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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  empowering - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By shorebird4 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  tight suspension, great features, leather seat conforms to my body perfectly, fun to drive and it turns heads. I dont want to get out of it. Zoom zoom zoom is a perfect reference to the RX-8.

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  Our new RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By cballard - February 1 - 2:00 am

  The new RX8 is what all sports car enthusiasts have been waiting for. The problem with a 2 passenger sports car is the lack of usefullness. You cant take enough people with you. The small rotary engine makes it possible to have a small responsive car with four passenger capacity. The extra doors are fantastic both for entering/exiting but they also make it possible to have short front doors for tight parking spaces.

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  Best Car in its class - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Stuna - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I only have 2500 miles on the car but it has been a blast to drive. I looked at everything out there and the handling alone won me over. Little slugish in the low RPMs but moves after 2700 RPM. Transmision seems to adjust during driving. Dont know if it a variable transmision or not. Love the interior. Cloth seats are very comfortable.

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  The best car weve ever owned! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By mazdabois4life - January 30 - 2:46 pm

  We bought our Protege brand spankin new - she only had 7 kms on her. Today she has 278,000 kms. We have only replaced the alternator and the thermostat - thats it! This car is by far the best car we have ever owned. It took out a deer at 60km/h with a minor ripple in the hood and broken headlight. The gas mileage is incredible, we can easily go 700 kms on a tank of gas. The only recurring issue is something with the electrical. Last year we began blowing headlights every other day - the backyard mechanic we took it to rigged it so we only have headlights now, no highbeams - no biggie. When and if this one ever dies we will definitely be buying a Mazda again - more then likely a Mazda3.

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  Amazing Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chillaxin171 - January 30 - 2:13 pm

  I love this car, had it for a year and a half now and love to drive. Honestly wouldve rather the Speed3, but got this instead. For a 4 Cylinder engine this car is built well, sounds good, and picks up pretty damn fast.

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  Outstanding Satisfaction - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By fatelin williams - January 29 - 11:30 pm

  The ride is simply simple, classy and elegant with a smoothness like none other. From the interior to exterior design, simply perfection!

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  Power, economy, reliable & fun - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Anita - January 29 - 2:00 am

  In 2.5 yrs, 45K miles, have had not a single problem. Zippy 4cyl engine passes anything on the road with power to spare. Fold down rear seats with access to trunk space gives this car unusual versatility. Heat & AC temp adjustments very responsive.

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  Great Deal - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By wampratz - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This car was a phenomenal deal. Every other car I looked at priced well over 18k. I got the base model, which still had ac, power windows / locks, and I got it for $14,995 with the 4.9 financing. So I dont think theres a better deal under 15k.

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  Awesome - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By timlaine - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Researched and looked at all the rest including Honda, Nissan and Ford. Hands down this is the most bang for the buck. Very impressed. Great looks and very smooth and responsive.

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  Good Car for the Price - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By GAJeff - January 27 - 3:40 am

  I replaced my Mazda 626 of 15 years with this new Mazda3. I really want to buy an electric car, so this car is to get me through the next few years. Other than being 20th century technology, it seems like a solid, nice car. I would have preferred to buy a hatchback but did not want to bump up to the wagon with its heavier weight and bigger engine. Ive had a difficult time getting accustomed to the clutch -- it seems to engage much higher on the pedal than Im used to. Ive also noticed the air conditioner seems to place a lot of drag on the engine; this can make judging the gas/clutch mixture a little tricky sometimes. Overall, Id recommend it for the price.