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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  awesome - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mrsandcastle - March 28 - 1:00 am

  I have owned this car for about 6 weeks now and I can say I absolutely love it. I originally wanted to get the Grand Touring, but they didnt have any in stock and I picked up the s sport instead and I dont regret a thing. I constantly make excuses to go places just so I can drive the car. I may be one of the few who say this but I like the front grill, I enjoy driving something that looks different from the other cars on the road. I have had many compliments on the car and I couldnt be happier driving it.

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  Great car for the money - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By zoomzoom84 - March 26 - 5:56 pm

  The Value Edition comes very noticeable and usable features such as a power front driver seat, 6 cd changer, and 17" alloys. This immediately puts the Mazda above many of its 4 cylinder competitors. The ride is smooth, the seats are great for sitting in traffic and long road trips, and Ive averaged between 28-32 MPG for mixed driving! The styling is very trendy and the black casing for the tailights and headlights make it look extra sporty! This car is perfect for both commuting to/from work and for cruising around the city. The 5 speed manual shifts smoothly out of 1st and you can really feel the power at the top of 2nd and throughout 3rd. Engine is powerful enough for a 2.3L, 4 cylinder.

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  Still happy after 4 years! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By J-man - March 25 - 8:13 pm

  Bought this loaded out ES model new in 2003 w/ nearly 4K off sticker. My wife drove the car daily but now after 4 yrs its my car. Very fun daily driver. Always liked the sporty firm suspension. Very nice road/steering feed back. Like a 4 dr miata! :o) We took a 12 hr trip and Im a 6 footer so it was a bit too cramped after a few hours (lots of breaks). Ideal small car for most uses. Car still looks sharp after 4 years, and still happy! Gas mileage is near the sticker claim of 30-32 hwy. The small tank means affordable $35 fill-ups @$3/gal. Great Mazda reliabilty and no maintenance issues so far. Still have orig. brake pads after 49k miles. Highly recommend this car for anyone!!

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  Wow - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By bry - March 25 - 6:30 pm

  Great ride. Great handling. Great power. Low price.

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  dont buy this car - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By jay - March 25 - 1:26 pm

  don;t buy buy a mazda millenia , i got this car brand new and after 2 years i had the engine light on so every times is a new problem w this horrible car ,trams, censors, power doors , leaks, and all kind of problems i sold my mazda to junk for 300 cause i dint wanna pay more money , buy a honda or toyota ,

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  hate this car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By cindy - March 25 - 7:23 am

  Have had far too may problems for a new car. Have been to dealer at least 10-12 times for defects, only to be told there arent any - none have been fixed. Dealership not very cooperative, they have a tendency to blame to consumer. My 5 speed does not shift properly - a lot of grinding and jerking, which the dealer blamed on my inability to downshift properly. I have driven 5 speed for 21 years - Ive got it down. The CD player skips even when driving over a stone. It was allegedly replaced - am taking to another dealer to have it "replaced" once again. Had several recalls, which I was only made aware of because I called Mazda headquarters. All in all, wish I never bought it.

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  Mazda MPV a winner - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By two tone - March 25 - 2:00 am

  We love our 2000 MPV. the only downside is the small engine. Everything else is flawless.

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  Why didnt I buy one sooner - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Frank Guido - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I just love driving it all over... Have done several 300 and 500 mile trips and its a hoot!. I used to own a V8 Mustang but the Mustang is a great straight line, stop light to stop light runner and the rumble is a V8 but I am more road racer (which in my opinion is the true racing spirit) then a drag racer so its a ton more fun even though it doesnt have the power. Handling in corners is just fantastic and its agility... :-). One of the most fun and best cars I ever drove.

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  Gettin use to it... - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By sydney - March 25 - 2:00 am

  I like my tribute, which i bought 11/02...i think! Im mostly getting over the mpg shock. okay, i may be a little lead-footed, but i was hoping for better than 20 mpg, mostly highway driving (was spoiled by my previous Mazda GLC and Protege). As for sporty and fun...it is. I hate the placement of the gear shift on the column (it makes it difficult to reach radio controls...do i go over or under the gear stick???) Im still getting use to the blind spot on passenger rear side, and have hit my herbie curbie twice to prove it. Overall, i like it, but like a good pair of shoes, gotta break it in.

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  I love my Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Barb604 - March 25 - 2:00 am

  When they say zoom zoom zoom, they were talking about my car.