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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  So far so good! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Guido - December 12 - 12:33 am

  I got my 4 door SGT in electric blue (best color ever) on 3/22/08. So far so good, I love this car! I did a lot of city driving over the weekend and I only used a half a tank of gas, which is not too bad. The interior of the car is beautiful with the black leather and the high end material. I had my brother-in-law drive the car and he asked me if it was a six cylinder, the car has got some pep in its step! You really do get a lot for your money! The drive is nice and quiet and the xenon headlights are better than my 05 maxima. Everytime I step in this Mazda3 I really do feel the ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM. Great car!

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  Bad Transmission Issues (Do not buy!) - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By David Conger-Eldeen - December 11 - 3:40 pm

  I have had problems with the transmission one month after I purchased the RX-8. It was replaced in January 2005. I have had a love/hate relationship with the car since the first problem. The real problem is the service or lack thereof. It is a known problem. If it werent for the poor customer service from Mazda as a whole, I would love this car and be very patient. However, they quickly jump to conclusions, insult your intelligence, etc. I am taking them to arbitration after 20 months of run-around and degradation.

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  My Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Wally Coolidge - December 10 - 8:00 am

  I only have 1600 miles on my vehicle at this time. I have found my Mazda to be efficient on gas, easy to handle and it appears at this time to stand up to all advertised statements pertaining to this particular vehicle.

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  A fun car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - December 9 - 7:53 am

  Ive had my Mazda 3 hatchback for about 10 months. This car is fun to drive. There is a bit more road noise than some of the other cars, but the stereo system with Sirius radio takes care of any background noise. The navigation system works well. I am getting an average of 25.5 miles per gallon (city/highway driving). The controls are easy to get to. Seats are firm and supportive. With the rear seat folded down, my golf clubs and pull cart fit nicely.

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  Good Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robert - December 9 - 4:23 am

  So far the vehicle has been excellent. The style of the vehicle is incredible. It has good acceleration for being a 4 cylinder sedan. Very fun to drive.

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  little money allotta car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By cash - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Since day one the car has been an eye catcher. Its handling is far superior than the gran prix gt i sold.Interior quality is great. Engine is strong but not as smooth or as powerful as my sons accord. Overall I am very satisfied with the car. A good choice and not expensive.

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  Love My MP5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By CruzinAltitude - December 9 - 2:00 am

  The MP5 handles like a dream, it looks great no matter what angle you look at it from, it comes really well equipped, and its just plain sexy. Mine has been confused for a Lexus IS 300 sportcross (3 times) and a BMW 5 series wagon (once). That says a lot about my car. Check out Protege5.com for more info

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  Value,Value,Value - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Solodad - December 9 - 2:00 am

  Like the old "Location,Location,Location" truth in Real Estate, the RX8 is all about Value. Went to drive a 350Z. Went with the RX8 and am VERY glad I did. My "fun meter" gets pegged every day with this car! A "Walter Mitty" car! Feels like you are driving a high winding, tight sports car with swooping lines. Hey wait a minute! It that is what it is! Zoom, Zoom

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  Looks Hot, Runs Hot - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tonebone1 - December 8 - 2:56 pm

  This is my second Mazda6. My first was was a 2006. I love to drive my Madza6, especially with the V6 it has. However, recently it has been running hot. I had to get it towed once because of this issue, and had to return it to the shop for the same thing a few days later. The service person advised me that it was a manufacturer defect. Needless to say, the car is still in the shop. Other than that, the car with its unique look, is fun to drive. Interior features can be improved like the Aux plug that is located in the armrest isnt convenient (why not put one on the radio). Folding mirrors with turn signal would be nice.

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  Had to buy it, but not unhappy! - 1999 Mazda 626
  By FourPanMan - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I leased this car back in 1999 - the only V6 5-speed in the entire state of Florida - and now its time to turn it in. One problem, I have 87,000 miles on it and was only allowed 36k. However, Im not unhappy about buying the car. Its fast, handles well, gets great mileage, and aside from basic maintenance, Ive put a total of $25 into it. Ive outrun more cars than I care to admit and survived one pretty serious accident.