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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  Almost Perfect - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By TheBark - April 25 - 6:30 am

  Fun to drive and I actually fit into it, the RX8 is an almost perfect sports car. There are a few things quality wise that could be improved (why are the visors still an issue going into the fourth production year?), but overall, its a combination of sportiness and practicality, not to mention superb handling, that makes this such a great vehicle. And unlike those hideous Mustangs, you dont see one at every stop-light which is something of a plus, too.

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  Still A Great Little Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By R. H. Jackson - April 25 - 4:50 am

  I now have 7000 miles on the Mazda 3s Grand Touring and I am very pleased. The options, ride, performance, instrumentation, and handling are outstanding for a car in this price range. I have experienced no problems. I have only been back to the dealer for oil changes and tire rotation. Everyone who sees this car thinks it is a more expensive car than it is.

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  Drive this before buying Camry - 2012 Mazda Mazda6
  By markregel1 - April 24 - 9:23 pm

  To be honest I purchased this over Camry for the cost savings (big discounts) but after driving it for a few days I know I made the right choice. The driving dynamics are vastly superior without giving up anything with regard to comfort. Build quality and refinement are outstanding. If anything it feels tighter and more refined than Camry.

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  More than satisfied - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By more than satisfied - April 24 - 4:30 pm

  Bought this car private party, 2 years old with 9500 miles. Two and a half years later we have 43K miles with absolutely no repairs. Replaced the factory tires with 90K Goodyears and they are fantastic. This car has met or exceeded my expectations in every way.

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  Cool Car with A Few Problems - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By SD in White Plains - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my 6i in April 2003. One sweet looking car! Exciting handling and fun to drive. However, Ive had an ongoing problem with the rotors -- vibration during braking and at 60+mph speed. Also excessive front brake dust on rims, and clock on dash keeps losing time. In spite of these problems, I still like the car a lot.

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  Great second-hand car! - 1999 Mazda 626
  By kingsubbu - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car from a used car dealership about 2 months back. Its been simply great! I bought the car with abt 50K miles on it...have already put on close to 6K miles in less than 2 months and I must say its been pure joy all the way!

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  Favorite Vehicle Ever - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Lakelover - April 23 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite of all the vehicles we have ever owned. It is fun to drive, comfortable, has lots of spunk, great headlights and visibility, good gas mileage, tows well, carries a lot, and is great-looking. What more can you ask?

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  most underpriced car in america - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By boobalo - April 23 - 10:00 am

  i had a 2000 honda s2000 and loved how it performed. i thought nothing was better when it came to handling but im taller than 5 foot so i found it to be a little confining to put it nicely. as soon as i found out about the rx8 i went to the closest mazda dealership, traded in my s2g and picked up a mazda rx8 with the grand touring package and i dont regret it for one second. it performs just as well, handles better and is oodle loads more comfortable. with the grand touring package it comes with leather trim, 9 speaker bose stereo, heated and power seats, and just everything you could really want in a car.absolutely orgasmic.

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  Great handling car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dom - April 22 - 5:13 pm

  I have driven small sports cars or SUVs my whole life. This is the best blend of performance driving and utility that you can get, even if it is front wheel drive. The interior is fantastic and the electro-hydraulic steering is an undersold point in these cars. Its a very smooth driving car that livens up the instant you begin to push it. Awesome throttle response in 5th gear on the highway for a 4cyl. The seats are the quality that you find in much more expensive cars. Gripes: speed sensitive volume control on the stereo is useless, power windows/sunroof only work with ignition on, not accessory.

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  A lot of car for the money. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Tony - April 22 - 9:36 am

  A lot of car for the money. Weve been very happy with the car.