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:
Showing 211 through 220 of 10,700.00-
Great little car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By skyrkt - September 19 - 10:03 pmI have the very stripped down and base 3 sedan, that means I dont have A/C or any options. Even without A/C and things like that this car is still amazing. No problems with the car since I bought it new. I love the manual transmission, and the build quality of this car. I love my 3 and my next car will be another Mazda.
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Amazing car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
By RX-8 - September 18 - 11:23 amThis car is everything you want in a car and more. I lvoe this car. I plan to get every model. ALso withs its rotary powered engine this car drives like a dream. I would suggest this car to everyone.
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Great Car - 1999 Mazda 626
By Ruth - September 18 - 10:50 amAdequate Room. Love the oscillating vents...love the electric roof. Extremely reliable...never a moments problem.
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RX-8 of Wagons - 2003 Mazda Protege5
By Nissan Man - September 15 - 5:53 pmThis car is the RX-8 of wagons. The car handles like a dream but is lacking in the horsepower/torque area (just like the RX-8). Had the car for a month and has been in the shop 3 times already. Everything that went wrong got fixed under warranty and now i will put the car to the test to see how reliable a Mazda really is. I have never owned a Mazda (I am a Nissan lover; had 3 and never had trouble). Purchased car because I got a great deal on it and the Protege has been ranked as one of the best entry level cars. Hope the car holds up like my Nissans.
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Love my 2016 CX-9 - 2016 Mazda CX-9
By BP - September 15 - 12:06 pmIf you like performance test drive this car after others you may be looking at. There is no comparison to the CX-9 drive in this class. This baby moves. Love the interior. Super quiet and roomy. And it looks awesome! I could use some better gas mileage though but still getting used to the cars algorithms. Weirdly Mazda thinks that you need 4 full gallons as reserve in the tank. Still working through that. But overall love the upgrade from my 2010 CX-9.
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Zoom-Zoom and Quality - 2003 Mazda MPV
By texasjps - September 15 - 2:00 amWe replaced our 2001 MPV with a 2003. The only reason we upgraded was to get the new 3.0L V6. The previous 2.5L V6 did OK in our Texas flatlands, but when we took it to the mountains in Colorado it was a strain to get up the slopes (especially loaded with luggage). Our 2001 was perfect other than the engine, and we expect the same with the 2003. This makes our 4th Mazda (2 626s and 2 MPVs) theyve all been rock-solid reliable and last many years and many miles, plus they are exciting to drive (even the minivan). Weve owned a Honda, Chevys, Chryslers, Mazdas, and Nissans. Mazdas and Nissans are all I will consider now.
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Mazda Zoom Zoom - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
By sar3000 - September 15 - 12:33 amThis is my first new car in 20 years and its awesome. The styling blows away Honda and Toyota. So far after 6 months there have been NO issues except it requires a weekly washing. Everyone loves to ride in "zoom zoom".
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Nice Car - 2013 Mazda CX-5
By ikerry1 - September 14 - 6:48 pmI like my Cx-5. It doesnt have the get up and go my old explorer had, but it has excellent room in the front and back seats and plenty of room in the back when you drop the seats. It has better gas mileage than the Explorer. I like everything about my Cx-5 except the Tom-Tom GPS. It is overpriced and looks like a cartoon. It works most of the time. I have owned my Cx-5 for 4 months now and am happy with my purchase, except the gps. It recently told me to update the maps because the information is 14 months old. I contacted my local dealer and now they want to charge me $280. for an update disk. The GPS cost $500 initially now they want more than half to update it. Good car, bad gps.
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All this car needs is a blond with sunglasses - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
By Maureen Horansky - September 13 - 3:51 pmThe Mazda Miata X5 Convertible is garage kept and outstanding condition. I am 76 years old and when convertibles such as Mercedes or BMW drive up beside me they want to know what brand my convertible is. They say "It is very sharp looking" I have had this happen more times than you can imagine. The car has heated seats, an amazing radio, can get-up fast and what I love about it is the fact that the convertible top DOES NOT GO IN THE TRUNK and it can be put up and down quite easily. I am very attached to my convertible but due to health issues I must say goodbye.
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Excellent - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
By Kami Crocker - September 10 - 2:43 pmI love my Mazda 3. I would buy another one any day. It is a very good car and handles well. I get a lot of complements on how pretty my car is. You really dont see many Mazda 3s on the road. That is also why I love my car.
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