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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  best econo car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kris - August 19 - 7:03 pm

  I love this car. I also looked at the Civic and Corolla, but they were bland compared to the 3. The interior is of good quality, not something you would normally find in an economy car. Good pricing for the amount of features.

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  Eye-catching, Great handling - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Mazda RX8 - August 19 - 4:00 pm

  The car draws positive comments and looks from everyone passing by. Many people ask what car it is, and say how much they like the look of the car. Handles like a dream even in high wind with the limited slip differential. Power to spare, incredible comfort. There is a great sound system, and fantastic safety features. The seats are amazingly comfortable, and a "cockpit" style dash presents all information so its easy to see. The digital speedometer is excellent for the quick glance - and necessary - its hard to tell how fast you may be going! Quiet ride. The back seats are a major asset - its a "family sports car"! Great car - you have to experience it to believe it.

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  Best value of R class or Pacifica - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By rb - August 19 - 4:50 am

  Got the Sport model with 4-speed auto and Popular Equipment package. Awesome styling. Very flexible and spacious interior. About time this kind of vehicle came to the U.S. Great value for for below $20k and over 20 mpg in town. The sliding rear doors make it real convenient to access the third row unlike similar vehicles such as Chrysler Pacifica or Mercedes R Class. Ideal for 4 people in good comfort with plenty of cargo, or 6 people in reasonable comfort. This is one cool Crossover. Mazda proactively recalled and fixed exhaust issue and gave $500 in return.

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  Great inexpensive car - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Phil K. - August 19 - 4:06 am

  If you are looking for an inexpensive car with lots of features for your money, then this is the car for you. Handling is good, but you have to watch it in the snow belt when the rear end would like to trade places with the front on snowy roads due to its light weight. Acceleration is adequate with the 2.0 engine. There is plenty of leg room up front for 6ft. tall drivers. Trunk space for a car this size is good. Fit and finish is exceptionally good.

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  I LOVE my new Mazda3! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jaylee - August 18 - 8:50 pm

  I cannot convey how much I LOVE this car. I bought it in Velocity Red with dual heated leather seats, 6 disc in dash cd player, bluetooth capability, you name it....and all for under $23000! I love this better than my 2003 Honda Civic EX coupe, which was a manual transmission. Too much stopping and starting to get the manual where I live, but I dont care. Smooth ride, every option is easily accessible to the driver. Gets much better MPGs than my Pacifica AWD, so Im happy! Fun and sporty, what more could you ask for??

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  Nice Flash - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fred - August 17 - 8:36 pm

  I got a great deal on a loss leader and got the vehicle at below dealer cost which set the pace for an excellent buying experience. The car is only a few months old but has better interior styling, pickup and features package than my Corolla.

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  classic design - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By a.bledsoe - August 17 - 10:00 am

  the miata is a truly fun car to drive,own,and operate.if handling is your strong point this is your car.

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  Classic Sports car in todays Technology - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Wen - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Back in college I got the itch for classic sports cars driving a Triumph TR4-A. Unfortunately, it meant tightening bolts, oiling squeaks and numerous fixes as the British made car fell apart. Along came Mazda with the Miata having classic lines and european style. The reliability is awsome and the handling is even better than my old Classic. Thanks Mazda!!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dmchristie - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding. This is the first new car Ive purchased since 1989...It was worth the wait.

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  great vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By bill - August 17 - 2:10 am

  I liked the price compared to the Toyota Highlander which I almost bought instead. After 43K, only had a recall on the accelerator cable -- other than that not one problem.