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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  I love my Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Susan Marti - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my car this week so this may be premature but I love my Mazda 3. I had test driven a Honda Civic EX and the difference in comfort and features for the same price was unbelievable.

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  Great purchase - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By LarryA - November 6 - 10:23 am

  Just purchased a new Mazda3. Had a wonderful buying experience getting the vehicle for $300 under invoice. So far it seems like a great vehicle.

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  Love my 5!! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Julianne - November 6 - 12:00 am

  I have been driving my 5 for 2 years and I still LOVE it. It handles great and is fun to drive. My only complaint is that the a/c is not strong enough for the length of the car. Anyone in the 3rd row will be sweating in the summer.

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  Loving the rx8 in St. Louis! - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Kris - November 5 - 2:53 pm

  I got a great deal on this car after about 2 years of research. I read everything on the oil consumption, oil weight discussion, and common problems of the vehicle. Ive found that the 2007 has ironed out most of these problems and Im having a BLAST driving it! I walk out to the garage still expecting to see my rusted out s10 I upgraded from, just to fall in love with it all over again. I have the same problems with the heated seats buttons and accidentally turning them off, the cupholders in the front are poorly placed and rarely useful because of this, but other than that, Im pumped. It handles the STL winters no problem too.

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  Great Car, Great Fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Equinox - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Originally wanted a Mazda MP3, and learned to love the Protege5 just the same. Very sporty, extremely unique look, aggresize styling, resembles a BMW M Coupe.

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  First time Mazda owner - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Grossman - November 5 - 2:00 am

  I like the handling and ride; Overall looks both interior and exterior; impressed with interior room. Power is more than adequate - gets up and goes. Does have wind noise which (I think) is attributed to luggage rack. More wind noise when sun roof open but tolerable.

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  KBs Review - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By kabnt2005 - November 4 - 6:00 pm

  I bought an all-new 2005 Mazda 3s, 2.3L, 4-speed automatic transmission. It is the sunlight silver metallic paint with the black w/ red interior cloth. I got every option package on the car (ABS/SAB/SAC Package, Moonroof & 6CD Package, Sport Package, Xenon & TPMS Package, plus the rear wing spoiler). I am in love with my car right now. One problem though, is that after I got my new after-market sound system put in, because of the load in my trunk, now the rear tires are rubbing against the top of the rear wheel wells.

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  2008 Mazda MAZDA3 s Touring - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sal - November 4 - 10:23 am

  I was shopping for a new car, had a 98 Honda Accord for 11 years, needed something sporty and fresh. I really liked the styling of the Mazda 3 and was attracted to the many features and 156 HP. Love at first sight at the dealership, took it for a test drive and was impressed by the tight handling of this car. Have put about 800 miles on it so far, mostly highway miles. I find the mpg is a bit lower than I had hoped for, but it might be that I just cant go slow in this car! So far my best mpg is about 28 when I keep it on cruise control 70mph. So many great features-roomy, stereo is awesome with 6 cd changer, tight cockpit, bright orange instrument panel, safety features-great deal for 17k!!

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  The best selling sports car, EVER! - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Robert Wadman - November 4 - 9:55 am

  Itll get good mileage but, if youre like me, you wont let it. Youll have your foot to the firewall at every stoplight and want to power through every corner. Unfortunately, I recently was forced to sell the car. Because of leg and back problems it became too difficult to get in and out of. I still stand by my rating and was thnking about getting a newer model when my back problems cancelled that thought.

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  Mazda Is Horrible In Snow - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott Mayer - November 3 - 3:40 pm

  I would be happy with my Mazda if it werent horrible in the snow and ice - absolutely ZERO traction. And the braking system they have in it is awful as well - loud and unnerving.