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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  Best sports car for the money! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Joe Hone - June 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the best sports car in the world for the money. The handling is fantastic.

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  Rotary Engine-MAJOR PROBLEMS - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By raya4 - June 13 - 7:58 am

  I bought the car on a whim because of how much fun it was to drive without doing much research. After buying the car almost EVERY mechanic I knew told me that I made a terrible choice. These rotary engines in these cars suck. My engine blew at 80k miles and mine lasted longer than most. Buying this car was a waste of money.

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  Great Car for the money - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Robert - June 13 - 5:40 am

  We considered the Sienna and Caravan but found this was best deal for the money. We purchased our MPV in November after the birth of our second child. It is very easy to get the kids into and out of the car. My wife says it has changed her whole opinion on minivans and we are now considering buying a second one for her to replace her luxury sedan. We have only found one drawback I have the 17 inch tires and recently had a blowout due to road debris and was shocked when it cost me $160 to replace and I had to wait a week because the tire was special order, ouch!

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By yagdoogie - June 10 - 4:06 pm

  Replaced the transmission. Twice. Motor "clicks," my mechanic thought it was going to throw a rod. Six months later, still clicking. Front end needed to be rebuilt at 102k. Roughest running four-cylinder Ive ever seen. Dealer said thats a characteristic of the motor. Hunh.

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  Would never buy this car again! - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By amyemme - June 10 - 3:50 pm

  This car has horrible paint. As someone else stated paint seems to have flaws. I live in Michigan this car is horrible in even 1 inch of snow ! The tires are very cheap. Need new tires at 12k. I havent experienced the a/c problems others reported is the only positive. The gas mileage is also horrible. The biggest annoyance is the road noise. Cant talk on phone when on the highway without turning cell phone vol. way up !! There also is no room for an infant carseat. I have to move my seat forward to put my baby in or out when using my carseat base. I wish my lease was up last year! Dont buy this car.

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  Do not buy this Car - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By tigerhawk48 - June 10 - 2:47 pm

  We purchased our CX-7 a month ago, and are very unhappy with it. Do not buy this car, it is impossible to get replacement tires for it. Only one manufacturer makes them and they are completely out of stock and on back order. We have a punctured tire and no way to fix it. Also while car has decent handling and nice interior features, it is not the most comfortable seats. Really wish I had not bough this car.

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  zoom, zoom - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By REVBOO36 - June 10 - 10:00 am

  What sold me on this car was the acceleration and the comfort. Its only been 5 mo., but Im really liking it. The trunk space is incredible! The stereo isnt bad, either. I really like the body design. The chrome on the front is very stylish.

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  Former Loyal Honda Owner - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By MikeTD - June 10 - 10:00 am

  After owning Civics, Accords and Odesseys I thought Id never own anything else. The Mazda 6 caught my eye after Hondas disappointing make over. Once I drove the Mazda 6 I felt like I was driving a true sports sedan that is truely a fun car to own. To anyone considering another or their first Honda, dont let the Mazda name fool you anymore. Mazda is now a car as good as, if not better than any car in its class. I cant say enough about its stand out curb apeal, its an eye catcher that is not like all the others. My advice is test drive it and I bet you buy it.

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  Best Car I ever Owned! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jcc - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive had Hondas, Nissans, Toyotas and VWs. This Mazda 6S fully loaded with shiftronic is the best car Ive ever owned. It is extremely stylish, roomy, fun to drive, comfortable and quick. Love the sound of the dual pipes with the manual auto shifting. Bravo Mazda!

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  Ls Six - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By okiedehn - June 10 - 10:00 am

  This is the best sports sedan I have ever owned including my Maxima and my Camry. The interior and exterior styling is awesome and the handling is out of this world. Mazda has manufactured a top-of-the-line sports sedan for a very reasonable price. The only thing that I can see that could be improved is the sound system.