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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  Horrible Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Horrible Car! - May 3 - 9:46 pm

  First off, I love to drive this car, its a lot of fun. But, I hate to own this car. It is the worst car I have ever owned. It only has 33,000 miles and Ive had to have two sensors replaced, a transmission replaced, have the wiring and lightbulb under the cup holder adjusted because the lightbulb burnt a hold in the cup holder. Its just been one thing after another with this car. I was on the fence between an Accord and this car. I wish I would have gone with the Accord, because I would have a reliable car with good resale rather than a car about to fall apart. I will NEVER buy a Mazda again, and I will tell everyone I know to be wary, they are awful!

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  New Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - May 3 - 7:00 pm

  Fun to drive car. I have done 6K miles on it already. The car handles really firm; fun to drive around corners. Wish the trunk had a handle to open. I think heating/cooling is not that great, compared to the Acura Integra that I owned before. I have the sports package, and I bought it for $19K total. I think the shift on the manual 3rd gear is not as smooth as the others. I had a crash sensor recall already.

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  More than your moneys worth - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeff - May 3 - 11:03 am

  From the time I received the email reply from my dealer to this review, 1 month after driving it home, Ive enjoyed every minute owning my Mazda3s! For well under $20,000 I bought a car that performs, looks and feels like a $25,000 luxury car! Its fast enough to satisfy my demanding driving style, its contruction is solid to the point that I feel isolated from the outside on 90% of all roads and the upgradability of the car easily matches that of any Honda! The driving environment is encapsulating while nowhere near suffocating and my 58" frame feels right at home in the drivers seat! The only thing I regret is not putting down the money sooner!

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  Mazda MPV truly does go ZOOM with style. - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Have been shopping for a while when I started looking at the MPV. I drove one for a day and feel in love. I had been driving a 2002 Explorer. The MPV moves into traffic very quickly. The handling is very impressive. I was also very surprised at the fit and finish. It put my Explorer to shame. For a relatively speaking inexpensive vehicle it is a lot of car of the money....

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  Spend lots of time driving? Buy this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By rom - May 1 - 10:13 pm

  I bought a 2004 Mazda 6i sport sedan after having rented its little brother (Mazda 3) last fall. The 3 was so much fun to drive, I thought a little extra leg room and 4 doors and this would be a sweet car. I did a lot of research and every review I read recommended purchasing the car. The reviews that meant the most were the ones by owners, not tech guys who drove the car one time. This is a great car. I drive 500 miles a week in my sales job and this is definitely a drivers car. Handles like my old BMW. Purrs like my cat. Sometimes I wonder if the engine is running while I am at a light. And after driving a Ford Explorer (gas guzzler) this car laughs at gas stations.

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  Camry Killer? - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By 230SL - May 1 - 8:36 pm

  We were on our way to test drive a new Camry. Took a swing into the Mazda dealer because I knew the design had changed and wanted to check it out. After a test drive we kept our appointment w/ the Toyota dealer. This Mazda has it all over the Camry, I couldnt even get alloy wheels on the LE model (which really pi**ed me off). Short story, we went back to Mazda and got a good deal on a car (so far, 2 mos) that I think is nicer than the Camry (which is a very nice car).

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  Major problem - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Steve - May 1 - 6:56 pm

  Major recall due to an exhaust/transmission design flaw which can cause the vehicle to catch on fire. After driving the car for three weeks, I have been without the car for almost six weeks while Mazda tries to fix the problem. Stay away from this vehicle until the bugs are worked out.

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  Just bought - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Echo1 - May 1 - 11:00 am

  I just bought my 626, used of course, but I think its going to be a good investment. I love the body style and its running great except for the hiccup with first gear. Ive read some of the previous reviews and am worried about the transmission, but my dealer offers a warranty on it for 2 years. I think I will take one persons advice and install a tranny cooler as soon as possible. Thanks to everyone for their great reviews and heads up! I hope this car will take me pretty far.

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  Function and Reliability - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Martin - April 30 - 6:20 pm

  This is my 4th Mazda product,over 20 years without any problems. Mazda produces the most underrated autos on the market. The MPV is the TRUE 1st minivan to have 3rd row fold flat into floor seats. And it is still the only one that has 2nd row seat windows that roll down and the 2nd row captains chairs slide side ways.FACT:The MPV is still the quickest minivan on the market. ZOOM,ZOOM,ZOOM

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  Love this SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By seemmons - April 29 - 3:49 pm

  I love, love, love this car. My tribute currently has 89,000 mi. Its everything a small SUV should be. In the V6 with 4wd, its powerful quick. I spend 2hrs in mine daily, both highway and dirt roads, and its just as stable on the mud as it is on pavement. Im getting around 25mpg. On our first big snow, I hit 4WD, and drove this thing through the mud and 16" of snow up a hill without so much as slip. Its much more stable than I feel the Jeeps are, and when test driving, blew away even the Escape. Mine also has an enormous sunroof, stylish leather and idiot-proof 6 CD changer. There also isnt a dog, a ladder or power tool my hubby and I cant fit in it.