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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  Ls Six - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By okiedehn - June 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the best sports sedan I have ever owned including my Maxima and my Camry. The interior and exterior styling is awesome and the handling is out of this world. Mazda has manufactured a top-of-the-line sports sedan for a very reasonable price. The only thing that I can see that could be improved is the sound system.

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  AXELA - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul - June 9 - 10:56 am

  I bought this car because it took my breath away. Overall style, class, ride and just looks. I have driven and looked at many other cars, they didnt come close. I looked at this car once, wanted it without driving it. Then I drove it. So I bought it. Since then, it has been lowered, I added exhaust, changed the badging to "Axela," the Japanese version. This car is 2 years old, and I still get looks. I love driving my car, and all my friends love it too. I went from a beat up Honda del Sol, to this. This car is truly best-in-class. I dont care what anyone says. Toyotas and Hondas last forever, but I dont see a Civic or Corolla that looks or drives like this.

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  lil red 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By chadw - June 9 - 2:13 am

  The only thing you might run into is the manual gearbox. The tranny has a reverse lock out and if you are in fifth gear, every once in a while you wont be able to get into reverse at start up. Read the manual and it will tell you pop in N let off the clutch and retry. I was getting frustrated and now, no problems. It needs to recalibrate itself.

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  The best car Ive owned - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - June 7 - 9:53 am

  I bought the top-of-the-line sedan. It handles and rides very well. Its quiet inside without too much road noise. The automatic transmission is very smooth and includes a digital indicator of the current gear as it shifts, which is a useful feature. It has good acceleration with the 2.3L engine (but you wont mistake it for a V6 or V8.) The car was delivered in perfect condition, with no problems or blemishes of any kind. Both the interior and exterior have a "look" of quality. The car doesnt appear cheesy, like a lot of inexpensive cars do. On my 2nd tank of gas, the display showed 28.4 mpg average. It has a ton of equipment: Bose, Sirius, stability, xenon, advanced brakes, etc.

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  MPV great van bad cupholder - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By KD2788 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great van. Drives like a car but packs like a truck. The engine is a little under powered (changed to a 3.0 5 speed auto in 2002) but itll still get up and go if needed. The seating is comfortable and supportive. Endless possibilities for seatiing. I get about 22 mpg on mine, which isnt too bad, as far as vans go.

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  Just keeps getting better - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By eorgon - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Had a Gen 1 blk/tan and reluctantly gave her up when i fell in love with the titanium/chocolate SE. Better ride, better seats, great car.

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  Great Value - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By COOLIGOTANEWCAR! - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my new Protege. What a great car for 15 grand! Good looks, great 5 speed, and it really does have a nice quick engine. Looked at the Sentra, Ion, Corolla, and the "Out of my price range" Galant. Sentra was nice, def my second choice, although the GXE doesnt have alloys standard and I dont think it felt as quick or handled as well as the Protege...if you are shopping for a small car, dont go to the Mazda dealer last like I did...go there first!

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  2003 Honda Beater - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By anforest72 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  The LX is an unbelievable deal. I dont understand Hondas justification for unwavering from their ridiculous MSRP, but they made my decision easy. The Mazda fits the bill just as well, if not better for thousands less. With near invoice pricing, rebate, and low APR, I drove away several thousand less than a comparably equipped Honda. Build quality, power, handling are impeccable. 7/8 size meets my family needs and fits in the garage great. Agree with another writer that I dont know why there arent more on the road...

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  Protege/prodigy - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By bob green - June 4 - 4:16 pm

  If you want some fun on a budget try prying one of these away from some one. This is my sixth Mazda (including a 91 Miata) so you may sense a bias. However this car is so easy to drive enthusiastically, my only regret is that I cant drop the top! Corners flat, easy to drive in city traffic. Peppy without the AC going, OK with. Cruises happily at 75 plus, no problem. Fuel consumption is about 30, but can be stretched to 34 with a lighter foot. Still no rattles or squeaks. At 50,000, feels like its just breaking in. No defects, one minor factory recall. My wife likes to sneak away with it once in a while. What else can I say? Find a good one used and drive it til it drops (200,000+)

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  40th Anniversary 6 speed - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Dartul - June 4 - 3:46 am

  Just bought this 2 weeks ago and have already put 1200km on it. The car is absolutely beautiful and amazing to drive. Handling is better than anything I have ever experienced and it has some get up and go once you hit the power band... all I can say is wow, thank you Mazda for this amazing car.