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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  Been a great car- bring it back, Mazda! - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By rwmich - February 5 - 1:30 am

  This has been a great car for 11 years (2001 model), and still going. I have been holding off getting a new car hoping that Mazda will come back with a real minivan- the 5 is too small. I have over 200,000 miles now, and its still going without any major issues. Been thinking about getting something new, but cant justify because this baby keeps on chugging away. It has done the full gamut of use- toting loads of kids to practices and activities, towing my 15 foot sailboat, vacation trips, hauling junk in the cargo zone, canoe on the roof, etc. What a versatile vehicle, and 20 miles per gallon.

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  1 Year Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mdurg - February 4 - 11:46 pm

  Was originally looking for a used A4 or maybe a Jetta when I noticed for the same price I could pick this up new. I drove all of the above and when I found that the Mazda 3 was just as fun to drive as the others it was a done deal. It has great styling, a good amount of power and rides well. Even after a year I still find it fun to drive on a daily basis. Keep in mind this is an economy car. Miscellaneous comments: I put in an aftermarket stereo. I changed the oil at 5k and 10k. I had a recall for an airbag sensor (fixed). The carpets are hard to vacuum. Console intrudes on leg area, and I have short legs.

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  Great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - February 4 - 8:06 am

  When I was shopping for my last car, it came down to the 6 and the Pontiac G6. The G6 was a nice car, but the exterior looks and the availability of a manual transmission made the Mazda more appealing to me. The dealership I bought the car from had the worst customer service Ive ever experienced, but I love the car.

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  My New Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Melanie - February 4 - 4:30 am

  We just traded in a Lexus E300 (2000) for a new 2005 Mazda6 Sports Sedan, 6 cylinder, with all of the options. While its not as plush as my Lexus, it is much sportier and will be lots of fun! It has a roomy trunk and the backseat IS just as roomy as the Lexus. The ride and steering are different -- more like my old Volvo 850 turbo wagon (1996) -- tighter steering and I can feel the road. I really do like this car, though.

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  My Favorite Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Catherine - February 4 - 2:43 am

  This has been my favorite car Ive ever owned. I had a Kia minivan before that I hated. I like that it drives like a car but the sliding doors make it super easy to get the kids in and out. I love the third row seating so we can take Grandma with us sometimes. It has great cargo area for groceries. Agree with the road noise and I wish the front passenger seat had an armrest. Agree that the seats are not comfortable for long drives. Shocked to discover that the side mirrors were not heated. Paint seems to chip very easily and the battery wont hold a charge (but its winter and I dont drive it enough). Transmission does seem to hesitate sometimes. Key is huge.

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  Great purchase - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3 for fun - February 3 - 5:03 am

  Purchased the car in October 2004. The car has GFX package, leather with 5 speed tran. No problems to signal after 8K/7 months of ownership. Car is very stable, feels solid and tight, has a firm but comfortable ride. Engine is very responsive and is a good performer. Car can turn on a dime! , 5 spd tran shifts moothly. Can cruise with ease at 80 + mph.

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  Summer Car - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ric387 - February 2 - 2:50 pm

  Sold a 62 T-Bird and wanted an affordable used convertible as replacement. Tan interior and manual transmission were only requirements and purpose was for a summer car and not as a daily driver. Was not a Miata fan to start with and bought one from a friend mainly because I knew it was reliable and well taken care of. Also liked the fact that it was British Racing Green and a Special Edition fully loaded. Paid half the price I expected to pay for my original choices of z4 or boxster with same age/mileage. So far, so good. Comfort above what I expected. Acceptable motor/wind noise. Fun to drive. No rattles. Look and feel very solid.

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  New Mazda 5 Sport M5 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By MrGary - February 2 - 8:30 am

  I purchased this car on 7 July and so far everything is great. I have almost 200 miles on it but have not had to purchase gas just yet so I dont know how the MPG will be. It is fun to drive and has plenty of room and the sliding back doors make access easy and you dont have to worry about them opening on the street side. The antilock brakes and engine immobilizer make it better for insurance. Over all a very well built car or minivan if you prefer.

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  Great Little Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By R. H. Jackson - February 1 - 4:16 pm

  The Mazda 3 Grand Touring four door is a "great little car". It has more features than most cars in this price category. Comfort and build quality are very good. Attention to detail is amazing for a car of this price.

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  It works for me! - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By EJH - February 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for 4 years and have only had to do routine maintenance and I recently replaced the tires. I love the visibility and although the power is not great, Im not pulling any heavy loads so its perfectly adequate for my daily commute.