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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  Less than reliable - 2001 Mazda 626
  By Drewp - February 22 - 6:16 am

  This car might have been better as a 5 speed manual. I personally would never build a 4 cylinder car with an automatic transmission. It was underpowered and noisy from the beginning. At about 59,000 miles I needed a major tune up and now it has a broken boot and front drive axle and the car has only little more than 70,000. The handling in any weather conditions is sleepy at best. It may be a front drive car but it should be able to control its back end a bit better.

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  Its great and almost practical - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Doug - February 21 - 1:46 pm

  Purchased w/10K miles on it. Have had no problems, just regular visits for O/C, etc. Car has been great (now 20K Mi). You need to get over 4K RPMs to appreciate the car, handling is great and its plain fun to drive. Have used winter Dunlops and aside from high drifts, it drives great on snow. Trunk is deceptively large although back seat is only usable if the front seats are in mid position. Mileage is average and engine burns about 1qt every 1000 miles. For the price its a great value, particularly with the 4yr 50K warranty. A good sportscar option less pedestrian than eclipse or Z. Have owned Acuras, Jags and MBs, this is fun & saves $!

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  Mazda5 Complaint - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By DriverManJones - February 21 - 12:00 pm

  I never thought I’d be filing a Mazda5 complaint, but here it is. Consumer Reports raved about it, so I bought one. What a mistake. If service is even remotely important to you, you will have a Mazda complaint too. My Mazda5 has a bad burning smell coming from the engine into the cabin. It stinks and gives me a headache. I’ve taken it to two different dealerships for service; both simply disagreed with me and refused to do anything. It’s hard to consider any of the pros of this vehicle with this problem present. I was looking forward to a happy experience with this vehicle. The Mazda5 has been a huge disappointment.

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  Great value, great fun - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Bob - February 20 - 4:36 am

  I bought this car used 15 months ago. For the money, its hard to imagine a car that offers the combination of spirited driving, mechanical quality, and inspired style. I also see no more than two RX-8s per month driving in the Chicago area. Its sweet to drive a rarely-seen car among all the bland brands. The car has a cool factor that usually comes with cars twice the sticker price. The only negatives? The paint chips easily and the gas mileage stinks. I knew that going in, though.

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  First Mazda and loving it! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By ffemt86 - February 18 - 6:51 pm

  I have always been a Truck and SUV type guy. Well with the cost of fuel and a hour commute every day to work I had to get rid of the jeep and get a car. I looked and found that the Mazda 3 had more for the buck then other cars. After now having it for 3 months I dont think I could of made a better choice. It has plenty of room for the family and I can even keep 2 strollers in the trunk. I average 30 MPG which is nice on the wallet.

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  Miata--best kept secret - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Roadhugger - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 2000 Miata for my wife in June of 2003. I thought the car was a joke until I drove it. Interior is a little small for me but perfect for my wife. The cars handling is outstanding and cant be beat on those curvy, hilly roads. Maybe a little underpowered at the start but once rolling its got plenty of getup and go. Even with an automatic transmission the economy is great at 26mpg around town and over 30mpg on the open road. Plus the car appears to be well built with perfect alignment of doors, hood,trunk lid and body panels. Im now a Miata nut who leaves his T-top Camaro in the garage and takes the Miata out to burn up the roads.

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  first drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rich w - February 18 - 2:00 am

  after reading other driver reviews i was so paranoid about gas mileage that i clocked my first highway drive carefully. 130 miles all highway at about 70-75 mph. 19 miles /gal which is sort of a relief. i shall return with a more informative update with more miles behind the wheel. but it does not take long for the visual factor to take hold. compliments,stares and comments. really cooool!!!!!!

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  RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By lissavior1 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  After having an RX-7 20 years ago, I was excited when Mazda introduced the RX-8. I purchased my RX-8 in September and it has far exceeded my expectations. This car is fantastic! The handling and acceleration are everything you can hope for in a sports car. The design and styling are sharp. The only warning is the pesky issue of short trips. As I found out, you cant just move the car around your driveway without properly warming it up or taking it around the block or the plugs get spoiled and have to be replaced.

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  mazda6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By nickel - February 18 - 2:00 am

  interior design user friendly and looks great.

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  2nd Year of Use Review - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Marc Mushkin - February 18 - 1:33 am

  My 06 Mazda MX5 is a wonderful little car - "fun to drive" was a phrase I never understood until getting this car. Its great ... but: 1) having the cup holders on the doors is a dumb idea. They rub your thigh and if you ever put a drink there and forget when you open/close the door youll have the drink flying all over (unless its a NASA designed sealed cup). 2) The electronic keys are a disaster: Ive had to change batteries four times in 2 years. One of my keys gave out entirely and it was replaced (warranty, thankfully). They tell me the keys "communicate" with my BlackBerry, so they constantly run the battery down. Really? In any case, this flaw is a real bummer!