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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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bonnie Marshall - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Its a fun car to drive, with good handling and excellent acceleration. The radio and cruise control controls in the steering wheel are great. The back seat is quite roomy for a car this size. Like the automatic door locks when the vehicle is started. Feel its an excellent value for the money.

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By kayne04 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Its time to give Mazda your undivided attention. The more I drive my Mazda3 the more I love it. I cant wait to see what the future holds.

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  I dream of BMWs - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By z4conway - June 11 - 10:00 am

  My ultimate dreamcar is a BMW. What can beat the handling and performance? Almost nothing,but my Mazda comes close. Having to downsize was a pity, but I wouldnt trade my mazda 6 for anything.

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  most fun 2 drive for a family veh. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By armed1 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  overall the best car I have ever owned.

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  Mazda gets it right - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By JRW - June 11 - 6:26 am

  I turned in a 2007 Mazda6 Touring for a 2010 i Touring Plus. Mazda took criticism of the former model to heart and has produced an excellent machine. Its quieter, smoother and roomier. Beautiful exterior design sets the new Mazda6 apart from its peers. Some decontenting appears in the 2010 to hold down costs, but Mazdas compromises arent deal-breakers. Highly recommended.

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  Better than any Minivan! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By ejhc11 - June 10 - 5:00 am

  I just got this about two weeks ago, still w/ only 560 fun miles on it. I compared to an Audi Q7 3.2 which was out of my budget. The Mazda was better in rear passenger room and ergonomics for 2nd and 3rd row passengers. Power was also better because the Mazda was lighter, mine was a FWD CX-9. A lot of technical features for the money. Nice sporty alternative for a 7 passenger vehicle than buying a minivan.

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  The Little Engine that Can - 1998 Mazda 626
  By ds91776 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 626 for over a year now and it ahs been a real champ. The car is classy inside and out, reliable, and is not a Camry or Accord. I wanted an inexpensive, classy mid-size, but loathed buying a Camry or Accord and the 626 nailed it.

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  doesnt get any better! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By drop top - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd miata and I love every minute I am in it! This car looks like a mini Jag and is more fun to drive. What more can you say about a car that looks good, fun to drive past the pumps and will never leave you stranded on the side of the road! Total miles I put on my 3 miatas is 225,000 and never had to do more than normal service, lets see BMW owners say that!

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  Mazda Miata Convertible.......LOVE IT!!! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By K372 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This car not only gets you to and from work, but on the weekends is your best friend!! All I can say is its fun to drive and a head turner.

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  Best thing since sliced bread!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By stratman - June 10 - 2:00 am

  LOVE THIS CAR!! Test drove, Corolla, VW-Golf, BMW- 325i, Honda Civic-si, and Acura-RSX. The Mazda-3 beatem hands down...Especially in price. The Mazda-3 is powerful, quiet, roomy, comfortable, high quality build, sporty, fast, and FUN-FUN-FUN!! I love my music..but I find myself turning the sound system off because the sounds and vibe are that good! If youre car searching...stop. You wont find any better...regardless of the money!