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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  Bliss... - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By kamea - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I am LOVING my new Miata. I was hesitant at first due to the small size of the cabin, and the 5.1 cubic feet of trunk space, but I didnt use my backseat anyway, so I DONT miss it. The legroom is only slightly less than my last vehicle (Celica), and it handles like a dream....tight steering. Lots of "zoom-zoom". Great car.

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  What a great little van! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Ventura Highwayman - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I love this van! Its quick and nimble, solidly built, and has great features! I looked a the Honda and Toyota and just couldnt justify the $8,000+ cost difference. Im very, very happy with this vehicle and would buy another in an instant!

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  GREAT CAR! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By JIFFY - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This car has it all. Its not expensive at all and has all the best features. The interior is absolutely beautiful. The exterior is flawless and sporty looking and performance is all I ask for. I got the automatic but the dealership didnt have manual yet. GO GET ONE!

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  My second MX5 - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Andy in Cleveland - July 30 - 3:50 pm

  Sadly sold my 1990 Generation 1 Miata a few weeks ago. Was not sure about jumping to a generation 3 car but made the leap a few days ago. This car is a blast to drive. The only problem is driving to work. Id rather go the other way and drive all day.

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  AWD GT 2018 - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By BJPJJS - July 29 - 8:00 pm

  SUV thats fun to drive. Im 6-6 and the cx9 is very comfortable lots of head room . Driver seat is very comfortable. Great acceleration handle like a much small car great connected to the road feeling . nice balanced ride handles broken pavement pretty well. Economy beld of hwy and city 21.8. Machine gray looks fantastic interior . Interior is very high quality. Very happy with my choice.

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  2007 MX5 GT PRHT - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Terry - July 28 - 9:16 am

  I have had this car for 2 days now and I love it. Im only 58" so space is not a big problem even though getting in an out of a low car is interesting. I feel the car fits likes a glove. The best word to describe this car is FUN! I live in the SF Bay Area and plan to drive this everywhere including along PCH1, Napa, and Santa Cruz. Having the retractable hard top is convenient and allows me to have a quieter ride if I prefer. It also provides a sense of security vs. a soft top. Be aware that the recommended fuel octane on this car is Premium (91 octane).

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  Good Family Car - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Mike - July 27 - 11:23 pm

  Ive been fortunate enough not to have the various problems listed by other owners on this site. Any car (even the allegedly bulletproof Camrys and Accords) can have issues. My 626 is reliable, handles well, and has been a good car for the money. I would seriously consider another Mazda product in the future. It has all of the features of the competition for less. Plus, you dont see one at every stop light (such as the aforementioned Camrys and Accords). I cant vouch for everyone that left the plant, but mine has been great.

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  04 Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By russ - July 26 - 4:50 am

  This has been a great vehicle. The cost to own isnt that bad. It gets good fuel economy and can haul a fair amount of stuff. I have two kids so it does see some abuse.

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  My Mazda - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By MtnDewGyrl - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my Mazda! I was really hooked on 1993 Honda Accords but this car drives exactly like an Accord. The car is comfortable yet sporty which is what I was looking for. It has really neat dashboard features and is great on gas. Next car I get will be a Mazda 6.

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  Miatas rock - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miata fan - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my miata. I just recently bought my first car which was a miata so of course I loved it right away but I didnt realize how much fun it was till it got warm enough to put the top down. This is an awesome little car, everyone should have a chance to drive one.