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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  Fun As Hell To Drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Kevin - February 12 - 12:26 pm

  Wow!! Ive had my RX-8 for about 3 months. Its the GT Pkg M/T. The only one Ive seen so far with the Blk/Red leather combo. When I first bought the car I took it down a very twisty 2 lane country highway and it cornered very precise. I was taking practically 90 degree turns at 65 mph with ease and control. The handling is perfect! The 50/50 weight distribution is wonderful. Love the sound of the rotary engine, my first. The body lines are beautiful and very aggressive looking. Onlookers are always commenting on how it looks. The interior is comfy. No rattles. Didnt buy the car based on cup holders. This is a true drivers car. It begs to be driven like it was built to do. The power is awesome.

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  Fun to drive with great value - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dennis - February 12 - 12:23 pm

  I dont know where you can get a better car for the money. The body style, fuel economy, and "fun to drive" factor is amazing. I downsized from an SUV and wanted something sporty but under $20K for mostly city use. After 2,500 miles I am getting 24 MPG in town and 30/31 MPG on the highway. The Mazdaspeed 3 was even more exciting but it was too much car for my ice and snow roads. My only minor gripe is that the seats are a little firm for my taste.

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  Dont buy from company whose motto is "Cant guarantee how long this car will last". - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By la_fiera2000 - February 12 - 8:59 am

  I bought this car new in 2003 with a 50k warranty. I complained several times about misfiring after 1 month and dealer never found the trouble. At 55k miles the trouble was found to be the Throttle Body. I wrote to Mazda and they said "Sorry, but we cant guarantee how long parts will last after warranty." After that the right control arm broke twice(most of my driving is on the highway). Now, after 8 yrs of meticulous maintenance the compression valves gave out and will cost more to repair than the car is worth. I wrote to Mazda, and again their response was, "Sorry, but we can not guarantee how long our cars will last."

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  Best car ever! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miata_coastie - February 12 - 4:51 am

  I bought my 01 LS Miata as my first car. Mine is an LS with a 6-speed which makes it feel even sportier! I bought it as a fun but temporary car until I was able to upgrade to something with more power, but Ive fallen in love. The car is so light that when paired with my summer performance tires I can fly around corners! So far I have an aftermarket intake and exhaust and it sounds AMAZING! For those who want more power there are an endless amount of aftermarket parts for it from the intake and exhaust like I have to turbos and even V-8s! Best car ever! NEVER getting rid of it! FYI if anyones looking for an autocross car, look no further!

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  Awesome car - couldnt ask for more! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brian - February 10 - 4:33 pm

  Coming from an Expedition, the 2010 Mazda 3 has opened my eyes to a completely new world of driving. This car is so much fun to drive! It literally has everything: Navigation, heated seats, HID headlights, sirius radio, keyless entry/ignition, good gas mileage (Im getting ~28 mpg currently), bluetooth, and much more that Im forgetting. I literally love this car and am so glad I went with it. Im 64 260 lbs, and I fit in this car like a glove (surprisingly!). I would recommend this car to anyone. It has the features of a high end luxury car with a Honda Civic price tag. Get the Mazda 3, you wont be disappointed. Note: I purchased the 5 door Mazda 3 Sport Grand Touring - not 4 dr

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  Transmission quirks - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Dee A. - February 10 - 7:26 am

  Van is excellent except for the transmission. It jerks shifting from 2nd to 3rd especially on a stop and go traffic. Brakes are noisy first thing in the morning, disappears after it warms up. Had the TCM reflashed 3 times to correct the transmission jerk to no avail until second dealer replaced it with a brand new TCM. Still jerks a little bit but not as pronounced. Have to learn to live with it. But will go back to Toyota or Honda next time.

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  First New Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ray - February 10 - 5:33 am

  I purchased this car about 4 months ago and so far I absolutely love it. When I get in I feel like Im slipping into a glove which will do what I want when I ask it to. All of the features combined just make it a joy to drive while also very relaxing. You can really tell this is a 2010 vehicle - everything just seems well thought out, well designed, well implemented, and high quality. If I were to do it over again though Id probably get the hatchback for slightly better utility since its a big change going from owning a pickup to a compact sedan.

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  This wasnt written just after purchased - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By kdresch - February 10 - 5:33 am

  Unlike most reviews that are written just after the car was purchased and are 100% positive because you are so excited, this one is being written four months after purchase, after you get to know the car and its positives and negatives. Hope it helps you. After driving BMW 3 series cars since 1982 I have to say Im overall impressed with my Mazda 3 hatchback. It beats my old, aging, E36 Bimmer hands down. The suspension is downright TIGHT, the control is superb. Acceleration with my 6 speed manual transmission is super quick. To me the turbo is overkill.

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  Grinning From Ear to Ear - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Psychprofessor - February 9 - 12:33 pm

  This is the first car Ive had in living memory that my wife actually wanted to drive whenever she goes anywhere that doesnt require a large trunk. As my son put it, it feels like youre going fast even when youre not. Its just fun to drive no matter what kind of driving youre doing. My first sports car was an MG Midget, which began to disintegrate as I left the dealership. It was great fun to drive, when it would start and it wasnt raining, but living in Baton Rouge that wasnt often. One thing I know about the Miata is that it doesnt leak. Also, it gets surprisingly good gas mileage for the kind of driving that I do. Loads of fun, and I love the design. I even like the grill changes.

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  Mood Elevator - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Omaha Driver - February 9 - 11:50 am

  Take an ordinary day with time in the office, add a business trip or errand, take down the top on the Miata, and presto, instant mini-vacation. What a mood elevator. I bought the car with 100K and have added 36k over three years as my daily driver. I even drove it this winter (not recommended). Throw some sand bags in the trunk, make sure the tires are good, and be careful. Goes fast enough, stops fast, very reliable, depreciates slowly. Only thing that could be better is gas mileage (about 25 in town, 30 on the highway in a very small car). But, its just the car to be in on a nice day.