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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  About Time - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By doubleO - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I have been looking for a vehicle for 6 months. Late last year I saw a picture of the Mazda 3. I waited, and it was worth the wait. I am a previous civic owner. The 3 had a lot to live up to. It has so far. I have only had the car for a week, but I cannot express the positive reaction I have. If you are looking for a car that has the looks, feel, and personality this is it. You feel comfort and style in a simple but very effective car. It seems that is was designed to fit someone in a real world.

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  Good Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By daydreema1 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda 3 is fun to drive. I loved it 100 times more after I bought it.

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  MomÂ’s new car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dru2you - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Okay. I really haven’t had the experience of driving it yet. Just test driving it. Went out yesterday to lease my 90 year old mother a new car. She had been driving upscale Mercury Sable. The dealership now also sold Mazda. Talked mom into the Mazda 6S with the 17” wheels and dual exhaust. Would have liked her to have the manual, but she opted for the 5 speed automatic. Can’t wait to compare it to my bimmer.

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  Mazda 6 Believer - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kerry Noble - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Totally fun to drive. Im using it for business as well as pleasure and have received numerous compliments and questions about my new Mazda 6. Would and have recommended it to friends and family.

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  Let a little Zoom Zoom change your life! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Colberto - December 2 - 12:03 pm

  I own two cars now, Miata and an Acura TL. One practical, one fun. One for the brain, one for the heart. And in terms of sheer fun and sun, the Mazda Miata delivers. The PRHT is outstanding. Light, fast, easy and most importantly, no loss of trunk space..AMAZING! The interior is well designed..yes the door mounted cup holders are needed if you have the manual transmission! It has just the right amount of power to weight ratio to make it fun...great gearing provides fun accelerations, the low center of gravity lets you enjoy tight turns. And the exterior styling still turns heads and makes you smile. So go out there and put some zoom zoom back in your life, youll thank me later.

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  The 2003 Mazda Protege is wonderful - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Steve Ragan - December 1 - 10:46 am

  The 03 Protege DX is beautifully designed inside and out. There is plenty of space inside for CDs and other things you need within arms reach. Both doors have ample side pockets for ice scrapers, etc. Driving it is pure joy. I have a manual, and there is plenty of get up and go on the highway as well in town. The ride is smooth and quiet. It is very spacious inside.There is plenty of trunk space. It has much more room than a Sentra and other cars that fall into this sedan category. And, it is less expensive than other sedans in this category. I have had it since new, and have not had one problem.The gas mileage is very good.

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  So far so good - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Daiquiri27 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my new Blazing Yellow Special Edition Miata for a month, but so far so good. Its quite the headturner. I also bought the detachable hard-top and it really completes the look. People are constantly asking me "What kind of car is that?" Or one fellow said, "Thats the best-looking Miata Ive ever seen." Thats nice to hear!

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  Great Wagon - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By eflocco - December 1 - 10:00 am

  At the time I need a new vehicle after mine was destroyed in an accident, it was the only foreign wagon available. After owning it for almost a year, Im even more certain I made the right choice.

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  Mazda CX-9 - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By storyjbj - November 30 - 10:13 pm

  Car drives fast, smooth with a calm fun to it.

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  Mazda6s the best. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By americanguy - November 29 - 10:00 am

  It is one of the best cars I have driven, under $40,000. I have driven the Chrysler 300M, Nissan Maxima 2004, and the Mazda 6s it is fun to drive and reliable.