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 Little Strato Blue Wagon That Could - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Davicho - April 4 - 2:56 pm

  I bought my MZ5 used with 41000 miles which is a little more than normal but seemed very well taken care of. I sold my 2003 Honda Accord Coupe and bought it to replace it, and I do not regret it one bit. I totally love this little wagon. Sporty in and out, awesome handling, peppy, room for six or fold up the seats and have an enormous carrying capacity. Love the slider doors, although many people including my sons tease me for driving a minivan, nonetheless, all the attributes this wagon brings to the table over compensates for the mini-van label, I prefer to call it a "Sport Wagon". My average MPG city and highway combined is a steady 22-23 and I have gotten 28- 29 on pure highway driving.

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  Fun sports car for fairly mild $$ - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By tkmmusic - April 3 - 9:46 pm

  What a fun car to drive. Even makes going to the supermarket enjoyable. Very reliable, definitely sporty (but not brutally so) -- as a matter of fact, other people that have driven it or have ridden with me have all commented on its smoothness. It also has a surprising practical side -- you can carry quite a bit of stuff in it when necessary. Im very happy with it.

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  Thank God for extended warrenties! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By fallen_angel - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Mazda brand new and I loved all the extras my Mazda had..it was fully loaded.I am in sales and am in my car for hours a day. The seats get uncomfortable after a while. Thank god for the extended warrenty because as soon as the factory warrenty expired I started having problems.Every time I took it to the dealer to be fixed they said it was fine, or they fixed it...but they didnt. Also,it was the worst car I have ever driven in the snow. It would slide all over the place and do 360s into snow banks when it wasnt even bad out.

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  Awesome car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dobby - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Just got my 3 sport GT with every options except leather, awesome in every points except the ride is a bit stiff to me. I had saturn, vw and Gmc and by far, even if it is the cheapest car i ever bought it is the better. All the wipers thing is very well designed, as well as all the buttons on the steering, to be short, every feature is amazing except the stiff ride and tiptronic transmission which is not as sporty as i would have think.

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  Classy Appearance - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jchris - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I saw one on the road and was immediately drawn to it back in 2000. I went to look at one right away. I was impressed and I thought the exterior and interior complimented one another and was impressed that it seemed to look and feel more like a car than a truck. Overall it fit my desire to not be too sporty or to be too much like a luxury SUV.

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  So far so good! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By ccarlson - April 2 - 5:23 am

  Took some time getting used to after driving a car; felt tippy and had too many column levers, kept turning wiper blades on to put it in gear. I agree with some others that it needs a lighted key ignition, hard to locate in the dark even after 3 years. I had engine light come on first year and a couple recalls but all were fixed in a timely manner by the dealer. Seats were and still are hard as a rock, but holding up well. Love the front wheel drive, rarely need the 4WD. Has good visual all around. Tire & wind noise on the inside is loud. Had 6 disk CD player replaced once, has nice sound. If made a little wider and fixed above items, it would be the ultimate small SUV. Good vehicle!

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  Good Quality - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Edco - April 2 - 4:40 am

  Overall the MPV is good quality but a very hard ride. Having struts instead of shocks makes a big difference in the ride. I get only 21mpg on the road and about 17 in town. The short wheel base also contributes to the harder ride. On a 10 scale I would give the MPV a 7

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  Nothing but problems - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Kassie - March 28 - 1:13 am

  This is my third and final Mazda that I will ever own. I have had nothing but problems with it in one way or another since I drove it off the lot.

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  So Good - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Alex from WV - March 22 - 9:10 pm

  I love my mazda6. It is so fun to drive but yet it is comfortable. They had the grey which turned to have a periwinkle hint in it. Thats my only complaint. Besides that it is the best car I have ever had.

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  beautiful crap - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mika11 - March 21 - 2:31 am

  This I feel is the most sexy looking car on the road BUT.....I put 3 starters in it in 2 years,the visors both split down the middle,various plastic parts broke without reason. I treat my cars like babies.Also,its true....if you are only driving 2 blocks and shut the car off,it wont restart. Trust me....buy an eclipse instead.