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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  The Right Choice - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Zoom Zoom in NJ - November 2 - 2:00 am

  This is our first minivan. (LX w/luxury, GFX, security and entertainment packages) With two toddlers, the Camry was way too small. We looked at the Odyssey- but the dealers refused to negotiate- and the Sienna didnt have the third row flat seats. We also felt that we didnt need the huge mom-mobile yet. I also hate the exterior look of both the Sienna and Odyssey. The MPV is just the right size w/room to grow. The manuverability is excellent. It feels like Im driving a sports car (the advertisements were right about that one). The exterior is also really sporty. My husband and I actually take turns driving.

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  Decent Car that needs tweaking - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By ptben - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Theres a factory defect in the way a front knuckle was put in in the steering column. took several attempts to finally get the dealership to fix it. Good little car. Its just be in the shop for a new catalytic converter, new starter, new fly wheel, wears brakes quickly even though we drive very conservatively.

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  This is different. - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By buteman - October 31 - 1:56 pm

  I honestly could not see myself in one of these cars, but Im really enjoying the experience. Perhaps with just buying this lovely car Im not quite qualified to offer an opinion but here is my initial impressions. I was fortunate to find a low mileage ( 25k,in kilometers ) GT model with the luxury package and automatic ( wife needs auto. ) We took it for a good run on a winding highway,,,,wow, it has more than enough power for me ( Im 64 ) the handling was great, the paddle shifters are great fun, so smooth a ride. The interior is so luxurious and very comfortable, oh sure it sucked some fuel but that is a known fact with this car and thats the price you pay,,no big deal. Nice car !!

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  best van on market - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By stevey woods - October 31 - 12:56 pm

  I looked at every minivan on the market, and drove them all. The design, the build quality and the performance sold me on this van.Your report states that this car has a "clunky" transmission and a loud engine, I dont know what car you were testing, but my MPV shifts gears like silk, never had a smother shifting transmission.

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  Zoom-zoom - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By quicksilver - October 31 - 9:16 am

  Lots of pluses. Zero issues in 1st 7K mls. List of standard amenities is as long as your arm. Since most the positives are listed in the brochures and Mazda info, Ill focus on the stuff they dont tell you. All cars have negatives. Consider if you can tolerate these: 1. factory speakers are horrible. Replaced all 4 with cheapo $26 speakers, for a major improvement. 2. Even understanding that performance uses gas, mileage is less than expected (26- 29 mpg). 3. Stock tires flat spot after sitting and need to warm up before the tiny thumping goes away. Otherwise stock tire performance and noise is fine so far. No need to slow down and brake for corners. That makes it very fun to drive!

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  Great looking, Great value! - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Bjorn - October 31 - 8:56 am

  Bought this van a month ago and we have been very pleased with our purchase. We needed a more compact van to fit in our small garage spot. Despite its compact size, the MPV still has a very practical interior compared to an SUV. Fold the third row and remove the two middle seats and this baby will swallow anything. We got an ES with leather, sunroof and power doors for $24K. Comparable Toyota and Honda models would have cost thousands more. Weve even gotten a few compliments from the neighbors about the looks of the car! On the downside, the interior is definitely due for a redesign, and the motor is not as powerful or refined as the latest offerings from Honda or Toyota.

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  Love my little Zipper - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By MzAngelique - October 29 - 6:00 pm

  I bought this car used with 34k miles. I really lucked up and got a great deal on it. Plus its fully loaded (sports trim, leather seats, power, tint, spoiler, sunroof, Bose stereo, etc.). I LOVE THIS CAR!! Im definitely a drivers driver. I love the handling, especially on curves (barely have to slow down on exit ramps). The speed is great, you feel like youre going 40 at 60 mph. Ive put nearly 20k miles on it in the year and a half that Ive had it. Including a 1500 mile road trip. I was comfortable the entire trip there and back. I saw a few people have had some mechanical issues with theirs, but other than a headlight bulb needing replacing, Ive had no issues.

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  INCREDIBLE machine... RX-8 = FUN! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Russ G - October 29 - 3:00 pm

  Had this a month now... UNBELIEVABLE! Have yet to really run her hard as only 600 miles but have already seen the potential. Dealership could be much improved customer service wise, but got TREMENDOUS discount! Traded an 04 Accord for something sporty yet still practical for kids ... thrilled with the choice! Only 2 drawbacks: came with summer tires (live in snowy WI) and could use bigger gas tank (mileage has averaged 21-22mpg). Researched almost every car ... this was the PERFECT choice!

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  Zoom Zoom Ping Knock Clunk - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Stuart Summers - October 29 - 12:36 pm

  Poor performance and reliability. New 6 speed constantly needs to be recalibrated. Ticking noise from valves requires valves to be retorqued. Throttle assembly went out, and now there is a knocking noise coming from the engine between 700 and 1200 rpm. Not a purge control solenoid as told by dealer and manufacturer. Let the buyer beware.

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  TOO FUN TO BE A WAGON! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By ToddM - October 29 - 10:43 am

  I drove the Passat and the new 05 Legacy before I bought the 6. The Mazda is the right balance of size and price. The test drive is the clincher. The Mazda is more about the drive where the Passat is about the ride. The Mazdas reliability reputation is better than the VWs as well. The Subarus all wheel drive gear gives it a smaller interior than the Mazda. The 6 had a large advantage in price over the Subie. I loaded it up (ordered car) with Sirius, Bose, auto-tint mirror, moonroof, cassette and CD changer, cargo tray, all-season mats, cargo floor carpet (should be standard!) and the car after rebates and discounts was a still reasonable $25,000. The 2.5GT Subaru was pushing $30,000!