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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  Beauty is only skin deep - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By conway - August 18 - 3:33 am

  Love the styling, big wheels, turbo engine, only had to return once for minor issues. Dislike premium gas, jerky shifting, poor sight lines, poor fuel economy, dash hard to see for shorter driver.

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  Luxury for less, but watch out. - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By joutlaw - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Millenia very cheap from a bank at loan value. The car was in good condition with 69K miles. After purchasing I found out the 60K mile tuneup was never performed. I went to the dealer and they wanted $1500 for the tuneup. You can get them dirt cheap, but your paying to maintain a $30K car. Ive had some other small issues with the car like the serpentine belt tensioner coming loose. It sounded like a blown engine, but it was just the tensioner bouncing against the block. The transmission is terrible. Its very indecisive. Also, resale is terrible since the car is no longer made.

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  very poor transmission design - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Shaun Petross - August 18 - 2:00 am

  when having the tranny flushed you cannot change the filter out unless you take the whole transmission out my transmission is out at only 78,000 miles and to repair will cost half the value

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  Great fun to drive car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Jezz - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This car never gets old. Every time you drive its like the very first time. The gear ratios are a little short, 4th and 5th gear could be taller, but the car handles great, and is loads of fun. Interior is on par with a german luxury car, good finish on all the trim and plastic on the dash and interior. the entire car is just designed and put together with thought.

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  Great! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ElvishKitten - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I love it! Its a great car and fun to drive.

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  RX8 - Wow - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dlwoolums - August 18 - 2:00 am

  The rotary engine feels like it is directly connected to the gas pedal. When you decide to go, it JUMPS at the chance.

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  Most pleasing car Ive owned! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bruce Emmons - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I bought the GT V6 - 5 spd. Auto. with the ground effects package. It is the best handling & driving 4 dr. sedan that I have ever owned (I have owned over 60 cars). Handling is excellent, cornering is smooth & predictable. Brakes are excellent. The 5 spd. Auto. Trans. works excellent. The 6 cyl. engine has excellent power expecially for passing, mileage is good (30 - 32 m.p.g.) and the sounds it makes when accelerating are addictive. There is nowhere I would rather be than behind the wheel of this car!

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  What a LEMON! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ihatethiscar - August 17 - 1:03 pm

  My engine light keeps going on.The dealer fixed it three times and the engine light went off again. I think the car cant handle the cold. With 10 months & 4,000 miles, I should be ok. Car slides all over the road and wont stop on snow covered surface; mechanic blames 17 inch tires. Dont buy this lemon!

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  Good buy for the price - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By lkiersh - August 17 - 8:46 am

  Love the truck, runs and handles great. My evaluation was that MAZDA offered the best package of this SUV compared to FORD Escape or Mercury Mariner. Downside is, no passenger operated power door locks. No daytime running lights offered. No tinted windshield offered (upper band). No backup warning system offered. Spare tire under the vehicle is a minus.

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  Mazda 2 after 250 miles. - 2013 Mazda Mazda2
  By mikeinct - August 17 - 7:54 am

  I had concerns about the Mazda 2 based on other reviewers reports. So far my experience has been very positive. I almost bought a Honda Fit base. But for less money I bought the Mazda2 Touring MT. My feeling is that the Mazda is sportier and more fun to drive. Also I am finding that with careful use of the stick you can get much better economy than reported by EPA. On stop and go commute my mpg is mid to high thirties. I have yet to spend much time on the highway but I wont be surprised to see over 40. I like the interior and the exterior. The build quality is evident. Everything inside and on the dash is intuitive. More later...