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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  Are you kidding me? - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By 10M3guy - September 21 - 8:16 am

  I have been waiting for Mazda to come out with this car since last summer. It is everything I was looking for. I really like it a lot. The ride is smooth and quiet but firm. Some may say it is too firm but those people should be driving a corolla or civic. It accelerates well and has very little engine, road, and wind noise. On rough surfaces you have some noise from the low profile tires but nothing to be concerned about. Everything seems to be in just the right place. Big people need not apply as this car is just not built for them. It is obviously made for us smaller folks. I will post again after I have put some miles on it but so far so good.

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  I Liked It - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By Mojo - September 19 - 6:50 pm

  I havent had many problems. I had to get the ball joints on the front replaced and new rotors. I cemetric pabs on when I changed the rotors and new tires. I also have a hard shell cab on it. I avg my miles almost every time I get gas and it comes out to 19mpg combined which is fine with me, I knew when buying a truck I wouldnt get great gas mileage. I want a GMC Sierra 1500 ext cab now only b/c its bigger. I wouldnt mind keeping this as a daily driver though.

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  Beautiful, sporty, and inexpensive - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Martay - September 19 - 2:50 am

  I bought the Mazda3 because I thought that its price was a bargain, and because Mazdas have a good reputation for reliability and good handling. The car has delivered in every respect. One thing I hadnt planned on was how nice looking the car is. Mine is red, and people constantly comment on how nice the car looks. It has a nice stance and good lines. Im a fairly big guy, and I fit into the car easily. The seats slide very far back and there is a lot of headroom. I strongly recommend this car to anyone in the market for a smaller car.

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  No regrets - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mikgal0 - September 18 - 5:00 am

  Im always a little wary of buying the first model year of car but Im over 11,000 miles with not the first problem. Excellent handling and ride with good acceleration thta could use a little more torque in the lower RPMs of first gear. A little thirsty for gas especially if driven fast. I tend to average about 19 MPG. I love the short throw gearbox and tight steering. A really fun car to drive.

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  Manual Mazda Forever - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By roger bower - September 17 - 5:33 pm

  well built,good priced,good looking/performing,reliable,roomy hatchback .. glad I chose the 6spd man over the auto .. way better performance and much more fun to drive .. would recommend to every owner to change out the original air- filter element with K&N, I noticed a huge improvement .. gas mileage is still disappointing for a 6spd man .. I got better gas mileage out of my old 2.5 Altima with four spd auto

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  Solid, Economical Car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Shoegirl - September 17 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car, no problems, good gas mileage.

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  Protege 5 (mp5) - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By astra - September 17 - 10:00 am

  great car, best car that i ever drove

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  MPV, a best kept secret - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By bobslv - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely no problems after 3 1/2 years and 28,000 miles. Used mainly for trips but very capable for city traffic and parking. The small (2.5 l) 6 engine is just fine unless you love to play Le Mans racer. This is not a minivan for macho drivers.

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  zoom zoom - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Guzmania - September 17 - 10:00 am

  What a great car to own and drive. I have never owned a car that has received more comments than the 10th anniversary Miata. It is so much fun to drive even on long trips. Might be cramped for anyone taller than 511", though. Great road trip car. Handles nicely and is rally fun to drive. Have not had one ounce of trouble with the car! Very reliable.

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  MAZDA TRIBUTE, FUN TO DRIVE - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By TRIBUTE OWNER - September 17 - 10:00 am

  JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE . MY WIFE AND I CANT WAIT TO TAKE IT ON VACATION IN A COUPLE WEEKS. ITS A LOT OF FUN TO DRIVE. WE HAD A HONDA CRV AND IT WAS SMALLER THAN THE TRIBUTE, WE LIKE THE EXTRA SPACE WE HAVE AND THE EXTRA HORSEPOWER. IT RUNS EXCEPTIONALLY WELL AND HANDLES REAL GOOD.