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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  M6 wagon got it all - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By fjnand - September 4 - 2:46 pm

  When I first got the car I wanted to write a review to tell everyone how great this car was but it would not have been very accurate as I had not had much time to drive it. Well its been a year now and have put on 15K miles. What I would have said a year ago still applies today. This car has exceeded all of my expectations. It has served me well for commuting, hauling objects, and taking long trips with my family of 4. The best attributes this car has is its handling and power delivery. The transmission and engine work very well together. This car excels in the twisties which I enjoy very much; reminds of my old modified Toyota truck. If only I could afford another one. Satisfied customer.

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  Still makin me happy - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By AZ6 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Mazda 6 over a year ago and I can honestly say Im still real happy with it. I have had no problems thus far other than one recall early on which was taken care of. Its difficult to pinpoint one reason why, but I still look forward to driving my 6 everytime. Its few faults are far outweighed by the many positives. And it looks good to boot!

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  good car for the price - 2002 Mazda 626
  By hydro21 - September 3 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car 2 months ago and so far i love it. the v6 gives you a lot of power though it seems a little sluggish in city driving. the leather seats makes the car look and feel a lot more luxurious then it is. id get the V6 because the 4 cyclinder doesnt have any power. the ride is smooth but i wish the steering was a little tighter it has more of a big car feeling. its spacey and the interior looks plain but nice. This is a really good car.

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  My Shinsen - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Denise - September 2 - 8:46 pm

  The acceleration of this vehicle is really lacking. I really wish that it had tilt steering. Dont know if it is true but I was told that this particular year only came in manual and that an automatic transmission was not an option. I would have preferred an automatic. My Shinsen is a third vehicle and stays mostly protected in the garage. I would have to say that I am pretty satisfied to own such a one of a kind (once again was told by my dealership that only 1500 of them were made).

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  For anyone who has one - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jbern - September 2 - 4:36 am

  The rotary engines are not made for light footed people. Your engines break down because there is not enough tension on the engine. I needs to be pushed, not pulled. Press the gas more and youll be saving hella money on repairs, though not in gas, but it makes up for it. Beats replacing the engine twice a year. Bottom line, this car isnt just made to look cool, its also meant to be driven hard.

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  Never Again - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Very Confused - September 1 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my car in 06 from a private owner. The car was in great condition and had 62k miles on it. 6 months after buying the car my the cd player decided it no longer wanted to play cds, the antenna will not go down and it makes this horrible noise whenever I put the radio on, now the AC doesnt work anymore I was told that the entire dash board needs to come out for the problem to be fixed $$$$$, also the power door locks doesnt work any more that too is making an awful loud noise that I cant stand This car is more of a headache than anything else. I wish i would have done more research on these types of cars and i only have 83,246 miles imagine what will happen at 40,000 save your money

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  Well its been 16 months & 7000 miles - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By john brown - September 1 - 9:00 am

  Well its been 16 months and 7000 miles since I bought my Mazda 3s and the car is just as firm and tight as the day I drove it home for the first time, no rattles and vibrations (which I hate in a car). The steering and handling is just as superb, the brakes are just as good, the 5 speed manual (would never think of buying this car in automatic) is just as precise and sweet. I have even come to love the Goodyear RSA Eagles that everyone hate so much; excellent feedback to the driver from these tires, excellent cornering and braking, just go light at the start of a rain or they will spin. This is one awesome car that Mazda should be proud of making. Excellent driving machine.

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  Simply One of the Best! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Joe C in San Diego - September 1 - 7:53 am

  The moment I drove this car I knew that I would buy it. It is tight and sporty, both driving and looking. The interior is roomy enough that a 200# bodybuilder and my friends can feel unconfined and comfortable, whether in the front or back seats. With the rear seats down, I even fit a full size (unassembled) dresser in it, hatch closed. In the nearly 3 1/2 years that I have owned it, it has only been to the garage for scheduled preventive maintenance. At 20 MPG city and 29 MPG highway, it is economical. Although I would have liked a little more power for passing at higher speeds, the 2.0 is great for accelerating from lower speeds to highway speeds. It climbed the Sierras with command.

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Fastphil111 - August 31 - 11:03 pm

  Great handling, gas a little expensive because of high octane need. Handles well, great on highway, great sound system, head turner. Should have turbo logo. Sunroof nice and big, plenty of cargo room, some turbo lag, awesome.

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  Awesome car! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By nk - August 31 - 5:01 pm

  Awesome car!