it was my time to get the new car, and we have both wanted a Miata since its inception. Absolutely the best car I have ever owned. FUN, FUN, FUN. Went on vacation to the Grand Canyon from Texas (top down almost all the way), got 30 mpg on the average, and that is at 75 most of the time on the highways. But, the best part was the great view from having the top down and the wind in our hair. I drove the whole way and did not get to where I was uncomfortable at all, (511- 180). Have had zero problems and dont expect any.

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  Mazda3 Sport HB (no bose, no tech pkg) - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - August 27 - 1:20 am

  Best overall package in the segment. Driven the Golf, Civic, Corolla, Camry and used TSX and it trumps them big time. They all have prices around $20,000. Handling, ride and comfort are great. The route I drive has some bad section. It absorb and bumps and cracks well with confidence. Running on smooth road has no road noise at all. Noise on bad road are not bad also. No squeak and rattle. Price is reasonable and the hatch is very useful. Engine is very powerful, but sacrifice fuel economy. This is not your car if you expect 30+ mpg. It is not as smooth as the Toyota 2.5L. But better than the others. Rear seat room is plenty unless you have 2 6-footers front and back.

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  Always wanted a Mellenia - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By tuckerdog1 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Cant believe how much I like this car. Great looking outside, and super comfortable inside. Can have a conversation or enjoy the music even with the sunroof open. I like NOT seeing one in every parking lot, or coming around every corner. Makes it all the more "special" Also like getting so many great features that would be options or not available on other cars.

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  bad azz - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By penguin - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car a little over 3 months. I bought my Protege5 out of nessecity. My car was biting the dust rapidly. As soon as I test drove the Mazda I knew the car was mine. My car has had no problems, and the ads saying that the Protege5 was fun to drive was no lie. In short...I love my car.

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  Perfect Combo of Style, Size & Performance - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Johnny Mac - August 24 - 10:53 pm

  When you have to move up from smaller car (Subaru Outback) due to a growing family, this car has the perfect combo of size, versatility, styling, power and coolness! Very well designed, powerful, beautiful lines. Only drawback so far is fuel economy - in town only about 14-15 MPG, but 22 or so on our highway trips.

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  Takes a lickin... - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By webby32 - August 23 - 5:26 am

  Purchased my Protege5 in 2006 with 44500 miles on it, only issues Ive had is a pesky ABS light. Aside from that Oil changes and a pair of brake pads. Great car from a reliability stand point, great mileage. Mazda had the right idea when they built this car should get 200000 miles easily.

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  best vehicle ever driven - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By king - August 21 - 12:53 am

  Vehicle is fun to drive, steering wheel is easy to control and the speed is great as well. In all is the best minivan I have ever driven and I will recommend it to any of my friends and families without hesitation.

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  2007 Mazda CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By zrtmanz - August 20 - 5:13 pm

  After driving almost every crossover out there at the moment including the Edge, Murano, MDX, X-5 and Lincoln, this beats them all hands down. For the price, you cannot beat it for quietness, handling, power and styling. Zoom Zoom is the sleeper and they are coming on strong.

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  Fun and cheap economy car - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Jim Bob Henry Bob - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a while now and have come to love it. I test drove several similar cars at the time such as the civic, neon, sentra and corolla, but the protege was superior in almost every way. Interior looks upscale, the handling is awesome and the motor is pretty peppy. It still could use another 20 horsepower and some squeeks have worked in over time, but not many. Excellent car with no problems.