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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  MPV Best for the Money - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Eric Freeman - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle! Fun to drive, lots of power and has more standard features than any other van I test drove within $3000 of my purchase price. That includes the Honda, Toyota and Chrysler vans! Most will say the Honda is the best van on the market. I say test drive the MPV and you may change your tune. Plus, you will pay the dealership at least $6000 less.

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  Everythings ok with new car.... - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Rednick girl - June 28 - 10:00 am

  the car is outstanding to drive

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  Amazing Car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By carliker - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Like another person who rated this vehicle, I had to wait four months before I got my car. The wait was worth it! You get tremendous bang for the buck with this vehicle. Usually when I get a car or anything expensive, I have a few moments of buyers remorse. However, I havent experienced one second of it since I bought this car! That makes me so happy!

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  great all around with odd omissions - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By brant82 - June 28 - 7:14 am

  After getting a monthly lease down below $185CAD we could talk about the base model. I couldnt have been happier to find out that the base model does NOT have the horrible tablet slapped on the dash. My requirements were a 6spd manual, blue tooth and a trunk large enough to hold my golf clubs year round. The hatch did not have enough space for the golf clubs so it was out and for the price point no other auto maker had anything that could compare.

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  The Sedan for Everyone! - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By webter - June 27 - 11:39 pm

  When you buy a house, theres always compromises. When you buy a car, its usually the same story. This is the mid-size with the least flaws of any Ive found. The car is second to only hybrids in terms of mileage, it has all the coolest techie features, and the car is a thing of beauty. Anyone looking at a Camry, Accord, Malibu, and so on should really take a test drive and fall in love.

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  This car saved my life! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Patrick - June 27 - 10:16 am

  I bought this car in May of 05 with only 23,000 miles on it but in Oct of 07 I was going to work and a deer ran out and hit my car just after buying very expensive winter tires. The funny part was that I made it home even after getting hit by a deer.

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  Fun Daily Driver - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By futurballa - June 27 - 6:03 am

  I used to have a Miata as a weekend car, but wanted a daily driver. The PRHT made the difference where I dont feel I have to compromise between a fun weekend car and an all-weather, year round daily driver. This car is the most fun to drive that Ive ever owned and Mazda has provided a lot of comforts for a small sports car. The MX-5 even makes driving to work a blast!

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  My Toy - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Sonia M - June 27 - 5:00 am

  For the first 5 or 6 thousand miles you wont be too impressed with the gas mileage youll get from this little van, but after a while youll start noticing the real potential of this vehicle. Ours already has over 12K miles and we are getting 23 to 25 mpg in city driving and over 33 mpg in highway driving. I love its interior space, fit and finish. Handling and breaking are surprisingly good, and the 2.3 liter engine feels very peppy. Congratulations to Mazda engineers on this very functional design. My wife say this is her Toy, she loves it!

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  ***Turbo Nightmare*** - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By **CX7 - JuNK!*** - June 27 - 3:16 am

  Every single day I drove my car I have loved it! One day driving home from taking my daughter to school my car starting making a loud clanking noise and smoke came from the back of the car. I took it in for regular maintenance and was told that my turbo was blown and the coolant to the turbo had a leak. I took it to the mazda service department and they told me it was not covered under warranty and I would pay about 4,000-5,000 for new engine/turbo. What a nightmare, now I am paying a car note on a car that is parked in my garage. I cant afford the repairs and I am soon forced to file bankruptcy to have this nightmare end!! *** BEWARE

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  Great sports car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jose - June 26 - 12:10 pm

  This is a great car. It is fun to drive. The interior space is great for a small car. Ive been driving it for a month and have no complaints.