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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  Catch me in the corners - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By passepartout - December 13 - 8:33 pm

  A great car. No other car communicates to the driver like my mx-5, I have a 240sx, had a CRX and a MZ3s; whether its through the steering wheel, the seat, or the burble of the exhaust, this car rocks! The top is easy to operate, the exterior is beautiful and classic, and the interior is attractive. Great fun, wont kill your pocketbook and over 30mpg on the freeway, what more could you ask for? Initially looked at an RX-8.

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  Looks good. Drives well. Very bad Nav system. - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By D.L. Morrese - December 13 - 3:46 am

  For fun per dollar, you cant beat the MX-5. My 2016 GT is my third Miata, so obviously I like them. This one is definitely the best of the bunch, but I have one gripe. Its the built-in navigation system. Actually, Im not thrilled with the infotainment system in general, but the navigation system is dreadful. It came standard with the GT trim, so I gave my Garmin to my daughter. Big mistake. Unlike my old Garmin, the Mazda nav system doesnt provide live traffic alerts, the directions dont seem as accurate, the interface and display are not as intuitive, and after three years, you have to pay for map updates (with Garmin, theyre free). Right now, Im debating turning the thing off and using the big ugly screen in the center of the dash as a mounting plate for a new Garmin. If I still have the car three years from now, thats probably what Ill do rather than buy a map update. With all the attention the engineers obviously gave to making this a really impressive car, youd think theyd have opted for a state-of-the-art nav system.

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  Quality vehicle at a reasonable price - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By DJ - December 12 - 9:33 pm

  Have put close to a 1,000 on this car so for and overall Im quite satisfied. This cars exterior design is right up there with all the other competition in its class. It has just enough power for the price, it gets good gas mileage, and the ride is smooth. Other reviews indicate "excessive road noise" but I havent noticed anything unusual. I agree that SOME of the interior accents are somewhat cheap (front side air vents, backseat fold-down cupholder, etc)but for the price, youll be hardpressed to find a better vehicle. Before you spend the extra money on the Camry or Accord, give the Mazda 6 a look.

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  Reliable 626 - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Kevin Bartosz - December 12 - 11:20 am

  Purchased new when the dealership offered invoice price and Mazda had a $2,250 rebate, a no brainer to purchase a V6 sedan for $17,000. Now 120,000 mies and looking to double that. Terrific MPGs 28 to 30 with an automatic trans. commuting 50 miles one way through the southern NY roads (25 MPG with 4 snow tires). No major mechanical problems to mention. Minor problems- automatic antenna finally broke after 6 years and CD player needed to be replaced once. Very good handling and response. If still going strong at 200k with preventative maintainence and no more hit deer, I will replace the timing belt again (about $350) and shoot for 300K.

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  WE LOVE OUR BABY! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By KDJC81 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely love this car. Continue to get compliments from people passing by. Very fun and comfortable to drive.

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  Edblors new Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Edblor - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had my Mazda 3 a few weeks, but it has quickly become the most fun, most enjoyable vehicle I have ever driven. Fuel economy is great, the performance surpasses any expectations you might have, and the creature comforts are A1. It turns heads, provokes questions from strangers and is simply a pleasure to be in.

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  2007 Mazda3 = a must buy - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By shivy - December 10 - 8:33 am

  This has been the best car Ive ever owned. The drive is amazing and every time I step into my Mazda3 it feels like a new fun filled adventure awaits. I have the Mazda3 s sport (black w/ black interior and spoiler) and love its style and look. (get many compliments from friends and strangers). The ride is extremely smooth and it has great acceleration and speed. I would recommend getting a radar detector to alert you and remind you to look at the speedometer because its easy to lose track of your speed. ZOOM ZOOM!

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  I love my MPV, but... - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Caroline - December 10 - 12:33 am

  Ive owned my 2002 MPV for almost 5.5 years now. In that time, Ive have no problems with it at all. The only times its been in the shop are for routine maintenance. But, 2 days ago, the transmission died on me while driving on a highway and heres the kicker - it only has 34,845 miles on it!

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  This MP3 is serious about having fun. - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By 01hzmp3 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  Had suspension bushing squeaking noise few months after I purchased this MP3 model. Dealership fixed/replaced both front/rear bushings under warranty. Seems like no problem, but I will have to make sure of that come this winter since this noise only occurs under cool temperature. GREAT handling, I love to drive this car even if I have no reason to go anywhere. The stereo system is a BLAST to listen to, it doesnt thump hardcore bass... it thumps just enough to get you all pumped up for hours on end. Turns a lot of heads on the road. Like a Miata, this car is just a pleasure to drive around in.

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  I just love this thing - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Fred - December 9 - 4:46 am

  I bought this used car with 55k miles for the fun, and it has delivered in spades. Its also surprisingly practical. Decent mileage (27 MPG in normal driving and 30 MPG hwy at 70 MPH), absolutely reliable, comfortable for this 511" 62 year-old. I find that I can transport most anything I want to with a little imagination. Ive added a roll bar and so can even carry lumber in good weather. Overall, its the easiest automotive smile Ive encountered, is relatively inexpensive to purchase and earns its keep as well.