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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  Cheap Fun Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chris - October 10 - 7:16 pm

  This car is the most fun car for the money I have had. It is not the best car you can have for any given situation but it is likely the best car for the money. Handling is great, performance is decent, the car has nice features like xenon lights, 6 disc CD etc. I dont think this car would be half as much fun without the 5 speed which makes you feel like it is going faster than it is. The wagon gives you a little more cargo but it still is a tight squeeze to get your golf clubs in with the seats up. I could have gotten a more expensive car but chose the Mazda. There are better cars out there but looking only at the car, few are better for the price

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  Great Truck - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By jas1229 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I really like this truck I think its a great truck, It has a great V6 in it.

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  Is there any more fun than this? - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Roped - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Its a great curve-hugging ride that looks clean, cool, and doesnt break your wallet. Ive test-driven BMW, Porsche, Audi, Toyota, and Honda convertibles ... none of them come close to the practical fun of a Miata. Zoom, zoom, zoom!

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  Not like anything else on the road - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By graphicguy - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This car gathers attention from young and old wherever it goes. Being a sports car fanatic, the driving experience in this car is nothing short of amazing. I didnt know they could make a car that can do the things this car does...all with speed, finese, composure and grace. Superlative job Mazda!

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  New 3, 5 door - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By KuRuPT - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I hadnt seen or heard anything about the 3 untill i saw 1 as i drove by the dealership yesterday. I test drove it and loved it. I have driven the Mazdaspeed protege and the SER spec V The 3 feels like it has more power than the nissan, i havent got to drive it hard yet because of the "break in" period. I love the way it rides and everyone else seems to love the way it looks. I have only had it for about 24 hours so i dont know about gas mileage or reliability. I would also highly recomend Royal Moore dealerships in Hillsboro OR, they were awsome to deal with.

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  This is entry level?! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Carl Coffee - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I didnt actually buy this car yet, but have been looking at it for several days and like what I see so far. Debating between this or a 2003 Protege5. The 3 has huge power increase over the Pro5, but overall does not handle as tightly. Very nice acceleration in 1st gear, but 2nd seems sluggish. Still a nice car, with great styling for entry level economy car.

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  Great so far, but a few interior irritations... - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By birdsnest25 - October 9 - 4:47 pm

  So, Im one week into ownership of a 2012 Mazda5 Touring. For the most part I am happy, with a few execution complaints. Build quality seems good, handing and ride quality very good, milage has been great (30+ mpg on highway). Complaints: sunroof is abysmal, only opening to 60% of the cutout -- come on, engineer it to open 100%. Also, there is no front covered storage other than the glove compartment. The fold down center front armrests get in the way of the seat belt buckles and should be replaced with a covered bin. Also, the sound system should be better. For the same price as the lousy sunroof and CD changer in the Mazda5, you get a real sunroof and Bose system in the CX5

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  Rattle Trap - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By PilotGM - October 9 - 11:26 am

  Have driven car approx. 2000 miles, vehicle has more squeaks and rattles than my sons 03 Hyundai, very poor quality. I have purchased 3 Mazdas since 12/04 and this one is terrible. Considered trading it back in after a month but would lose $10k after putting $15k down. Will not deal with Mazda or dealer who I have purchased my last 3 cars again. Have always had great luck with Mazda but not this time.

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  A reliable FUN car!! - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JQ3 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have had our 95 Miata for 14 months. In those 14 months this car has put nothing but smiles on our faces. Just drop the top, which is extremely simple, and all your problems seem to just melt away. Its just a simple car which I never dreamed would be this fun to own! If youre in the market for a reliable, cheap, used, fun car DO NOT overlook the Miata.

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  Mazda 626 - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By kvammen - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Every one is entitled to one mistake in their life, this was mine.