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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  FUN-FUN! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sugarbums73 - April 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It is awesome and its so much sportier than the 626 ever was, which was what I drove before. I agree Mazda is still managing to keep the ZOOM-ZOOM in their cars to make them FUN-FUN-FUN!! I especially like the 6 because not only is it fun, its safe for my 3 year old son to ride in!

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  2004 Mazda 6s - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By wndcty21 - April 13 - 10:00 am

  My Mazda is the best car for the price on the market. Besides the sporty look the classic 4-door appeals to all genders. The V6 is a must and the acceleration is prime during heavy traffic. I love this car and you will too.

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  R3 is Brilliant! - 2011 Mazda RX-8
  By sm108 - April 13 - 5:22 am

  If you are a true enthusiast, the RX-8 R3 is for you; I drove the usual suspects- 370Z, G37s, 335i, all are great cars However, the way this car comes together, the hand-in-glove feel you get, the intoxicating sound, and the perfect steering and shifter, and firm yet comfortable suspension tuning make this car truly special. You have to know how to drive to let this cars brilliance shine through- there is nothing like it. Drove it through the Tail of the Dragon (US 129) and the car is made for it; StIs couldnt keep up, it is sheer brilliance when driven hard.

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  Will not be shopping for another Protege - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By jenna - April 13 - 3:36 am

  A few days ago, my Protege was completely totaled by another driver in a very minor accident. So, its durability is questionable. Within the first year of owning it, I had a reoccurring problem with moisture on the inside of the car. Whenever it would rain, wells in the trunk would fill with water with no drainage route. Windshield took forever to defrost/fog. In the winter ice would form on the inside of the windshield -not a fabulous prerequisite to my morning commute. The weather stripping began to peel from the passenger door, and the door handle became loose one winter. Also, the car would rattle whenever stopped in traffic.

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  Bought another one - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mr Bill - April 13 - 2:20 am

  I just bought my second Mazda 3, hey, why pay 30K for a small Lexus or BMW when you can get the same reliability and quality for a little over half that. I bought a 2010 Mazda 3 and traded in my 2006 Mazda 3 that never let me down as I drove across the country twice. These are really great cars for the money, down the road I may be back for a 2014 !

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  Think twice before buying - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By RAG723 - April 13 - 12:16 am

  This is my 2nd review. This car continues to give me issues. It took the dealership 5 tries to fix a alignment problem. All four window motors were replaced. I hear a metal clanking noise coming out from under the hood and Mazda says it normal.How can a clanking noise at low speeds me normal. Bluetooth module was replaced. Clicking noise from steering wheel was fixed. Dealer replaced water pump because it making a loud noise when driving. And the list goes on and on. I make it a point to tell everyone that rides the car with me not to buy Mazda. I sure will never buy one again.

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  Great car! - 1998 Mazda 626
  By caroline - April 12 - 5:16 am

  We bought this car when we found out we were expecting. It has been great for 10 years 168,000 (we used it like a second home & drove it constantly) no problems or repairs. Shes just now starting to show her age & will be replaced in the spring. Wonderful car for $19k and 10 years w/out a dime in repairs just tires, and general maintenance oil, spark plugs, etc. If you find a low miles used one, buy it! We have a new tribute and its not near as good. Lots of issues already.

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  Still in love - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By klann1246 - April 12 - 4:22 am

  I was going between the Civic and the 3 and of course I chose the 3 and 9 months later I am still so happy with my decision. The functional, flashy and fun to drive. I feel good walking up to it in a parking lot.

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  I like it, but with reservations - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By jay_gloab - April 12 - 2:45 am

  Overall I like but dont love this car. I like its compact dimensions but wish it was bigger inside. I think when its paid off Im going to get a small four-door economy car to be my daily driver and a used full-size minivan for when I need to haul more people or more stuff. Its easy and relatively fun to drive, and fairly economical - I get ~30mpg on the highway. It has been mostly reliable, but Ive just had to have the rear shocks replaced for the second time in under 50,000 miles, which appears to be a common problem.

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Fun to Drive by Bob - April 10 - 9:16 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive. We did a test drive 6 months before we bought and fell in love with the car. It handles like a dream and is too fast for local streets. The car takes every corner with no problems and puts you back in the seat with each gear. I love it. Gas mileage is what is expected from a sports car. Did I tell you it goes really really fast. WOW!