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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  Cooooooooool Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By brittany55555 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Nice handling, nice ride. Definatley getting what you paid for. Cute, stylish, and comfortable and "zoom zoom"

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  Great Wagon!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By gwagonman - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 6 wagon with 5M and havent regretted a thing. Bose system is awesome, handling sporty, enough room for the kids. Took the family on a trip to DC and had a great ride there and back. Hit some bad thunderstorms, but the Michelins held the road like we were on rails. This car really is a family vehicle that handles like a sports car, has the room of a small SUV and 25-27 mpg on the hwy. All I wanted and more!

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  Mazda 6i 5 Door - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By skizzy - July 17 - 10:00 am

  The car is a head-turner. Black with the optional clear taillights, brushed aluminum gas door and the 17 inch wheels really set the car off. The car has most options including the moon roof, Bose stereo (nice!), security system, ABS/Traction control etc.... I do have the automatic transmission which is a little sluggish, or non- existent, on the downshift from second to first when slowing down. This takes some getting used to especially if you need to accelerate if you were coasting at 8-10mph. Otherwise the car handles well, rides smoothly and is a blast to drive. The interior is wll laid out and the fit is very clean.

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  Performance Value - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By ED - July 17 - 1:46 am

  You can not find a performance CUV that gives you more equipment for the price. The only car that compares in performance is the Acura RDX, and it costs $10,000 more when equipped the same. Love the look of the leather seats. Navigation system is well placed and is easy to use. The car is very fast when you get the RPMs up. Have had the car 3 months and it is flawless. Fuel economy has been as low as 15 and as high as 21. I have started using 87 octane and it seems to perform "OK". The HID headlights are wonderful and the heated seats are sure nice in the winter. If you want a CUV that handles like it is on rails, this is the vehicle for you.

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  Used and Abused but still rolling along - 1999 Mazda 626
  By BudMech - July 16 - 4:16 pm

  My dad bought me this car in February of 2010 for my sophomore year in high school. We knew it had problems but we got it for only $1,180 and 129,000 miles on the odometer. After having it inspected the next day I discovered that it was a hunk of junk basically. It still needs its drivers side steering control arm replaced,a new catalytic converter, a new muffler and eventually the transmission. The car is working its way down the shifter and is unstable in Park and Reverse gears. The minor stuff is the power antenna and drivers power door locking mechanism and discs and drums. He uses it to drive to work and it hasnt killed him yet so maybe it will give out before I "officially get it."

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  Best compact around hands down - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Leo - July 16 - 1:53 pm

  There is no competition for this car in the compact market. We are a two Mazda family and I enjoy driving this car as much as I enjoy driving our RX8. The handling is absolutely superb, the brakes are fantastic and the engine is very peppy for a 4 cylinder. We got a fairly loaded example (leather, auto, moonroof, 6 CD) and love it to death. Just did our first long haul, San Jose to LA, to Vegas, to San Jose and enjoyed it very much. The car is very comfortable and smooth, great long distance cruiser. Best part was we were moving at a good pace and still averaged 26 mpg for the trip.

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  Worth Every Penny - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By kevin - July 15 - 8:23 pm

  This pup has exceeded every single possible thing I thought would be a problem , power , mileage , handling and overall reliability - Mazda hit the nail on the head by doing so real r&d on this outstanding ride

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  2006 RX8 Grand Touring A.T. - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Fantastic RX8 - July 15 - 9:43 am

  Great Car and talk about fun to drive!!! I bought mine used with 34000 miles on it. Fully loaded with every option available. The 6 speed A/T is excellent and what makes it even more fun is the paddle shifting. The handling is positive and very responsive. The ride is smooth and not stiff. The rotary engine is smooth and responsive. No need to rev it to 9000 rpm (red line) thats just crazy and asking for a early engine death. All I can say is, "Im going to have a lot of fun driving my RX8". :-) You guys out there have fun with yours as well and take care! 22-23mpg mainly city driving.

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  First Mazda - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Chuck 1 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I always told my wife I would never buy a 4dr car ! I went to the dealer looking for an SUV for my daughter and one for my wife. I saw the Millenia in Platinum with the gray leather interior and built in Japan then the dealer told me the deals being offered and I was hooked!!! My wife loves it.

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  Not bad at all - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By abechap - July 14 - 2:00 am

  We bought after test driving a couple of other SUVs. I Went to Mazda by accident, they let me take one home for the weekend. That was it. My wife loved it when she saw it. Great car for that price. Its FUN to drive.