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:
Showing 4731 through 4740 of 10,700.00-
Transmission is great - 2002 Mazda Protege
By Agly - July 21 - 10:00 amI have a DX with a stick. Its better than 5sp on first generation Legacy, but worse than that on Civics. Seats are as good as those on Subaru and are WAY better than seats on Civics. Lateral support is okay.
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very happy with it - 2004 Mazda Tribute
By lotec - July 21 - 10:00 amafter looking for a small suv for a while coundnt belive the low price with all the options that came with it
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Fun, Stylish, and Cheaper than a BMW - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
By Lots OTestDrives - July 21 - 10:00 amI test drove a lot of cars before deciding on the Mazda 3 S - including Imprezas (RS not WRX), Jettas, Altimas, Acura RSX, Civics, and Corollas. It had by far the best combination of style, quality, FUN, and practicality of the cars I drove. The RSX was as fun to drive but not as practical. The Jetta (1.8T)had a little more pep, but didnt handle as well and was missing the quality feel on the inside. The Altima was disappointing - the 5 speed didnt feel solid like the Mazda. Go with the S with 5 speed for the most fun. I actually look forward to driving to work in this car! AC blows cold all the time for me - Im in hot & sunny AZ.
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Speedy 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
By TP - July 20 - 7:40 pmI bought my Mazda 6s back with all the goodies except leather which you dont need in AZ back in 10/04. After arguing with the dealer for 2 days I got the deal I wanted. This car definitely drives better then the Accord, Altima and Camry I test drove. I already have 25,000 miles on it.
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Millie Vanilli Was GREAT! - 2000 Mazda Millenia
By labholt - July 19 - 10:00 amMy Millenia, fondly named Millie Vanillie, was a wonderful car. An accident totaled him, but I have to PTL that thanks to his safety features, I felt no impact and suffered no injuries. He was a wonderfully quiet ride, and had great get-up-and-go. I will miss him.
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Zoom-Zoom - 2002 Mazda Protege5
By Stone - July 19 - 10:00 amPrice, comfort, looks, ride...what else do you need? Maybe a turbo charger or about 32 more horsepower under the hood. Mazda, also needs to update their choice of speakers, they are terrible. Well, to the good stuff. Brings the fun out of any parking lot or congested traffic. This car drives like a go cart, which adds to your confidence and really brings the child out of you that can get you in trouble at times (Maybe its a good thing that there is not turbo charger under the hood?) Winter is coming, which will test out the car in different driving conditions. The low profile tires look great. Overall great car for under 20 Gs.
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Great Ride for a Big Vehicle - 2008 Mazda CX-9
By parunner - July 19 - 2:23 amWe bought this because we needed a family vehicle with more space. We went from a VW Passat and honestly there is not much difference going to this bigger vehicle. It drives wonderful.
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Great Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
By Siddharth - July 19 - 1:46 amI have now owned the 2007 Mazda3 S Touring for 3 months and am extremely satisfied with my decision. First the 2.3L engine gives great power without any noise. The car is very smooth to ride and handle. The 17" alloy wheels that come with S Touring provide an added coolness to the car. The interiors are extremely good and can rival that of any luxury car. The fuel efficiency is also good for a 2.3L engine. This is a great car if you are looking for an alternative for Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Looks better than its competitors, is more powerful and provides nearly the same fuel efficiency.
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The Winner is........... The 6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
By Hockey Fan - July 18 - 4:03 pmWhere to start? I was in the market for either the Audi A4 or Lexus IS250 but landed in a Mazda 6. I drove past a Mazda dealership, the new 6 just stood out. I went in, test drove the car and here I am 3 months later loving my decision! They compare the Mazda 6 to the Accord and Camry (class- wise) however, it does not compare! It is far superior and should instead weight against cars like the A4 and IS250. Sounds crazy I know but I am a total gear head and was dead set on one of the aforementioned cars. The 6 changed my mind! This car is nimble, responsive and fast! It has all of the high end comforts without the high end price tag. I could not be happier with my decision.......!
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Pretty nice - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
By JOHN M - July 18 - 12:06 pmThis is our first foreign car and shes not too bad. We bought the Mazda 3 i Touring edition. You see we drive a 2002 Vette and a 05 Tahoe so we are used to V8s. We looked all over and went through all the motions in comparing the Civic, Nissa Altima, Cobalt, G5 and G6 and the Mazda 3. In the end we decided that the Mazda 3 looked the best and the gas mileage was nearly as good or better than the others. We like the ride, sporty feel and its pretty comfortable. We also bought the version with the Goodyear tires instead of the Toyo for the winter time. Im a bit disappointed with the mpg so far around 26 but I hear they need to break in so we will see.
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