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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  Beats the Accord - 2002 Mazda 626
  By montez - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Looked at the Hondas and the Toyotas. The 626 came in with a lower price, more room and better warranty. Buying the car for a short two year run and overall its a winner.

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  I love this little van - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By robinnola - March 2 - 3:24 am

  I am very sad I dont see more Mazda 5s on the road, because this is a terrific car. Mazda doesnt seem to advertise them on the TV or radio, and I didnt even know they existed until I was car shopping and saw it in a newspaper ad. I will not own another car because this model is perfect for me. Im single and own a home and I can pretty much load anything into this car that a truck could carry. Ladders, Christmas trees, cabinets, 30 bags of mulch...friends. It is zippy and I dont find the acceleration slow--maybe Im not that kind of driver. It turns on a dime and at 75k miles, Ive not had a single issue with the car. Loads of room for me and my cats when we travel to PA from LA.

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  My Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Donna - March 1 - 2:40 pm

  This car drives nice and smooth, you cant even tell when the engine is running. It has a lot of storage room. Its perfect. The only thing I dont like is the fact that it doesnt have power locks or windows. Anyone thinking about this car should definitely opt for one that has that. Its just a hassle to use the key to open the door. Then you have to reach over and open the door for other people.

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  Great Young Person Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chickities - February 25 - 10:40 am

  I havent even had mine a full week yet but I am in love. My boyfriend is actually jealous. I managed to talk the dealers into giving it to me for way less than what they wanted, so dont let them try to stick it to you for full price. Mines fully loaded without navigation and was under 18K. Fun car to drive, and I get way more double takes from guys than I did driving my Accord.

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  This is a quality vehicle - 1999 Mazda 626
  By traben - February 22 - 10:00 am

  i got this Mazda used! Granted it doesnt have any power but other then that i love this car!!! it now has nearly 200,000 miles on it and it runs great!!!!!!!

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  Wish I had gotten more out of her. - 1999 Mazda 626
  By yakobemil - February 22 - 10:00 am

  I was really excited when I got my 626. The oscillating AC was the coolest thing. I got it a year ago with 130,000 miles on it, seeing as I was a high school student, I didnt need anything fancy. Sadly, things started going wrong as soon as I got it. The o2 Sensor had to be replaced twice. The transmission started having major problems after two weeks, and the fuel pump went out. I ended up spending more on repairs than I did on the actual car. I did love it, though. One morning on my way to school the transmission went out going up a hill. 138,000 Miles. That was the last time I drove it. I sold it for 500 for parts. The transmission is known to go out on these models, though.

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  Great value, great fun - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Bob - February 20 - 4:36 am

  I bought this car used 15 months ago. For the money, its hard to imagine a car that offers the combination of spirited driving, mechanical quality, and inspired style. I also see no more than two RX-8s per month driving in the Chicago area. Its sweet to drive a rarely-seen car among all the bland brands. The car has a cool factor that usually comes with cars twice the sticker price. The only negatives? The paint chips easily and the gas mileage stinks. I knew that going in, though.

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  First Mazda and loving it! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By ffemt86 - February 18 - 6:51 pm

  I have always been a Truck and SUV type guy. Well with the cost of fuel and a hour commute every day to work I had to get rid of the jeep and get a car. I looked and found that the Mazda 3 had more for the buck then other cars. After now having it for 3 months I dont think I could of made a better choice. It has plenty of room for the family and I can even keep 2 strollers in the trunk. I average 30 MPG which is nice on the wallet.

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  Miata--best kept secret - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Roadhugger - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2000 Miata for my wife in June of 2003. I thought the car was a joke until I drove it. Interior is a little small for me but perfect for my wife. The cars handling is outstanding and cant be beat on those curvy, hilly roads. Maybe a little underpowered at the start but once rolling its got plenty of getup and go. Even with an automatic transmission the economy is great at 26mpg around town and over 30mpg on the open road. Plus the car appears to be well built with perfect alignment of doors, hood,trunk lid and body panels. Im now a Miata nut who leaves his T-top Camaro in the garage and takes the Miata out to burn up the roads.

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  first drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rich w - February 18 - 2:00 am

  after reading other driver reviews i was so paranoid about gas mileage that i clocked my first highway drive carefully. 130 miles all highway at about 70-75 mph. 19 miles /gal which is sort of a relief. i shall return with a more informative update with more miles behind the wheel. but it does not take long for the visual factor to take hold. compliments,stares and comments. really cooool!!!!!!