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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  EX NISSAN FAN - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By AKFRIZZ - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. The styling is great.The gas mileage has been very good. The 4 cyl is moore than enough that when you step on the gas you quickly realize that your seeing everyone else in the rear view mirror. Handling is very good on the highway and in the curves.It turns on a dime and stops the same way.The number of standard features is mind boogling. Any one in the market for a new carwill be surprised that THIS DOEST IN ANY WAY FEE LIKE A ECONOMY CAR,AND DOEST LOOK IT AS WELL.I had a corvett owner stop me because he thought it was a new body bmw.

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  Neck Breaker - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Ceejaayxx - March 25 - 8:30 am

  I love taking this car to the canyons. You could really feel the 50/50 balance of the rx-8 there. The cornering is perfect and the stock suspension is so beasty for stock. It looks and feels great. It can seat 4 people and its 4 door! This car is hard to not fall in love with.

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  Remarkable - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By kev1954 - March 24 - 8:23 am

  Ive owned numerous vehicles, this one is thus far the best. Great curb appeal, Fun to drive and classy. Performance is beyond its class.

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  my 2003 mazda pr5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Dan Oriley - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I have not a had any problems with my pr5. I find it exceptionally fun to drive and sporty. Everything in the interior is well designed and easy to access from the drivers seat. The six disc cd changer comes in handy for road trips.Overall I would rate this vehicle very high.

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  MazdaSpeed Miata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Luv2hunt2 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  Mazdas MazdaSpeed Miata, is all that the Miata was, and more. Intercooled turbo, Hart Racing Wheels, new suspension, and new Toyo Proxea tires. The way I figure it, that alone is worth about $3000 if I had done it myself. As close as I can tell, it was about $600 more on the sticker. This is the best value I have ever had, and it runs and handles like stink....

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  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By vrosebud713 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 6 months ago and I love it. I love the design, interior EVERYTHING!! I bought it because I needed something for me and my infant but I didnt want a station wagon. I get the best of both worlds in the car. Its a wagon but its sporty enough that I dont feel like a mom taxi!

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  Supreme - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Kimberly Estrada - March 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the best suv around Mazda is the most reliable car. I have owned a Ford Explorer and it was terrible. I will never buy anything again if its not Mazda. This Tribute has great space in front and back. It is fun to drive has great suspension, etc. I could go on all day. If you need more info. you just need to test drive one and that will explain it all. Besides all the great features the price is right! Ive had 8 people buy a Tribute because they loved mine so much, even my neighbors have them, co-workers, etc. Just do yourselves the biggest favor and own yours now!

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  I love this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mjd926 - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I almost bought a MazdaSPEED Protege, but after the dealer convinced me to test drive the 3, I was hooked! It is almost as fast as the MS Protege, handles on par (for my tastes atleast), and doesnt ride like it is a go-kart. Add to that the fact that I got features like xenon headlights, 6-disc CD, and a moonroof for $2,000 less than the MSP, which didnt even offer those features! It is a great car that seems to be well built. I highly suggest buying one!

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  Excellent car but not for winter - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Happy Mazda Owner - March 23 - 7:23 pm

  Ive been very pleased with my 2007 Mazda 3 Sedan. We had a lot of difficulty finding a car with decent MPG that my 64" boyfriend could fit in. This car has been a joy to own and over the last 2 years Ive only had to replace the battery and do regular maintenance. She has been very reliable and I would change very little about her. I live in Montana and would not suggest this car for winter conditions if you drive much. We manage to get by using our second car for the worst days. Being 2 wheel drive, low to the ground and light in weight is not a combination conclusive to safe winter driving.

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  Mazda Does It Big Time! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Barry626 - March 23 - 9:40 am

  Ive owned 17 new cars in 35 years of driving. This is truly my top 2 car besides my BMW. Car rides flawless & quality is just terrific! I bought my car loaded with sound & navigation packages. Everything works just perfect as it should! I traded my 08 Nissan Coupe & have zip regrets! Anyone that has a bad thing to say is down right jealous or cant afford it!