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 Other 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By La Otra 6 - December 1 - 8:30 pm

  This is our 2nd Mazda6 purchase in the last 9 months (see 5 doors of fun - we previously purchased the 5-door hatch). The wagon is just as quick and as much fun to drive and I think the wagon has a quieter ride. Braking and handling is very good, wagon corners like our hatch as well. At 65" tall, I have all of the room I need. The leather seats are a godsend in Cleveland winters. The car looks fantastic. We receive many compliments on the 6s, from its styling to the great colors (the wagon is Steel Metallic Gray, hatch is the Blazing Copper)! If you dont want plain vanilla (Accord or Camry), grab a 6 and enjoy the zoom-zoom experience!

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  Highly recommended - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Slim goody - December 1 - 7:43 pm

  A fun car to drive with the optional 2.3 liter engine. I prefer manual transmission, but the automatic was good because of the manual shift feature. Fit and finish were very good. Good room (we had the hatchback), handing and steering tight and nimble. Only problem was with one window that quit working, but our local dealer fixed under warrantee with no issues. Local dealer experience very good. They offered free tires and battery for the life of the car if regular scheduled maintenance done. Good fuel economy, we actually got better than whats posted on the window sticker. A good car for the money, dont even bother with any comparable American-made compacts.

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  FUN,FUN,FUN !!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sharon - December 1 - 3:43 am

  This is a real neat car. Love to zip around in it. Very gutsy! Excellant handling. Corners well! Would buy another one! Thanks Mazda!

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  Love it! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Paul - November 30 - 8:10 pm

  This is my 3rd Mazda and my second Millenia and I love it! I bought this car new and as usual have not had any trouble with it, all I do is change the oil and tune it once in a while. The special edition is only made in black and has the titanium package, white and black leather with white inserts on the door. If you are buying used dont be fooled by the ads that state special edition but are other than black. I wish they still made them, its the best car I had, and will look for another if something happens to this one.

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  Mazda 3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Becky - November 30 - 6:03 pm

  I have owned my Mazda 3 for three months now. I noticed immediately that the paint chips off very easily. Today, I have more than 20 large paint chips on the side panels with no explanation. The dealer examined it and has told me it is simply from road debris. I have owned many new cars and have never had one lost its paint so easily. The paint used is not a quality paint. The dealer will tell you after the purchase that you need to buy a costly paint protection package to keep the paint in good shape. $22000 later, I have a car that looks pretty bad and has lost value because of the chips. Also, the dealer is having to replace the dash because it was black, but turned milky white.

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  The most fuel efficient minivan - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Alex Povolotski - November 30 - 7:36 am

  This is Mazdas version to European Ford C-Max. Very nicely executed. The biggest features are sliding doors, manageable size, super fuel savings, and nice suspension. Also, its not as noisy as other reviewers have indicated. Ive driven it with 3 adults and one child on board and the motor stayed quiet if you dont hit it hard. Just remember its not a sports car. The motor is a big underpowered though, so it takes quite a while to gain the speed after a sharp turn. Interior buttons are large and well positioned though cheaper plastics in the interior kill the whole mood. Suspension is good, eats small bumps very well.

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  A great small car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Love My Mazda3 - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new last year after several years in an Audi A6 wagon. This Mazda3 made the step-down very easy to take. Very sporty car with lots of interior space. Surprisingly agile handling and a high fun to drive factor. Its not an Audi interior (what else is?), but its miles above the competition at this price point (and higher). No repair issues at all.

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  Safe and strong, but frail. - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By FreshSmile - November 26 - 5:13 pm

  Enjoyable to drive. We keep meticulous records and do mostly hwy, around 26mph but down to 16 in the city. Poor rear visibility. Paint is very fragile; hairlike scratches seem to appear spontaneously and are now everywhere (even when weve never taken the car to a cloth wash, only touchless). Interior floor covering is very thin and frail. Windshield washer tank is too small for a Michigan winter 50m commute. One year left on a 3-yr lease. Wont keep the car bc it will require too much attention. It did handle 2 winters and a couple of storms safely. Traction control works very well. Like most new cars, factory installed tires dont last long. 25K on this car will be max.

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  first ever new car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ezequiel - November 26 - 10:13 am

  I love my new sporty ride. It feels great owning a new car. Especially when it is as sporty looking as this. I am a big guy but getting out of this car is no problem for me. It handles great. However the acceleration isnt as good as I had hoped, but it gets the job done. I am very satisfied. You know one of the main reasons I chose the Mazda 3 is the body style. I am just being honest.

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  Best Kept Secret - 1999 Mazda 626
  By MAZDA Dude - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought my green 626 LX-V6 right off the showroom floor...traded out of a "Quality number 0" Ford Taurus. The car has been spot on reliable...all the time. Just replaced my timing belt (yes, you better go do this too) at ~ 74,000 and the mechanic reported the timing and engine were absolutely perfect as new. Good news. Cant wait to buy Mazdas little sports car, the Miata.