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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  The Class-Leader - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eliot Rebensdorf - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 2.3 litre model with 4-Speed Sport AT automatic early this month and so far the car is excellent. The engine has great performance in low rpm range and you get greatly rewarded when traveling into the upper rpm range. The interior design and execution is almost perfect. The gauges are great to look at and easy to read. The dash is simple and offers unique immulating features. The only complaint is cheapish plastics scattered throughout the cabin, but for this price, who cares? The exterior looks are fabulous and the 17-inch wheel s and tyres make the car handle just like our BMW. Its a great car. Without a doubt, the class leader.

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  04 Mazda 6i auto - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By rblessed - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great everyday driver for work. If you can opt of the V6 it is worth it. However, I do a lot of driving in Home Health and miles per gallon is important to me so the 4 cyl benefited me. I like to do my own shifting, but in todays traffic pay the extra for an automatic. I looked into everything in this price range 22K and the Mazda offered more spunk than other manufacturers. If you reside in San Antonio, Texas go to the IPAC dealership and speak with John B. (Manager), Reggie A, or Eddie G. They were AWESOME!! I have only had the car a day so I cannot comment on reliability at this time. The car is great.. it sells itself.

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  Mazda 6 is fantastic! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By nast2073 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  My Mazda6 is a beautiful piece of machinary. This car has a lot of style and class. Very fun to drive! It feels like its worth over 30G`s. I had the Mazda MX3 and now with the 6...I am a huge Mazda fan.

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  Great Little Car - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By John - January 17 - 11:36 am

  Great mileage, at times getting 36+ on the interstate. Other than routine maintenance, never had a problem with almost 85,000 on the odometer. Highly recommend this car.

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  Check other Better Cars - 1999 Mazda 626
  By AnandCR - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I would advice not to go for it. The Transmission by Ford is useless and all these years they cant even build a simple automatic reliable transmission. Transmission sucks and produces knock on very shift on a stop and go stop and go road.

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  What a great VAN ! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Gundam - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Just bought one and fall in love in driving this VAN. You dont feel like driving a VAN, thanks Mazda designed something different, big sun roof, side window roll down, monster 9 speakers sound systems, it is just a great one. Bought a ES 02 White w/GFX package in May. Power door is really nice and quick, 17" rim are excellent, handling is good, very easy to park, and more .... believe me, if your family size is small (small for me is less than 6 people), get this one, dont get the bus ! You wont regret it. Zoom-zoom !

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  Needs VROOM VROOM - 2000 Mazda 626
  By fastmov4 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 626 4-cyl auto. a year old and 14K on the odometer. It has been a great car! This is a superb highway car and handled an Ohio winter on all- season radials with no problems. The steering feel on this car is simply outstanding. You just point the car where you want to go and it goes! Overall, I would buy this car again in a heartbeat!

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  Bad Experience. Good Timing - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By doreen - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I just want everyone to know, I test drove a brand new Mazda Tribute that only had 35 miles on it and it stalled while I was in the car with the salesperson. That is not good

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  Great little machine - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By B2300 - January 17 - 6:56 am

  One of the best vehicle buys I have ever made. Great mileage (28-33). No problems so far. Inside door handles have come somewhat loose and sometimes rattle. Mazda makes a great vehicle.

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  Fun To Drive - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Wally - January 17 - 6:33 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive. Before making the purchase I did a lot of research and drove almost all of the comparable sedans. I compare the Mazda 6 to the VW Passat, and I really feel they are quite comparable in ride and handling. I just really feel for the money there is not a better deal out there. I have averaged 27 MPG in mixed driving situations, which is quite an improvement since I almost always am a Mopar/Chrysler/Dodge guy. I like the fact the car is assembled in the USA by UAW workers. That was really the tipping point in my decision to purchase this over a Mazda 3, or some other sedan.