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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  Great little car - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Daniel Bauman - December 28 - 9:47 am

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  6 months later! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Melissa - December 27 - 10:53 pm

  I wrote a review about a month after I bought the car. I was overall happy with the car and still am. I just notice lots of engine noise. I inquired about Sirius radio and its $715 to install and for parts that is insane. If they put the SAT button on my dash it should have already come installed and only needed activation. The paint chips ever so easily thankfully the touch up paint was only 8 bucks. I think it may be the alloys but when you hit a bump or pot whole the tire feels likes it about to fall off. I drove one with reg hubcaps and didnt feel that! I love everything else about the car and still dont regret trading my Cavalier...although sometimes I do miss her!

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  So Far So Good - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By salukiman - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Great deal on price. Went to buy a 626, came home with a Millenia. One of the most visually appealing sedans on the road. Well proportioned look. Am told reliability will be good. Would be concerned about depreciation, but expect to keep it several years. My prior Mazda was a very good vehicle. I am generally satisfied. Too bad it is discontinued.

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  $20,000 BMW Lite! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By dstrick7 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I have the optional semi-manual transmission, and it is sooo much fun. I cant wait for the aftermarket stuff to come out for it...it really could use about 30-40 more horsepower (handling at high speeds/cornering/braking is great, and the car was built to handle close to 200 hp in my opinion...currently, its a slightly weak at takeoff, and it really needs something from about 3000- 4000 rpm). It truly is a small wagon that handles like some of the near- sports cars out there...and it has that expensive-looking styling too.

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  Could be an A+ - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By njgladiator - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I love the looks of this car but I wish Mazda offered the engine performance to match. The handling & brakes are fantistic but 130hp is simply not enough to make this sport wagon go Zoom Zoom.

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  Im in luv with Mazzie! - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Sarah - December 26 - 7:53 pm

  This little suv is a joy! Without spending a kajillion bucks I feel like I did. I only have 1600 miles on this baby so far and we are already best friends! Drove a Mazda pickup for 15 years so sticking with what I know. I bought the red one. Luv luv luv it!

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  HappyCamper - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By rocketron - December 25 - 6:36 am

  Ive waited a year to give an accurate review and I have to say I am still very happy with my car. Drives great, looks good, and this summer started getting 30 MPG compared to 25 MPG last fall. Drove well this winter. The traction control got me up a snowy hill when I dont think anything else would. Two other coworkers bought one at the same time and all have been happy. All had low tire pressure 3 months (cold day?) in all tires, but put air in them and no problem. Only issue I have is car is eating factory tires. 14K and looks like I will need 4 new before 2 years old. Warranty is 12K (not kidding) so Mazda planned this. Will spend $450 for new, OUCH.

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  Cool Car! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By jesse - December 24 - 11:40 pm

  Since I bought my RX-8, Ive gotten lots of comments. Too bad Im not still single otherwise I would be able to give more rides. Smooth as silk drive, except in snow and ice with the stock tires. Extremely treacherous --- do not attempt winter driving with these tires. I bought Pirelli Wintersports and have no problem now. Wide range on each gear. Excellent pickup at the 5000-6000 rpm range.

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  Recommended by a Van Enemy! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By doctorrafido - December 23 - 9:06 pm

  We needed a bigger vehicle since our family became larger. It was either an SUV with a third row seat or a van. Couldnt go Odyssey, too expensive or GMC Suburban (bad gas mileage); MPV was the way to go. We bought it used with 32,000 miles on it. And it was great. Surprisingly i fell in love with it the first test drive. Usually i would not drive a van because it made me look like a soccer dad (hahahha) but when you feel the power as well as the comfort I couldnt resist.

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  Review - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bri - December 18 - 12:23 am

  2009 iTouring w/Bose/moonroof, and Conv Package. I have had the car so far for a few months. So far I really like it. No major problems at all.