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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  wow the car is tough - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By spanishfly - March 18 - 10:00 am

  For the price and comfort there is no FUNNER car to drive than the P-5

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  My report - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By tuckers mom - March 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought this SUV because my husband travels 100 miles daily to work. We needed a 4 wheel drive. I looked at many models, including those in a more costly catagory. This one fit it all: looks, reliability, price, mileage, comfort.

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  out standing - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jleo9625 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle has a look and feel of a luxury sports coupe it drives good and handles great to the road.

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  love it - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Davids Lyre - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned

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  First Four Door - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By misskel82 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Rides smoothly. Takes bumps great. Awesome Bose sound system. Not fast from the take off, but overall, quick. Nice options. Would of been nice if the homelink was more user friendly and the buttons werent so confusing. Came from a Z28 to the Mazda 6.

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  Amazing ride. - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomin - March 18 - 9:46 am

  ZOOM! Theyre not kidding. Outstanding ride. Well engineered and built. Very good handling, great seats, sculpted looks, nice interior. Many extra features. Getting about 29mpg with the 2.3L in mixed driving, mostly interstate >75mph. Cant wait for each work day to end so I get to drive again. Hard to imagine a better combo of performance, mileage, quality, comfort, looks, features, room, price and overall driving pleasure. Much better than my previous Audi A4 or Jetta V6. To top it off got it for Edmunds invoice price. Couldnt be happier.

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  Pleasant Surprise - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Mike - March 17 - 3:16 pm

  Only have 500 miles on the vehicle but am really happy with it so far. Over 23 MPG on the first tank of gas. Goes from 60 to 80 in a hurry when on the freeway. Stock stereo is sufficient for most needs and standard features are more than found on most vehicles.

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  Best of the bunch - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Bsilly - March 14 - 10:10 pm

  Considered RX8, 350Z, and Infiniti G35 coupe. Overall value with regards to performance with price led to RX8 purchase. The true joy in driving this car is not captured if you are after straightline speed. This car is flawless in handling and shifting. Exterior design sets it apart from any other vehicle on the road. It receives doubletakes from all age groups. Knowing I was in the market for a performance vehicle, not a compact fuel economy car, I have no problems with the gas mileage (compare apples to apples and you should agree). You MUST take advantage of Redlining RPMs the rotary engine allows to have ultimate fun and feel the Mazda zoom zoom!

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  Great Buy - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By red69viper - March 14 - 7:40 pm

  For anyone considering a vehicle around 20 grand this is the car for you. Plenty of Zoom Zoom with reliability and, with the hatchback, plenty of storage space. Love this car.

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  Junk - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Mark Melton - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for a year and its been in the shop more than iv seen it. Im on about the 5th transmission. I would have sold it the 2nd time it went out but iv got to drive something. The transmission cost about 1800 bucks, but i got lifetime warrenty with mine luckly, but the company doesnt want to keep replacing it. other than the transmission the car is great. nice seats, awesome vents and it handles good. i wouldnt recommend this car with a 4cyl auto. im getting mine converted to 5spd b/c trans company wont give me anymore autos and then im selling this piece of crap. want something reliable? buy a toyota, honda, or mercedes.