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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  WOW! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Scott - July 2 - 2:00 am

  My family and I love this car! It has ample room for a family of four with the flexibility to accommodate two other passengers for playdates. We love this vans athletic profile and performance. It has a lot more kick than what you would expect from a 4-cylinder minivan. We have the autostick transmission with power sunroof and 6 CD changer. I tell everyone I know who is considering a minivan to buy this car.

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  1999 Mazda 626V6LX - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Donaldavid - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car, it has not cost one cent in repairs, handles very well, has plenty of power, and is very quiet. I am a Mazda fan, as this is my 3rd Mazda and I have no complaints about any of them. Just as good as an Accord or Camry for a lot less money (although the resale value is not as good). I cant wait to buy the new 6, but will have to wait till this one is paid for.

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  A better G20 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By santag - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I replaced a 95 G20 with this car. It is $5K less with more features. I have a fully loaded 5sp (leather, ABS, Moonroof, auto dimming mirror, security system) except for the roof rack. Fun to drive. I can understand why Car and Driver rated it #1 in 6/2002 issue. Doesnt match my Miata but I would rate it very close to the G20 if not better.

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  2000 Mazda MPV LX - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Michael Oglesby - July 1 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is wonderfully designed and fun to drive. It features a sleek exterior look and a sporty interior look with the wood-look trim. It is different than most minivans.

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  You cant beat it! - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By schmammel - July 1 - 10:00 am

  You can get a car that is more fun, faster and merginally better handling. But only if youre willing to pay another $8000 at least!

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  Its great...but light - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By littlepriest - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Having bought my tribute three months ago and 5,000 miles ago I so far only have one complaint. It is so much lighter than my 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee...I have had problems with zoom zooming too fast around turns and sliding. Road noise is not too much of a factor. The gearshift for some reason doesnt bother me at all. Nice stereo with the luxury package. Another complaint, I know I said only one earlier but I think that this is just a fluke, the power to my rear view mirror (temperature and compass) cuts on and off...some electrical problem there that I am sure the good people at Lawson Mountain Mazda will fix pronto. Great Car!

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  so-so for the 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sillycat - July 1 - 6:03 am

  I thought the 3 was an awesome car, very cute and sporty, but at 3559 miles, it needed a new engine, due to spinning a bearing. Very disappointing! The dealership was not that great at helping me through the situation. I am looking at selling it, because I can no longer trust it.

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  Great Car - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robert - July 1 - 4:26 am

  Had been looking at Avalons, BMWs, Lexus, & Audi. Had pretty much decided on a Lexus ES350. Then on a whim we stopped to look at the Mazda 6 and bought a Grand Touring S with all the bells and whistles. Its as good or better than any of the above named cars for a lot less $$. This is my second Mazda. The first was a 92 MX3 that I commuted in for several years. Put 160+ thousand miles on that one with no complaints.

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  Very Pleased with Quality - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Al - June 30 - 11:10 pm

  Waited for this much improved model to be available; we are not disappointed. Quality of workmanship is superb. Body is solid as is performace; interior design very user friendly. For the price this vehicle is worth every dollar.

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  WELL Pleased - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jooleanne - June 30 - 1:40 pm

  In the 4 years I had my car, I didnt have any problems with it. I LOVED it and planned on having it for 10 years. I was recently rear-ended. Heavy impact and I suffered no bodily harm.