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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  Love my Mazda - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Gizmo - October 2 - 3:23 am

  Bought used in 07 with 18000 miles and now have 46000. Have driven my Mazda 5 thru 2 nasty winters in Wisconsin and the resulting "ruts" in the road & first yr. worried about how it would handle. Ride is stiff over potholes (some are totally unavoidable) and I was used to a 4 wheel drive SUV. Mazda 5 handled pretty well & it just took a bit of learning about the vehicle. The 6 passenger seating in my "mini" mini van is great and last row easy to access. Definitely would buy this one again & will stay with Mazdas (had a 91 Mazda MPV for 7 yrs. & loved that one too). LOVE DRIVING THIS CAR & I TAKE LOTS OF ROAD TRIPS WITH IT!! Other Mazda 5 owners stop to talk as they love their cars too.

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  Awesme ride - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By James - September 30 - 3:10 pm

  Ive had the car for about a month. I have about 2k fun miles on this car. The car looks good and is a blast to drive. The cars handling is excellent. It hooks up well on the curvy roads. I use this car as my daily commuter and put about 140 miles a day round trip. Im totally happy with this car. I have the tech package and would recommend it. There is some carbon build up on the tail pipe and some of it ends up in the back hatch as noted on a previous post. Not an issue. A good coat of wax will protect your paint and make it easy to clean off. The best bang for your buck!!

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  First Mazda Experience - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Phoenix1 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  For a previous Honda owner Im very impressed, this car seems to have it all. The car is so quiet and peppy that I have to continuously watch my speed. Handeling is superb and the turning radius wonderful. It could probably be a good competitor in racing show room stock once the rear end is tightened up.

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  ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ZOO - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Since I purchased my 3 s, I have been able to relive what I had missed in my previous 5 years of driving. Pure enjoyment! Avery fun car to drive! A car theat gets looks from everyone; the color definately is an eye grabber with its deception of is it blue or is it purple? Strato Blue is its name and ZOOM ZOOM is its heart.

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  Best import I have ever driven - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By securecoffee - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the best and the most fun compact car I have driven. Even the "i" version has power with the 5 speed mated to the engine. Fuel milage is great not to mention the handling of the 4 wheel independent supension.

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  The Perfect Teen Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sxtynnmach1 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Great styling, fun to drive, and a sporty attitude.

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  Fernandos Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By fdehostos - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Its an amazing car. Very beautiful, nice interior design, build quality with comfort. Its all I need of car.

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  Best Bang for the Buck. - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By btshephe - September 30 - 8:16 am

  In my opinion, when you compare this car to other similar "2 seaters", you will find that the MX-5 is the overall better value for the long haul. Given the fact that this cars reliability and "fun to drive" factor is what really matters its hard to beat the basic sport, with the power top. In this tight economy, you dont have to sacrifice basic zoom-zoom bliss.

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  Unique and Stylish - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Battleaxe - September 30 - 6:06 am

  This is the first Mazda Ive owned. Its been a great car for the past 2 years. I love the performance and styling. I get comments all the time asking what kind of car it is. Ive only seen a few others on the road. Mileage isnt great, but at 220HP, I dont expect a lot, especially the way I drive. I really like the internal components in that the vents close completely, the controls are easy, auto temp AC, seat heaters. Theres tons of room when the seats are down. Just a great car.

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  Love my Tribute - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By bevhath - September 27 - 10:16 pm

  Ive had this 2001 for little over 2 yrs now, over 105K miles. ONLY problem Ive had is running rough when you first start it and occassionally rough "surges" at stop lights/signs. Any idea what that can be? Fun to drive, radio not very good, was hoping for a little better gas milage - gets around 18 around town & 24-25 long haul driving (interstates, etc). Looking for another in addition to this one now!