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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  One great little truck - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By John - April 19 - 3:40 pm

  This truck is packed full of features. I went for the 6 cyl and I am pleased I did. The 4 cyl was not as strong and I wanted to haul my enclosed trailer with it. Would I buy another? Yes!

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  LOVE MY PR5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By katielyles502 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Its just an all around great car.

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  The Best - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By bandhwoods - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my RX-8 for a little less then a week now and I absolutely love it!! The style originally caught my eye, but the way it handles and the power is what finally won me over! I didnt think anything could get me out of my Camaro, but the RX-8 sure did it. Love the velocity red with leather interior.

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  Excellent - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By lilshortii4689 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  its great. I love the car. I am 18 and i am so glad that my parents bought me the car. It is an absolute dream car!

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  The RX8 experience. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jack Hurley - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Mazda has done an excellent job as it relates to design an performance. Not withstanding the fact that the RX8 is a "head turner" it is also a charm to operate. The interior is well thought out with a great design. The RX8 is everything and more, a great driving experience!!!

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  Sharp 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By LMF00 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2003 MAzda6i. As soon as i got in this car for a test drive i fell in love! The way it looked inside and out, the sporty feel, the automanual transmission, and just the little features that most car companys just look over (like the steering wheel controls)all of this made me a buyer. I love it when i go somewhere and people are looking at my car and they go "what is that?" Then they say "man that thing is sharp!" My husband and i fight over who is going to get to drive it for the day :-). As long as this car is reliable i will have it for a while.

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  Best one yet - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Rachel - April 18 - 8:06 am

  Bought new and have no regrets. I have the car maintained regularly and it is garage kept. It has not broken down on me yet and the repairs have really only been maintainance items. Best car I have ever owned in terms of reliability.

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  Fooled by the looks - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By jdagosta - April 18 - 4:30 am

  What a shocker. Our last four new car purchases had been Toyotas. We were lured in by the sporty look of the CX-5, and claims that its reliability was comparable toToyotas. The salesman hyped the CX -5s maintenance free transmission. About a week after our purchase, the transmission failed completely and required replacement. No support, no apologies, from the dealer. We wont be fooled again. Back to Toyota

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  Fun, flexibile little car; great value - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By cheddar_brett - April 17 - 9:47 pm

  This car punches above its price. As I write this, Ive had the car for about a year and have but 16K miles on. I wanted a wagon or hatch that was fun to drive. This was cheaper than the alternatives I considered. This car replaced my 2-door 2004 Accord EX V6 coupe, and with 2-kids and a hatch for their stuff and my hobbies, a nice upgrade. A smaller overall car, but bigger on the inside than the Accord. It is great for what I need - commuting (including dropping kids at school), weekend run-about car with the fam, occasional weekend trips, and space for chores and hobbies. Its been a year, and Im thrilled with this car.

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  Not bad, but could be better - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By TedS - April 17 - 5:20 pm

  After 7 months of ownership Im pretty pleased with the vehicle. It has reasonable performance and exceptional handling for its size. The engine is quite refined and powerful for the displacement and the transmission shifts seamlessly between gears. It has good interior room and versatility allowing it to swallow a lot of stuff when it needs to. The one down side was that Ive already had to have the transfer case replaced because it wasnt sending any power to the rear wheels. Thats disappointing in a new vehicle. On the other hand, the dealer did a stellar job of handling the repairs and providing me with a loaner vehicle while it was in the shop.