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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  A Fun Car To Own And Drive - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ella Minno Pee - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Miata. I had two Mustang convertibles between the first Miata and my present Miata. This is a car that makes me happy when I drive it. I cant tell you how many people have made comments on how adorable the car is. Would I buy another Mazda? In a heart beat!

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  Miata MX5 - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By clink - April 29 - 10:00 am

  A solid performing sports car that is as fun to drive as it is reliable. Just cant justify spending tens of thousands more for a sports car. Probably the closest of all the cars out there to the old British roadster. I love mine.

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  fun car - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By marcia - April 29 - 10:00 am

  it is a fun car to drive especially with the top down.It could use more speed but it still goes pretty fast.

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  Sunshine!! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By noblepa - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Overall the most fun vehicle I have owned. Plus it causes smiles everywhere you go, and the driver never stops smiling. Visability is limited on side angles with the top up. My only complaint.

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  Fun on the road - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By focusu - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Great little sports car, if your looking for driving fun with all the feel of an old fashioned raodster. This is not a luxury ride, but a curve hugging, bump feeling, wind blowing thrill. A zippy car with some great features.

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  My great little roadster - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JCarey - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Miata. My first one, a 1992, is still running and getting compliments. My daughter bought it from me this spring. My new one is just as wonderful. In 11 years, I plan to buy ANOTHER Miata!

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  Black & Tan - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Harvslumper - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The most fun Ive had in years.

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  great car - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bg - April 29 - 10:00 am

  this car is just best power and performance

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  Awesome All Around! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By joubie73 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a lesser-expensive vehicle with all the excitement of the competition. Its been the MOST reliable car Ive ever owned, and Ive owned many. I love it!

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  woot! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By crimsontiger6 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome car. Its not a drag racer but it excels at fun in the twisty bits.