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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  Great value and fun to drive - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Jeff Linihan - January 30 - 4:13 pm

  When we finally decided that we needed a minivan we decided to purchase a MPV. We had a positive rental experience with the Mazda on a trip to DC. My wife loves the size. I like the way it drives. Not to mention that we paid less than $21k for a LX with rear air, 6 disc changer and roof rack. We have put 70k miles on the van and we bought it new 4/02. The only trips to the dealer was for the check engine light (wife left the gas cap off). No transmission problems here. We have taken the MPV on several 8 to 11 hour trips to the beach with all of our gear with no complaints about comfort. We are currently kicking around the idea of buying another MPV from the same dealer this spring.

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  Buy one before theyre gawn! - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Lee - January 30 - 9:10 am

  Ive owned 15 different Volvos whilst living in Sweden ... and for the price, this vehicle is a winner. Looks, comfort, style, economy, height/ clearance, sound system, most details, handling, quietness and fun driving. So far, it seems worth its price.

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  I LOVE my Miata! - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By wolfwood - January 29 - 6:06 pm

  There is NOTHING about this car that I would change (& Im not yet convinced the 06 body restyling is an improvement). Even my mechanic loves it & is disappointed to only see it for Spring tune-up & Fall storage prep. The car lives in NH & handles A LOT of rough weather without a whimper. Now that its 5 years old, I pamper it a bit more and store it for the winter. Mid-November is a sad time. Dreamed of owning a Miata from 1st release and finally jumped in 2000 when I saw it in British racing green/tan. CLASSIC! Wish Id done it sooner but at least I did eventually & NEVER looked back. Never much cared about what I drove as long as it was fairly decent. I LOVE THIS CAR! Its more than a car - its part of my spirit!

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  Great vehicle - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By cyn - January 29 - 2:43 pm

  Bought this van new. Its been very dependable. We have only done basic repairs of things that wore out, brakes, tires. I love the handling, and the fact that it is a little smaller than other minivans. Hate the look of most boxy vans. Hope it keeps going for another 4 years!

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  MAZDA 3-2006 TOURING 4DR SEDAN - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Arnold McLemore - January 29 - 11:06 am

  I am very pleased that I purchased the Mazda-3. I must say the styling of this vehicle is sporty and not cheap looking for a economy car. Im very impressed with the performance of this vehicle. My main reason for a economy car was for gas mileage. If youre looking for a reasonable car w/style and performance I definitely recommend this car. Ive looked at Toyota Corolla and Toyota Matrix which are very nice cars, but the Mazda-3 beats them all to me.

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  2002 Millenia S - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By milleniaman1 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Awesome value for the money. For $10K less than a similar Mercedes C-Class or Lexus ES300, this car was too hard to pass up. Its fun to drive and I always get compliments on it.

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  cheap car - 1999 Mazda 626
  By master g - January 29 - 10:00 am

  the door seals came apart, it has no abs brakes so braking is bad, the power windows are really slow to close or open, radio is cheap, ride is smooth but turns are scary if speed is high, resale value is poor.

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  great, cheap, good-looking car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By patcmcd - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Great bang for the buck; who needs a more expensive car even if you have the money?

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  Miata Equals Fun - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By KAG Miata - January 29 - 3:53 am

  Miatas are pure driving enjoyment. Simple and lightweight they thrive on winding roads. My 2000 has 32000 miles on it and has been rock solid reliable. The body is rigid, with only mild cowl shake. Interior space is OK if youre under 6 feet. A tilt wheel would be nice, but otherwise, the dash layout is clean and easy to read. The manual tranny is easy to shift with short throws. One of the nicest benefits of a Miata is that you dont need to spend a fortune to have fun. Im sorry I waited so long to get one.

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  Now I know why they say "Zoom Zoom" - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Amy - January 26 - 9:06 pm

  I LOVE my car!! This is my first Mazda! I had traded in a Chevy Cavalier which I had really enjoyed - until I test drove this car! I have the Grand Touring Hatchback. The moonroof is nice and I love the Bose speakers (the sound quality is excellent) and the leather interior is very comfortable! I drive a lot of city miles and average about 22.5 mpg. When I go on trips though and am on the highway I am getting more like 30 mpg! I am very happy with my purchase!