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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  Great - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By prionace - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Mazda 6i (manual) last month. The seats are comfortable and adjustable. The tilt and telescoping wheel is nice. The cabin is generally quiet. Cargo space is more than enough. The handling is great and I now understand what people mean by a car ‘communicating’ with its driver. Shifting in lower gears is a bit of a pain at times, and with low end torque not special, the car is most fun once in 3rd gear. Braking is solid. Sweeping curves are a lot of fun. Gas mileage is good. I have yet to see another Mazda6 on the road since I bought it almost a month ago. Uniqueness, is a very good thing in my opinion.

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  I love to zoom - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Tiger Copy - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I have to say this SUV is all that I wanted. It is so fun to drive and the V6 has the get up and go! I am glad I got the 2004 model because Mazda is changing the 4WD to all the time 4WD in 2005 and I did not want that. I want to be able to turn it on when I need it. I didnt think I could afford this SUV but I was wrong. The dealership I went to was so easy to work with. Go take a test drive yourself and zoom zoom!

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  Rocky Start, - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ted Dyer - February 17 - 2:00 am

  The RX-8 is hands down the most fun Ive ever had in a factory street car. My experience was tempered by a bad rear main seal from the factory. After the first 500 miles I had oil everywhere. Warranty service was outstanding and all seems OK now. Mazdas email response from their website was weak-kneed.

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  MAZDA 3S 4 DR Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ajgbev31 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Excellent handling and performance. Drove Audi for last 6 years and this car has that Euro look. Mazda definitely has a winner here!! For the price, has the best combination of design and fun to drive.

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  Love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By HartOPS4 - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I think this is an excellent car. I went from one of Detroits "best" (a Chevy) to this car. No comparison. The build quality, ride, and value are excellent. Definitely more car for the money.

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  Great Buy - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Iain - February 16 - 10:00 am

  After agonizing over which van to buy for weeks,it finally came down to the Honda or the Mazda. However the waiting list for a Honda and not being able to test drive it turned me off.Mazda with its 0% financing was a great insentive.I am not in the least bit sorry in my decision. The ride is as good as must cars and the handling is out of this world.It is tight with good exceleration.Having formerly owned a Chey Venture the MPV seems like a luxury car.None of those annoying little problems and noises that always seem to have the Venture in the shop all the time.To me it was a great buy for the price,

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  P5 Rocks - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By twentysixtwo - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Overall a great car. Traded in a Volvo S40 and never looked back.

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  Great Fun Car for Guys looking for Toys - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dave - February 16 - 5:56 am

  I amways wanted a little convertable but could never afford one. This Miata is to me what the Model T Ford was to America. Affordable, Practical, Fun to Drive. My wife and I are over 50 and have a great time every week end in this Little Car...in short its great.

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  Best Sports Car for the buck on planet - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jeff B - February 15 - 4:03 pm

  My Miata is incredibly fun to drive, quick, and gets about 29 mpg average. What more can you ask. There may be cars out there that handle better at 100 mph, but at normal driving speeds, Ive never driven anything that handles better & rides better than a Miata. With excellent mileage, great reliability, and great performance, its the guilt-free sports car. I had a Porsche years ago, and this is way better, overall. Its my second Miata, and Ill probably get another one after this. Just dont try it in the snow.

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  Luv it! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Sarah - February 15 - 1:00 am

  I just bought my car yesterday after doing lots of research and I dont regret it. Buying a used 08 with low mileage fully loaded was a much better deal than getting a new 09 base model. The 08 is more fun to drive and it feels very sporty. Plus it has better gas mileage than the 09.