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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  2005 Mazda RX8 Shinka - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By JASHNKA05 - May 8 - 4:56 pm

  I bought my 05 Mazda RX8 Shinka April 11, 2005 after selling my 2001 SVT Mustang Cobra in March. The Shinka does not have enough torque like the Cobra did but holds the road substantially better than the Cobra. Its an all around fun car & I would recommend it to all age groups.

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  mini-mini sports van - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Forrest - May 8 - 11:56 am

  I have nothing but praise for the Mazda5. I love the way the car hugs corners, moves quick with 5 speed manual, looks sporty not like a minivan,and has good visibility.

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  2 year review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark Skinner - May 8 - 12:00 am

  have owned for 2 years now - no unscheduled trips to dealer. Great reliability, very comfortable, the 4 doors and hatchback are very useful. Only wishes - about 40 more horsepower, a better stereo, and a 5 speed auto.

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  Dont buy a Mazda. Buy American. - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By TinaJones - May 7 - 5:43 am

  When we bought the Mazda, we thought it was like a Toyota. Will keep running and running. Wrong, wrong, wrong! We have had it towed to a local garage because it just would not start. The garage tried to just get a design for the motor so they could make sure everything was where it was supposed to be. Mazda would send them a design if they would pay $169.00. Had it towed to a dealership, thought it was fixed. Ran hot on us when we went out of town for my sons state track meet. It was 100 degrees and when the mazdas run hot, the air does not work. It is not recommended for the south. We did not even make it home, our other son had to come and get us 30 miles away from our home.

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  A good reliable van! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Doug - May 7 - 4:23 am

  Bought this van used in 2004 with 34k miles. Has been a great van. Two problems worth mentioning: The transmission has a rough shift from time to time. And I had some engine work done 2 years ago. Now I have 116k on it and no other complaints. Thinking of selling it due to my plan to take a long road trip this summer. Not sure. I would highly recommend this van. Handles like a car-better then any others I have driven. Has held its value rather well.

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  MPV out-STANDS other minivans - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By AlbertC - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Looking for a car with a decent amount of room, cargo space, ground clearance at an unbeatable value, we landed on a 2003 Mazda MPV LX. This SUV look-a-like has great handling, space with a decent amount of power. taking long road trips can be a bit of a hassle with the seats;riding for more than an hour, you get a numb feeling in your rear. The rotten egg smell of the sulfur was there for a while but quickly vanished. Great minivan for a small family and an optional rear-air conditioning is a must!

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  Cruisin Hawaiian style - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By HawaiiRX8 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Sprots package with auto trans. Lots of positive comments reagarding styling. Unusual layout of interior gauges and switches, but workable. Car is rock steady at speed and highly maneuverable and responsive. Air contioner is a bit anemic and could be colder as well as quieter. Ride is firm and reassuring, but not uncomfortable. Gas mileage is fair(18mpg), but could be better.

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  Well Designed 3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdaboi - May 6 - 3:30 am

  After numerous mazdas I fell into another one. The new 2010 design was not all that catchy at first, but gradually grew on me until I broke down and just bought one. Very comfortable, sporty, and fits a family of 4 comfortably. Car seats work well in the rear. Very nicely engineered and designed transmission with 5 gears, little to no "shift-shock" almost feels like a CVT. Really cant complain at all. Great price and extremely high crash ratings compared to others. A++ Mazda.

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  Unbelievable Vehicle - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Gaurav Malik - May 5 - 4:56 pm

  Went to Niagra from Wisconsin. Used less than $120 of gas with 6 passengers. Awesome experience.

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  Great First Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By jax - May 5 - 6:20 am

  This is my first car and it has met and superseded all my expectations. As all others I love the handling and the acceleration is great. It looks great, a lot better than the new 2010 (smiley face and ugly tail lights). I have driven 27,000 miles in one year and it runs great with no problems. Get a car bra to protect the paint if you drive on highways often, otherwise it will surely get chipped. The tires are a bit skittish in wet conditions although was fine in snow and I live New England.