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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  A Great Purchase ! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By 1960vw - July 7 - 10:00 am

  A great little car with plenty of pickup! Very roomy for two adults front and two in back. Very good gas milage.

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  My New Mini- MiniVan ! - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By NAA - July 6 - 4:13 pm

  We were looking for good gas mileage, the right price with optional 6 passenger seating when we spotted a 2008 Mazda 5. It is easy for the kids to open the sliding doors to get in and out. The second row seating is comfortable and has a great bin for toys and cups. Now I can pick up my friends kids or transport family when I need to. The Mazda 5 third row folds down so easily when not in use. I cant believe the ergonomic storage room . I bought a snow blower for my husband and there was no problem sliding it in the back of the car with room to spare. My 64 husband fits in the drivers seat but the glove box in the pass is tight. We are pleased with the overall performance of the 5.

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  Love the look - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Pamela - July 5 - 6:46 pm

  I was captivated by the exterior of the Mazda3 hatch. I had been to Europe before purchasing the car and I liked the the look of many cars there. The Mazda3 looked almost European. The power windows and keyless entry float my boat. Im not used to luxury. The disappointing 24 mpg city surprised me. My very old Toyota Corolla did better than that. The suspension is a letdown. When taking turns I dont feel the tightness of a former Honda Accord. Its very similar to the Corolla. The price at $18,300 is reasonable. "Winning Blue" is an eye popper.

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  Buy this car! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anson - July 5 - 11:40 am

  This is my first Mazda I have ever owned. What a fantastic car. I looked at a lot of other vehicles such as the Passat and Audi A4. I kept coming back to this one. The handling, performance, price and fuel economy made it a hard deal to pass up. The wagon has a ton of room for hauling around just about anything. This car is one of the few that needs little improvement. Buy it and you wont regret it.

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  Excellent car poor man bmw z3 - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By darniz0909 - July 5 - 4:37 am

  i think for the price i paid i got a great value i loved the stick shift experience

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  Love My Miata - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Nativetex44 - July 4 - 11:26 am

  I bought a Miata due to everything I had read about this type of car. All of the reviews agreed on how dependale these cars are. The other factor was the fact that I wanted a fun car to drive to work everyday and the Miata is always described as a fun car.

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  Love it, love it, love it....... - 1999 Mazda 626
  By TJW - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Very nice vehicle - comfortable, excellent ride, all the options without all the cash. Even though I bought used with 41k miles, I wouldnt hesitate recommending this vehicle.

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  An Alfa for the US without the Heartache - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Molson - July 3 - 10:30 am

  1st, now have a company car, so the M3 is asleep during the week. Its so much fun that I decided to keep until end of lease (unless someone wants to buy). Super fine suspension tune (firm, not harsh, well dampened, great balance). Awesome feature content (tilt/tele S/W with audio controls just the beginning). Head-turning looks (doesnt look like an econocar at all, even though its priced like one). Zippy 4-cylinder, though could use a bit more top-end. Still, more than just a grocery getter. Negatives: 2 recalls for airbag sensor, dealer dent in roof (dropped tool, apparently). Needs advanced traction controls(TCS, at least, if not ESP). Tires are junk (why Goodyear still has good rep is beyond me.

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  New to Roadsters - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ron & Beverly Nezat - July 3 - 5:10 am

  The fact that my wife and I have logged over two thousand miles of fun in this automobile are the best statement of our impression. I seleceted the MX-5 over The Mustang GT rag top. The Mustang will push you back into the upholstery as long as you go in a straight line. the MX-5 on the other hand is an absolute "Driving experience"! We recently spent a weekend in the mountains of Arkansas. I have never had so much fun. The Six speed manual in the MX-5 is perfectly matched to the engines spunky performance. Climbing and descending in the hills and curves is this cars specialty. Never have driven a car that was so much pure driving fun.

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  It is not BMW but it is fun to have - 2012 Mazda CX-7
  By tatoscars - July 2 - 11:01 pm

  First of all its by far one of the best good looking crossover SUV out there inside and outside. no other SUV has the sportiness front bumper and fernders as this model. the dash borad is ergonometry and very legant with the double decker and large speakers place on strategely all over the vehicle. It drives very smoothly and yes it does not have a lot power but it has enough to pass many cars and to take quick evasive action if need to. Of course it does not perform like a BMW or other type of high performace more powerful vehicles but it cost way a lot less than those. It is an excellet car for the money I paid and definately for the savings on the cost of maitenance.