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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  Ive never been happier with a purchase - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Kamen - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Great to drive and it gets more looks and compliments than a Porsche. Bad on gas.

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  RX-8 tally - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By James Akatyszewski - May 11 - 2:00 am

  It starts red lining at 9000 rpms. Its tourqe isnt as powerful and fast off the line but once it goes into a higher rpm it revs very quickly and possible to keep pace with 250hp. The 2 rotors spinning with no jerking motion gives the car a higher red line, higher rpm and helps the rpms rev faster to feel as a race car. Performace of the car with windy curves and almost pulling a G on the skid pad is great. It has rear wheel drive not good for winter if it snows. The lighter, smaller, and modern technology with the engine gives me faith in Mazda to produce a proficient motor.

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  Very capable - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Zuzu - May 11 - 2:00 am

  This car has a solid feel, crisp handling and good seat comfort. I feel confident behind the wheel and theres plenty of back seat and hatchback utility in this fun package. I paid full boat retail and dont regret it. Our other car is a Miata and its hard to compare these two but it is sporty enough that I dont jones to get back in the sports car. Its really great.

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  2004 MAZDA - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By spikemoss@cableone.n - May 11 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR, A REAL HEAD TURNER

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  Best Car for the Money - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Andrlean - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I compared the Maxima, Altima, Accord and 6S (all manual of course) and the 6S was the easy winner. The combination of its 220hp 5-speed manual with its size and handling made it the most exciting car to drive in this class and price range. The exterior styling is more aggressive/less domestic than the others. The interior fit, feel, and design is on par with the Accord and blows away the Nissans. It is smooth and quiet but has "corners-on-rails" handling. It will guzzle gas if you zoom-zoom and the gas tank gauge is way too conservative. It is a must-drive if you are looking for a practical car to get your driving fix in.

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  I love my Mazda! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kec5142 - May 10 - 7:06 pm

  I havent had a single problem with this car. It runs like a champ and looks great. I have kept my car in excellent condition and I keep up with routine maintenece so it runs like it does. I love this car.

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  Decent buy - 1998 Mazda 626
  By ray - May 10 - 5:20 pm

  I fount this car to be an excellent choice for my first one. I had to put a new engine in it when I received it. Drove it for approximately three months, then got into an accident and the car was totaled. All in all it was an extremely fun car to drive. It handled exceptionally well. When we received it, it had over 140,000 miles on it but we put an engine in it with only 50,000 miles on it. It ran perfectly flawless with the exception of a squeaky belt. I give mazda credit for building an excellent gas miser. I got close to 30 mpg. That is excellent considering how hard it was used and it was close to 10 years old. It isnt a real head turner, but if you are looking for an every day driver, it is a steal.

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  Luxury and Performance - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Luxury Feel - May 10 - 3:10 pm

  Ive recently bought a used Mazda3s w/most of the options (leather, sunroof, abs w/side, spoiler, and 6 CD changer). For the price that I paid for it, I feel like driving a luxury vehicle. It handles great and has an appealing look. The leather feels so comfortable. I actually slept in my the car, learned it was more comfy than my previous cars. I average 26 city and 32 HW. Im sure you can achieve similar results if you cruise as much as possible on highways and not stomp on the gas in city roads. The gas is not as good as the Civic, but everything else are lot better. I recommend test drive the 3 before considering other vehicles.

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  Buy a 626 at your own risk - 1998 Mazda 626
  By AngryMazdaOwner - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought one of the first 1998 Mazda 626s in the area. If I had known better, I would have checked Edmunds and purchased another car. My car has been back to the dealer 9 times for electrical problems. This was fixed when the dealer replaced the whole wiring harnass. Even more drama was in store for me. The transmission went at 62,000 miles. $3200 to replace the transmission. With the electrical problems, the transmission, and poor trade in value, this car was a complete bust. My only saving grace was purchasing mechanical breakdown insurance from Geico, this made the cost of replacing my transmission $250.

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  Love it - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Clayton - May 10 - 10:00 am

  We love it. It is the best. Nice ride and everything else. We are going to keep it for a long time.