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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  What a car!! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By mathieu - January 27 - 1:36 am

  Perfect car for young and ever young people. Really fun to drive and the sound system is very nice. The handling is so perfect!

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  Excellent buy for the price! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By the_big_h - January 26 - 9:26 pm

  I have had this car for almost 2 years, and it has been flawless, barring a deer accident that I had back in October 2000. GREAT handling and peppy acceleration with a firm but comfortable ride. The Bridgestone OEM tires perform well, but its a bit noisy. At highway speed the car is extremely stable, even when under strong crosswinds. The stereo w/ CD player is solid for a OEM system. A must-see if looking for a good used car!

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  Bought the car new. - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By 09mazda6gts - January 26 - 8:02 pm

  I love the car and have no regrets buying it. There have been a few issues with the car. The battery went bad at two years. The rain sensing wipers are irritating. They will go into high speed in light rain. I bought nav but never use it, (I have Google Maps on my smart phone, much easier to use). I got locked in the car when my wife got out with the key and the doors locked when she walked away. I had to lay on the horn to get her to come back and let me out. The dealer had never heard of that. This wasnt a one time deal, it happens every time in the same situation. 63K on it now, replaced the tires and brakes. The power is great and the tranny is super smooth. Would buy again.

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  Great little car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mom42 - January 26 - 3:43 pm

  I went from a Honda civic (very comparable purchase price!) to the 3i Touring.. and most of all I cant beleive the improvement in handling! Its a way nicer riding car- just seems more solid. It also handles quite a bit better in the snow. I get about 8 mpg less, but it is worth it. I feel more safe/secure in it, the stereo sounds much better, and its fun to drive! Many people have said how cute/nice it looks.

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  Awesome Performance - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Surgio - January 26 - 8:46 am

  Recently purchased a Mazda 3s hatchback. Fun car to drive, very responsive manual transmission, great handling. Plenty room in hatch, especially with flip down seats. Awesome interior, well "thought" out. If you are looking for an awesome car all the way around I recommend you stop by your Mazda dealer and take one for a spin.

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  Makes you excited to wake up - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By rst900 - January 26 - 2:04 am

  I bought my 2000 SE 4 months ago and I.m driving it for my daily commute.It still keeps me excited and makes me wake up early than I used to just so I can have more time to drive it. Problem is Ive been putting more miles to it than I should, approximately 3000 miles a month, and I get to work late almost every time. But I always get to work with a smile on my face :-)

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  Good Car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By LakeShowRN - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car, decent engine, comfy, nice stereo...

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  #1 Ferrari; #2 RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Giacomino - January 25 - 2:00 am

  When I first bought my RX-8, my wife couldnt believe how many people would drive along side and give the thumbs up and were talking about Corvette and Porsche owners. Even while driving in Beverly Hills, CA, I was getting the attention from a Ferrari. This car gets the respect of everyone and I thank Mazda for putting a car on the market that has a unique look that is affordable.

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  Almost flawless car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mipost - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about my car. Its fun to drive, its looks beautiful, and it was priced right. The only flaw was Ive had my car less than a week and the check engine came on. The dealership told it had something to do was a new program for the computer, but i made sure i got a print out of the maintance.

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  Absolutly AWSOME!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bongomav - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a fully loaded M3s. There isn,t a another car out there that can compete apples to apples. I,ve looked at them all! Quick, Stylish and affordable. My wife is affraid to drive period, NOT anymore! The ease of parking and handling the city roads awsome. Now I have to fight her for the keys. (Dam car! LOL)