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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  Oh waht fun it is to drive! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Juniper Girl - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I have never loved a car so much. Instead of waiting for my kids to ask me to drive them somewhere, I find myself asking them if they need me to take them. Ill go anywhere. I wish I had a longer commute just so I can be in my car! Except in the summer. The Air conditioner has some issues. A friend is selling his only 1 month after he bought it because it air conditioning works so poorly. I am not a huge fan of cold air blowing on me all the time in the car but it sure takes a heck of a long time to cool the inside off. I tinted my windows and that helps but if Mazda wants this car to be the BEST CAR EVER ( it almost is in my eyes) FIX THE AIR CONDITIONING!

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  my 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 3guy - September 23 - 10:00 am

  it is a nice car for a student as myself. it gets good gas milage and so far i havent had any problems (ive only have had it for 4 months). other than that i love to drive it and it picks up the ladies, or maybe its just me.

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  Cool Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By CSommer5 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  I have had a great experience with this car. It performs well for me driving from college and back. It gets great gas mileage.

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  hell yeah - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 7000 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  in my opinion, the best part of this car is the abilty of acceleration. beautifully made car, always will give you what you want. intereior is very eazy to manage, nothing hard to find. fun car to play with.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Julez510 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda3 is an excellent value and a wonderful car. It handles well, fuel economy is comparable, it looks sporty and interior space is good.

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  AWESOME! I love this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Pete - September 23 - 10:00 am

  So, this is the first time I have EVER felt compelled to offer an online review. I am 43 years old and have owned 12 new cars, and this is by far the best. GREAT looks, catlike handling, a very smooth ride, it is very quiet and silky smooth. With incentives, and out the door price at 23k invoice this is the steal of the century. Mine has everything but leather (any leather burns your legs in summer, and is cold in winter, and is slippery). The Lapis Blue is stunning when seen in person. Manual transmission smooth and precise. Gripes? Ha! Get real, go see for yourself. Wish list - Nav as an option.

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  Great Use of Space! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Hagios - September 23 - 9:06 am

  Have had a very positive experience with the 5. I routinely travel in the area with 6 adults. We especially like space available with the two back seats flat - great for grocery shopping! Mileage has been about 23 in city and as much as 39 on the highway. Good ride quality and crisp handling. Experience with dealer has been outstanding.

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  Zoom Zoom!! - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By monkeytoes - September 23 - 5:03 am

  It is a great car for someone with a family and it also great for the single person. I have had mine for 1 month and I am 100% happy with the car. I only wish the V6 motor had a little more power behind it! I think the car shifts way too early which cuts down on the horsepower. My previous cars were 2.0 and this is a 3.7 and I am confident is saying the 2.0 was much quicker off the line. The gas mileage is taking some getting used too. I am averaging 23.5 miles both highway and city.

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  Get some ROOM-ROOM with your ZOOM-ZOOM!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Ant - September 23 - 1:56 am

  Researched and test drove several cars before deciding on the 8. GTO, Mustang, A3, G35s, 3 series, S2000, TSX, Tc, etc. None had a better combination of performance, handling, value, room, and looks than the 8. Good power, excellent handling, exceptional 6 sp trans., great brakes, wonderful steering, all make for a perfect 10 in "fun to drive". Gas mileage is below average..but, you knew that. :) Exterior styling is sharp and full of "character" and car is exclusive (not easy in SoCal). Interior is comfortable and well thought out with very good materials. Roomy back seat with good access. Trunk space is generous for a sports car, but the opening is a bit small. Overall, this 8 is The One.

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  Mazda Protege5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mdecker - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. It has a great fun factor. I have the 5 speed manual tranny. This is like having a Miata with room.