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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  Excellent car! - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By amrsn - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I got this car last year, I’ve always wanted it, and it’s even more than what I expected. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had while driving and its a decent performer too. 8.x sec 0-60 not bad. One of the best things is that there are tons of aftermarket parts.

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  The little red engine that could - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By imanah - January 22 - 2:00 am

  it is my primary car and has been very good to me. Things I have learned; 1. Having it as a primary car in the Northeast is not so safe or practical. I reccomend having an alternative in the winter due to its low weight. 2. A Nice audio system and a plastic window is an invitation to have your car broken into with anything from a razor to a houshold knife. 3. People think you are rich if you have a miata, as if it was a porch :)

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  Satisfied Long-term Owner - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 99 Miata owner - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in 1999, I have had this Miata for 5 years. It is the most reliable car I have ever owned. Great fun to drive with the top down. I have replaced the battery twice, and there was a minor problem with the Bose speakers in the first year (replaced under warranty), but absolutely no other problems. If you fit into this small car, you will LOVE it, even long term.

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  BO Review - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By BO - January 22 - 2:00 am

  So far I had no problems with the car, it has a great handling and excellent brakes, the fuel comsumption is a bit high.

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  Three months of the 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By DRCola - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in early January and I am pleased with jumping into this new model as soon as I did. I got one with all the options. The car is quick, and has a smooth, quiet ride. The sport automatic is a nice compromise, for one who is used to a manual transmission. The exterior styling is very nice.

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  My Mazda is a Rocket Ship - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jennypenny575 - January 21 - 6:34 pm

  Ive been driving a 2000 Ford Focus SE Sedan before this car, so you can imagine that most cars would be a vast improvement. Not so, my Focus was a great car, it had great pickup, decent gas mileage(23 mixed) and a rather comfortable ride. But my Mazda is a rocketship. I had wanted a Mazda3 back in 2008 when I was originally car shopping. I ended up with a 7 year old focus because the Mazda was out of my price range. So the fact that I have it now is even sweeter. After test driving the Versa, the Focus, the Fit, and the Elantra, it was pretty much a runaway with the Mazda. I knew it was the car for me 5 minutes into the test drive. Smooth driving, fun to shift, everything is great.

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  Pocket Rocket - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By agilefalcon - January 21 - 6:13 pm

  First, when you choose this car you should be somebody who is willing to understand the engine and the fact that it is a sports car you are buying. Here is what you need to know: the engine produces a ton of power: power lies between 4,000 and 9,000 RPM; not 1,500 to 4,000 like a Mustang. It has a Renesis Engine (rotary) so it has unique needs. Warm up required, familiarly with the dechoking procedure if you need it and monitoring of the oil level (used to lubricate the rotor vanes). Finally, you must know how to drive and properly use a stick shift. If you can do these things, you will be rewarded with utter joy. I smile everytime I warm mine up. I love it. Its different, Its amazing.

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  After the 1st one I did it again! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By oscart - January 21 - 11:23 am

  After we picked up my wifes mazda 3 2007 grand t. I had to have one too. I loved my nissan z but for the price this car is a sleeper in the USA. the 3 lets you feel the road and it likes to be pushed.

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  More fun for the money than... - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By pfverberne - January 21 - 10:00 am

  any other car Ive driven. Never thought a car this much fun to drive is so reliable and economical to own. A little less power than one might want in a sports car, but thats one of the reasons they hold up so well. With proper care and feeding they will last a very long time. Ive owned mine for 4 years and there has been no noticable change in performance with only regular maintenance.

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  Awesome - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John99999999 - January 20 - 6:13 am

  Love it. So much fun to drive. Now just wish there was no speed limits. Handles well in turns, nice ride. For sure the best compact/sedan out there in its class.