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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  nice ride - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By b. rod. - July 2 - 1:39 am

  you should have all the cat. converters checked for clogges,ie rear 1 it will blow a hole in egr valve. costing about 285.00 , i had mine removed and replaced with pipe . resolved issues. cts will clogged from unburned gas causing motor to shut down. this pipe trick does the job. all happened at 121k. also keep gas filter changed. its on frame, easy to do.

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  Wonderful sports car - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By AP - June 30 - 11:50 pm

  This car is surprisingly comfortable. Handling is superb: better than my former S2000, STI, Speed3, and of course, Mustang GT. Very easy to drive, even for the novices. Clutch is soft and easy to play with. The gear box is good and smooth but i think the S2000s one is better. Power is linear. Not fast like the STI or the Mustang GT but who care? we cannot use all that power around town anyway. So, im ok with my R3 and its fast enough for me. Smooth, smooth, and smooth engine! no vibration whatsoever when rev it. It sounds very good. This car is unique like no others. Its fun to drive and the bottom line is i just love it more than all other sports cars i had in the past (dont know why).

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  still love it after all of these years - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By rocco - June 30 - 9:16 pm

  Bought it new in 01 and have about 105000 miles on it. I still love it! Its a sharp looking car and extremely comfortable, even for someone pretty large (62", 300) No major repairs, just fairly normal maintenance. The steering wheel that automatically raises when you take the key out and lowers to your pre-selected driving position when you put the key in is getting fussy in cold weather and stays in the up position, but Ive simply turned off the auto feature for the winter and will reset come springtime. Ill keep her until she falls apart around me.

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  Best Value - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By john2551 - June 29 - 10:56 am

  For the price you really cant get a better car. It drives like a 3 series. Has everything but nav, you get everything pretty much standard even on base trim. You cannot even compare the CR-V to this car, but if you are keeping a car 10+ years maybe the honda is the better choice. Only complaint I have is that its now on its 7th recall, but Mazda has been great and always puts me in a CX-7 loaner.

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  Great fun car - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tiom Fisher - June 27 - 6:00 am

  I have owned this Miata since it had 3000 miles. I drive about 6k per year on and around the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a second car which is driven only in spring-fall. Putting the top down takes about 20 seconds and the car is simple to operate and fun to drive.

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  Jurys Still Out - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RX-8gr8! - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my RX-8 -- after 30 yrs of kid- hauling minivans and station wagons, its pure joy. Two concerns -- recalls and using oil. Two recall notices already -- of course its a new vehicle and the dealer handled the problem quickly. The other concern I have is that the car seems to use oil. The dealer is documenting this problem in case we have to make some kind of claim ... on two road trips, the "check engine" light came on, and the oil was slightly low. This is a big concern to me, and one that I havent seen addressed anywhere else. I love the car, but I want it to be solid for the long haul, so Im going to wait and see.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mbreed8813 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda 3i is a great car. We test drove the Civic, the Focus, and the Sentra ... the 3 was by far the better of these choices. It drove better, rode better, had better pick up, and better features ... all for less money than the others comparably equiped. The 5 speed is a must ... this makes the car the ultimate in zoom-zoom!

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  Oh so fun! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By terrymckenna - June 27 - 2:00 am

  What a fun car to drive. The sport A/T is great. If you are sitting in traffic, just stay in auto. If you want to have some fun, you can shift yourself. Im having a great time driving this car and it didnt break the bank.

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  avoid ticket - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoom__zoom - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Only testdrive it, have not bought it yet. It is very fast and fun to drive. Always go where I pointed. On twist road, it stick to the road but has a little uncertainty. This car is too fast, so I would guess I will get some tickets for the speed.

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  Flawless - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By zoom6i - June 27 - 2:00 am

  You cant go wrong with this car. Ive driven it 10,600 miles already with no problems, or defects. Comes with standard stuff on it that costs extra on BMWs and Mercedes. Dollar for dollar the best car out there. The fact that its stunningly beautiful doesnt hurt either. It gets compliments everywhere I take it. Handles like a sports car, but theres no harshness on this ride. Id recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable, gorgeous, and sporty car that feels a lot more expensive than it is.