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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  awesome car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By smarte - December 9 - 10:00 am

  What a great vehicle! A sport wagon that is fun to drive, sporty and thousands less than anything else like it! I love this car! Go drive one and see for yourself! Surprising cargo room.

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  Great car - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Jeff - December 9 - 2:16 am

  I purchased this car for my wife and wanted good handling and 4 wheel disc brakes. Had wanted a Civic but the disc brakes only came on the Si. This has been a great car - fun to drive and no problems at all. Engine not as sweet as a Honda but it has a lot of pickup around town and on the highway as well. Not as smooth in the higher RPM range as a Honda but that is not really an issue. Highway mileage is 31-32 so it gives up a bit to a Civic but much more of a sporty ride. I prefer driving the ES to my Accord V-6. I have an auto transmission and it still has a lot of Zoom Zoom. Did I mention great handling with a good highway ride? You cannot go wrong with this car. I dont like the 3.

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  Love My 6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By DAL - December 8 - 8:40 pm

  This has been a sweet car for me. The only down side to me is the turning radius. Wishing it got 30+ mpg too, but it makes up for it in "fun to drive" area. Id buy another one!

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  Mazda3 iSport 2.0L Auto Base Model - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By PeteTheGreat - December 7 - 9:13 pm

  The 2008 Mazda3 is a typical 4-door sedan with an atypical drivetrain. From the line, the car gets decent acceleration, easily capable of bypassing the ridiculous Atlanta drivers (regardless of type of car) from a dead stop. Handling is great, with a fantastic turning radius and the great ability to carve corners at speed. Interior design is nice, the sound system is very good, and there isnt enough road noise to be distracting from a conversation, even on the highway. The only real gripe I have is fuel economy, but I knew this before I chose to purchase the car. As a 23-year-old professional, this car suits my needs without being flashy or expensive.

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  Love it! Love it! Love it! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Elizabeth T. - December 7 - 5:40 pm

  So far this has been BY FAR the very best car I have ever driven. I love the blind spot sensor. That really helps me feel safe when trying to change lanes. It is very quiet and I dont get all the road noise I used to get. There is some much functional space w/o a lot of wasted space. My kids love it too!

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  Zoom-Zoom! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By rugmaven - December 7 - 8:00 am

  My CX-9 is certainly a solid, smooth driving vehicle. Ive had it since April 07 and have discovered what an excellent vehicle I purchased. It handles on par with much sportier cars, has good power; pickup and corners unlike my expectations for a rather large, over 5,000 pound vehicle. The interior is understated, yet sleek and quietly upscale. The front seats do a fine job of keeping your backside centered even during hard cornering. The engine is powerful and smooth; mated to the six speed transmission, driving around town or on the highways is very pleasant.

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  Excellent car for a growing family - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Paula - December 4 - 12:56 pm

  We purchased this car because we had our third child on the way. It has been terrific! The seating configuration is very flexible and works well. We took one long trip across country with the car and it was great. The girls loved it. It has decent storage, though that goes away with the third row of seats up. It will be tough to get everything in on our next trip, but the small size outside and the large size inside is great for now.

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  Why wouldnt you get this car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jpowerboy - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is easily the only car under 30k that people turn their heads and say "wow". honestly i love my 8 to death and throwing on some aftermarket parts makes it look that much better... I recomend the 6speed manual transmishion to every buyer!!! it is soo much fun and not bad in traffic at all!

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  Love it - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By kfd - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is the greatest

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  awesome car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By saterage - December 3 - 10:00 am

  great car very hot looking i would look great driving in it and so would you