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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  Mazda MX-5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tom - July 14 - 5:10 pm

  Great little car for the money.

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  Best car on the road for the price - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By carrie dunnam - July 14 - 4:43 pm

  I have always driven Mercedes - this is the best car I have ever owned - I drive 110 miles a day and it has been a wonderful car. The shift is on the column - probably the space would be less and I would lose those nifty pockets in the dash if it was on the floor.

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  Still new, but great car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By cmn - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Great little car that seems more roomy then you would think. Peppy and great styling inside and out.

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  A standout in a crowd of same old... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Island RX-8 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car since August 03. Having owned all sorts of sports cars coupes, e.g., BMW(2), MB(5) and a few others, I can, without hesitation, say this is one of the best Ive ever owned. It is smooth, well-equipped even without options, quick (but there are faster straight-line cars) and it handles like a dream. Only my Miata has quicker turn-in. The big plus is seating for four adults in a pinch; or plenty of room for two with exceptional luggage space. I can work very well as a daily driver and give breat fun on curvy roads or at an autocross.

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  Euro build style.. without the price tag - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By badM3 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I used to own a VW Jetta VR6, and find a lot of similarities between the Jetta and the Mazda3. I was impressed on the first drive the pickup the 2.3l had. Its been awhile since I owned a 4cyl. Overall, the last 199 miles have been a pleasure. Its comfortable, sharp and nibble handling make quite a package. Driving is believing.

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  Cool Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bluetiger121 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  My only problem is the tranmission is very rough when switching gears especially in the mornings. I ahve the automatic. Other than that LOVE the car!

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  Mazda -The Best of the Best - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By Deb Baranowski - July 13 - 7:16 pm

  This vehicle is my 5th Mazda purchase; Ive had this one for two years and its truly "the best-of-best" in performance and looks. Wisconsin weather challenges all vehicles and this one does not disappoint. Beware, its pricey when it comes due for service work, but its well worth the investment for a performance vehicle; fuel economy could be better, it runs true at 25-mpg on the highway.

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  Fantastic vehicle - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Johnboy - July 13 - 5:53 pm

  I found my 2004 Yellow Mazda3 Hatch at the dealership just calling out my name. The previous owner apparently wanted a MazdaSpeed3 and this was what they traded in. Mine is a 5-speed manual and extremely fun to drive and tour with. Great gas mileage helps me save on my commute to work, and to say that my car turns heads would be an understatement. The ONLY complaint I have on this vehicle is that the stock tires that come with it are HORRIBLE in adverse weather (snow and/or rain). Got 4 new tires and the difference is amazing. Only one issue in 2 years (seat belt sensor) was fixed immediately and has not reappeared.

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  Best Car for under 30k - 2010 Mazda RX-8
  By dj_jbird - July 12 - 11:41 pm

  bought it just before i left overseas... Have only driven it for 6000 miles and I love it!.. Faster then Mustangs and anything close.. I beat Mazdaspeed 3s and 6s that have 264hp.. Rare as heck. 1000 sold for 2010 and Im the proud owner of one.. Love the windy roads with it, you can hit apexs flawlessly and if your tail slides out a bit you can fix it with one finger on the wheel (Ive done it). The interior is spectacular. I looked at WRXs 350 zs and nothing compares to the Rx8.. Dont drive fast in the rain because it tends to slide... and Snow or Ice forget about it... Rx8s are Summer sports cars that like parking in garage

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  Supercharged Miller Cycle Engine - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By JRE - July 12 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I purchased our Mazda Millenia Millenium Edition in February 2001. We absolutely love the 17" chrome rims, low profile tires, smooth accelleration, and the 6 disc in-dase CD changer. Cornering in the Millenia is another plus. My wife loves the 4 season package that we added with the heated seats/mirrors. Overall I love this car! It has great performance, good gas mileage, very stylish, and fun to drive. People are always commenting on how "Nice" the car looks.