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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  My Ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Skull Hunter - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I have this car and out of all the cars in theis class that I test drove this one not only looked the best but handloed better than any of the others such as, Acura RSX, For Focus, Honda Civic, and the Voltswagon Golf.

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  Holy Cow! - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By japman - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This car aint a car - its a way of life. How many cars have owners clubs, millions of accessories, newsgroups, shows, hats & T-shirts? There is a reason. Most other Miata owners on a sunny day will pop their lights to say hi on a crowded freeway. No problems, zippy engine, european pizazz with Japanese reliability & performance. Cheap to buy, operate & maintain. Not much pretention, but you can certainly feel the jealous eyes coming from SUVs on a warm Spring day.

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  Ill miss my MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Monique68 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  My MPV was a great van. Alas, I have decided to trade it in for a Mazda Tribute. But, for the two years I had the MPV, it was great. I only decided to trade it in to get lower monthly payments. I knew sticking to a Mazda would be a good deal.

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  Pure Driving Fun! - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By tomakat - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a vehicle that I could have fun with, but keep me out of trouble with the speeding tickets (grin). I also wanted it to reasonably priced and reliable. Thats when I decided to test drive a Miata. I didnt need or want a convertible, but I heard how well it handled. Well, I purchased a 1999 LS and absolutely loved it. I then fell in love with the 2003 Miata (Shinsen Edition), so I traded my 1999 LS. I never had any mechanical problems with either of them and I just love sunny days so I can zoom zoom zoom down to the beach and cruise the coast or head to a twisty road!

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  MY JUST RIGHT SIZED MPV - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By JerryG - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my MPV. The gas milage is good and it handles like a car. Compared to similar SUVs the MPV has more cargo space and better gas milage. It has better cargo space than similar Wagons. The cost was thousands less than the competing Mini-vans.

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  A Touch European - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By vahnce pitter - September 14 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda 3s interior and exterior design, doesnt give you the feel that your in a cheezie compact. Honestly, you feel as if your in a European car, such as an S-40 volvo: hint-hint!!! I work as a mechanic several years ago for mazda, and had reservations about buying a mazda, especially for the troubled history of the 626 and the MX- 6. However,I always loved the protege for its reliability and fun to drive personality, and for that reason I purchased a 3 two days ago and loving it. As for Mazdas trouble reliability issue, I think those days are long behind them.

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  Research Pays Off - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By JT in SC - September 14 - 1:00 am

  After much research, thought and debating, I finally picked up my Mazda 3i Touring before the old car totally gave out. Im am so happy I did. To me, the biggest difference between the 3 and the other cars I test drove is how well this thing handles. It also has the horsepower when you want it - even with the smaller engine. I specifically got the manual transmission and have gotten 28-30 MPG for the first four tanks.

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  ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Pammy J - September 13 - 1:36 pm

  Wonderful at the gas pump. Fun to drive. Classy, sporty and stylish all in one. Easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The kids love it as well. My daughter wants it for her first car. That will be a fun fight!!! Comfortable on long trips. Plenty of storage space. The price is right. Got a great deal on the base model. Decent warranty. Glad to have. Looking forward to future driving with it.

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  Very Pleased - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By ditto13041 - September 13 - 3:30 am

  Just bought used 2005 with 26K miles. Had to immediately replace tires with snow tires (no problem ....am driving it in winter in midwest...$1000 for tires but should last 4-6 winter seaons). Alternator went out but warranty still good! (0 cost to me). Fuel economy is about 19 MPH combined Hwy, City. Rear quater view is restricted but acceptable. This car rocks! Fun to drive...you have the option of automatic, or you can still manually shift it (no clutch!) which I like to do about half the time. Roomy and comfortable interior (Im 62" and still plenty of room). Mirror has garage door opener built in. Overall I really like this car...sports car with a backseat!

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  Drive it Forever - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By quantify - September 12 - 12:00 pm

  We bought the car used in 2010 with 30k miles from a dealer. We now have 124k on the car, and its still my wifes primary vehicle. Looks great and totally reliable. Other than tires and brakes, the only things weve replaced are a couple of control arms and a tie rod end. I wish it got slightly better gas mileage (21 highway), but thats about it.