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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  2002 626 LX - 4 cylinder / Automatic - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Dan - October 29 - 4:06 pm

  Purchased 2002 626 in May 2006 with 57,000 miles. Car is in good to excellent shape. Getting about 23 MPG in mixed driving. Car has been very reliable and is a good comfortable road trip car for 4 people and plenty of luggage. 4 cylinder motor isnt all that powerful (the 2002 Altima has a much more powerful motor) and road noise is sometimes very noticeable.

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  2008 Mazda 3 Sport GT = Problems - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By darkface23 - October 28 - 11:29 pm

  I cant believe any of these reviews Im reading, so I am moved to write my own TRUTHFUL review. I bought my 2008 Mazda 3 Sport GT new off the lot. I made that mistake once, and I wont make it again!

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  07 Mazda 3 Sport - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By MLC - October 27 - 9:56 pm

  Very happy and look forward to driving everyday! Great gas mileage. Drove to Yosemite and S.F. (over 1000 miles round trip) and only spent $120 on gas. Tight around curves and very responsive handling. Interior noise is sometimes a bit much, but still very happy overall. The best buy Ive made so far in a vehicle.

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  ZOOM-ZOOM - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By JUICE88 - October 27 - 9:53 pm

  Ive owned the car for ten months, so far a pleasant experience. Great value for the money. Definitely a set of snow tires in the winter solves any traction problems.This car is fun to drive.

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  Zoom zoom - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By happy mom - October 27 - 6:36 pm

  I was looking at Toyota RAV4 when I discovered the Mazda 5. This is a much better value and more practica. The RAV4s back seat is barely accessible and has no leg room. Mazda 5 2nd row movable captains chairs are so much better. I love the leather seats. The zippy feel on the road is great too. I have no regrets. My husband is happy too.

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  Mazda 3 2004 hatch back - tire issues - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Leo - October 26 - 4:53 pm

  Ive had the car for about 2 months, and still find it fun to drive. One Major disappointment is the handling on snowy roads. The 17" goodyear all-season tires are totally inadequate. The car fishtails on packed snow.

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  I love my car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By J - October 26 - 4:43 pm

  I love this car so much...has so much pep for an economy sedan. Its extremely fun to drive...has great pickup on the highway and responds to steering input beautifully...manumatic is also fun to drive. I wasnt so happy with fuel economy, but then I realized that its about 2/3 the size of my old Camry tank and that was why I wasnt getting as many miles to a tank. After doing the math, I now get in the mid to high 20s mpg, which I think is decent.

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  Too bad they stopped making them. - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By katolu - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Ford Focus and VW GTI prior to the Mazda. The Ford and VW were cramped (Im 62") while the P5 was very roomy. Im quite happy with the vehicle, however it does lack power and torque. All things being equal Id buy it again.

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  Love this car!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By SMisenplace - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I had researched and driven cars for at least month and never looked at the 6 when I found out that there was not a NAV option on it. That was one of the absolute highest priority options on my list. On a whim I decided to go look at the 6 and to say that I was very pleasantly surprised is an understatement. With little more than a brief glance at this site and a test drive, I was signing the paperwork to leave with my new car. Since buying the 6, just about every car I get into makes me seriously miss driving my own. Based on my experience with this vehicle, there is no doubt that I will be a lifetime Mazda owner.

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  Excleent,dream car made by Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Marianna Woods - October 26 - 10:00 am

  I was earlier driving a Toyota Camry and I must say that the toyota was very good in terms of quality.No problems for the five years that I used it ,considering the mileage that I do annually.However ,after I purchased the Mazda6 ,I was surprised to know that there is something more what you can get in a car than just quality and reliablity .The Mazda6 handles better than most cars that I have test driven in its category like the Accord,the Mondeo ,the passat ,A4,etc.Design was fantastic inside as well as outside .The brakes were also the best in its class .Engine servicing was at half the intervals you would service an Accord or Camry.Seating comfort and