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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  MostFunFor$20000 - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 1stTimeMiata - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my new miata. Sure a lot of people say that the car is for woman going through a mid life crisis, but I am none of those. For $20,000 there is no car as fun and reliable. Sure the horsepower is a little low, but I can use all the performance of my miata on the road while a porsch is not able to be pushed.

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  Hirams Review Excellent - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Hiram - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Mini-Van. Excellent Performance.

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  So much better then a Honda Civic - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Justine - January 17 - 11:10 pm

  I was a loyal honda civic fan but when I was shopping for a new car I had to look around. After extensive test drives and comparisons of fuel economy, price, reviews and resale value (Im an MBA student so I had a little too much fun with it). Anyways, hands down the Mazda3 was way ahead of the game... then I drove it- and fell in love. It drives like a sports car, it makes driving fun. It gets the same mpg as a Honda Civic but costs less. Ive put about 2K in 2 months on it and I have no complaints at all. Really its a great car and a great value.

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  Overall Im satisfied - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By kid6281 - January 17 - 1:36 am

  I have put more sets of tires on this car than I thought possible. Love the gas mileage both highway and city still, after 114,000 miles. Had remote start & XM installed, both were easy & still work great. Wish I would have gotten one with a spoiler and a different color (millennium mica red = rosy barf)

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  good car - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Jacquelyn Beaver - January 16 - 11:46 pm

  I found that it is a great, reliable car as long as you keep up with oil changes and tune-ups. Its not fancy, but if youre looking for a comfortable car for your passengers, its nice and roomy. It doesnt get as good of gas mileage as I hoped but its not as bad as my Bronco was. Its a great family sedan.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ztephen - January 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a very fun to drive car.

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  Mazdas zoom zoom kid - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Velocity Red Owner - January 15 - 10:00 am

  i just had bought this vehicle yesterday, 07/31/2004, and i am pretty happy with it. the handling, quality, build quality and the insurance costs are way lower than the car that i traded it in for, 2004 hyundai accent 4- door. i got cheated into my hyundai so i am never going to shop for a hyundai again. the car is user-friendly and the design just catches your eyes. the feel of the car when driven feels more than the price of it. the engine and the manual are peppy and their are no jiggles here and there. overall i am happy with this car! i love how it looks and feels! mazda does zoom-zoom but with attitude!

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  Great car...with limitations... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kevin L. - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Mazda 6 with all the options available and the car is quite striking in Lapis Blue Metallic-a few reservations though that everyone should know about: 1. The center console (HOD in the dash) cannot be modified with a dash kit, etc. without extensive work- this means that adding your own CD player, etc. is VERY difficult. 2. There is considerable throttle lag in the 5 speed version- the car does not want to accelerate much until at least 3500 RPM (on the highway though, the car passes other cars very nicely) 3. Fuel economy sucks - expect to spend $25+ a week on moderate driving 4. Sport package makes driving a bit bumpy (but handling is exceptional)

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  First Mazda - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Happy Jax - January 14 - 10:03 am

  I was going to purchase a HOnda CR-V, but on the way to the Honda dealership I decided to take the CX-7 for a spin and fell in love.

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  The best Mazda yet - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Partial to Mazdas - January 13 - 11:26 pm

  I am partial to Mazda. I have owned to many cars from American to Japanese. I love cars. This is my 4th Mazda. I love everything about it. My husband loves it to which is surprising. It handles real well and has enough pick up. As far as gas goes I havent had it long enough to make a comment on that yet. The tech package is great. I have children and they have no problem with the room in the back seat neither do I. I always sit in the back to see where my knees are. I am 56" and i was comfortable back there. The trunk has good space to. I like the orange inside it lights up the dash rather well. The whole layout is perfect to me. I would recommend this car. you get alot for your money.