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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  sporty practicality - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By thejsofa - May 15 - 3:40 am

  After long research and many test drives, new and used of wagons, crossovers and small SUVs, this first year wagon stole our hearts. You get a nice, clearly designed wagon with some zoom and great handling from a company with good reliability. We thought it blew away the Toyota Matrix, Subaru and Saab as well as the others.

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  2007 MX-5 with power hard top - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By chris - May 14 - 12:50 pm

  The MX-5 with power hard top draws a lot of interest. The top works easily and I dont notice the extra weight. The trunk space isnt compromised either. With the top up, however, there is a huge blind spot on your left side so adjust the mirrors carefully. Im six foot three and I fit comfortably. The copper red mica is attractive without screaming "look at me". The engine is willing and scoots quickly. The transmission shifts lightly, but even with the 6 speed, it seems like it needs another gear when cruising on the freeway.

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  mazda - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By moreno4630 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I just love the suede seats on this vehicle..plus is loaded at a really good price

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  It eats Gas as if there is no tomorrow - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By It is a Guzzler - May 14 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute drives well but it is an absolute guzzler. The sticker says 18/23 but it is more like 14/17. When you add in the fact that I only use 89 or 93 Octane gas, and ONLY purchase from a big name gas station such as Mobil or Amoco, I can only guess that the numbers on the Sticker would be reached if you drive in a place called Fantasy Land. Those people at Mazda must have been drinking something when they came up with that inflateable and untrue gas mileage number for their sticker. If I knew the real deal I would have purchased a different SUV.

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By JRBauman - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my RX-8 about a month ago. I LUV this car. It is so much fun to drive. I live in Texas, and not many people know what it is..It is funny to see people watch my car, there are some major downsides to owning this car though. 1. The gas milage SUCKS 2. The automatic needs more horsepower. 3. taking care of the engine is a pain in the butt. You have to add oil every 3 or 4 gas fill-ups, You have be carefull not to turn your car off right after you start it, so if you are looking for a low mantainence car this is not the car for you. I love it, so I dont mind it too much.

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  Great SUV! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By stadiumnuts - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with the Mazda Tribute.

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  No regret - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By NK1982 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned Titanium Gray Mazda3 for about 3 months now. It comes with everything, including the navigation system. Of course, Ive found ups and downs since I bought it but for the overall part, Im very plased with it. Its a smart buy!

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  Mazda 3 Hatchback - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sakkarilius - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Dealerships said there was shortage of Mazda 3. Hard to budge on price. Compared this car to Toyota Matrix and Subaru Impreza/Forester. Mazda3 was best performer. Car had lots of safety feature including ABS, side air bags and curtains. Also Xenon HID headlights and tire pressure monitor. Hatchback comes standard with 17 inch alloy wheels. I made my purchase in May. There were no rebates and 3.9% financing is a bit higher than Toyota (0 to 1.9%) or Subaru (1.9%). If you can wait till August, you may get a better deal. The leather seats were kinda cheap looking but aside from that the car is built very well.

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  Mazda Sp 2.3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By culinarykid - May 13 - 9:40 pm

  I love my Mazda3 SP 2.3. I have the navigation, Bose system, 18 inch rims and brown leather. I am telling you for the price of the car and the things you get, its a awesome car. I can not tell you how many people roll the windows down on their car to tell me how sharp my car is. The color is great too. The color on the SP you can not get on any other Mazda car. Thats what also makes it special. If I had to tell anyone who was looking into a new car I would totally tell them to look at the 3.

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  Sorry I brought a Mazda - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Kim - May 13 - 7:13 pm

  Since I had this car its been in the shop about 7 times already included the recall. The biggest problem was the replacing the Turbo Charger it has excessive wichage through its internal seal. This is a brand new car. Remember I only had this car for 9months.My first car was a Mazda Triubet truck. This is my first brand new car. I didnt want to go back o a use automotive. I problemly shoud had went to a use one. Now owning thi car I dont fill proud about my new car I fill hurt.