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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  Most fun car Ive ever owned - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By TheMadTurtle - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in Southern Florida and it made the perfect Florida car! Now I live in the midwest and have to store her in the Winter. There is precious little I look more forward to than pulling this car out of storage each Spring. Okay, maybe pulling my 58 Thunderbird out.... This car reminds me of all the MGBs my dad used to drive when I was a kid. I only have 55K miles on it and the only problem Ive ever had is that I had to replace the clutch slave cylinder. Big deal - it was a 20 minute job. Cant recommend these cars enough!

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  Excellent! 2nd One purchased!!! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Michele244 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Absolutley a fabulous little car. This is my second one purchased, and I will always love it. Handles great, looks great, and in 3 years of previously owning one I NEVER had one single issue or problem with anything. Very stable, well made, and a great value.

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  You Get What You Pay For! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Riason - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Have had 2003 model for 6 months with all features and quite impressive for the price. Most of mileage has come from four 1500 mile trips with only negatives being road noise, poor gas mileage, and bad roof vibration at 70mph on windy days. No perceived drag on engine with air on but if you can do without it, the mileage improves from 20 to 26mpg. Lots of storage and room for cargo; better than my RX330 but not nearly as quiet and smooth riding. But at 1/2 the price, the Mazda is a better value. Long term reliability/cost is the issue and only time will tell which is the better value.

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  Good Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Taylor Salizzoni - October 2 - 2:00 am

  drag race 13.56 stock

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  MZ6s - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ATL - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. Love the performance and handling. The styling is the best out there in the sport sedan market.

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  the fun minivan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By tiffany - October 1 - 11:33 pm

  The Mazda5 is great and fun to drive. Im a mom,and i love that it feels like Im driving a sports car rather than a minivan. I dont feel like a soccer mom anymore. Gas mileage is great; I drive a lot, so that is very important. The interior is sleek, or as my neighbor called it, "spacey". Mazda5 rocks!

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  Great Ride! - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By Brian Bogardus - October 1 - 10:13 pm

  What can you say except wow. Just a sweet looking car that is super fun to drive. We receive compliments everywhere we travel, from the tires and rims to the well appointed interior space.

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  I love this car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mbd007m - October 1 - 8:33 am

  I have found this to be one of the best compact cars Ive ever driven. Sometimes I forget this is a compact car. It has plenty of power for a 4 cylinder. There is plenty of head room for me (60) in the back. I rarely ride in the back though. The suspension is firm. I have found road noise to be a little distracting, but compared to the Nissan and the Honda Ive driven it is about the same. Acceleration is excellent. The car gear ratio gives you plenty of torque. When I shift I rarely have to go over 3200 RPM. I have had no problems with this car.

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  perfect island ride - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By jlis - September 30 - 12:56 pm

  We were looking at small SUVs and within a day or so of buying a Honda CR-V when we just happened to go another car dealership late at night (hopefully missing the salesmen), when we happened on the Mazda5. It was exactly what we had in mind but didnt exist. We drove it once and within an hour owned it. Good gas mileage ($3.00 a gallon on Maui), super fun to drive although a little sluggish. Smooth for a 4 cylinder. Very comfortable seating with great seating visibility. Looks very cool and often find people walking around it in the parking lot. My wife loves the multiple airbags and ability to carry extra kids. Surfboard etc. will fit in the back if wife takes my truck. Ive seen better A/C.

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  More Room, Less Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By No Sour Grapes - September 29 - 11:16 pm

  I gave up the car after 6800mi. Im 510 & in good shape but I couldnt find a comfortable driving position. The two lane country road I tested it on proves what winner Mazda has-quick, nimble and loaded with features on much costlier cars. But the center stack flairs out at the bottom and the legroom under the dash was too crowded for me on my 45 min daily commute. No combination of seat/steering wheel adjustments yielded a good fit. I replaced a 626 with the 3s, maybe I should have gone for the Mazda6 but reliability concerns and the V6 kept me away. If youre used to the legroom of a midsized sedan be aware that the seating in the 3s takes some getting used to. I decided to give it up.