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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  Just buy one! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By franz - August 6 - 10:23 am

  Ok. This is coming from a "German car snob" all my life. Ive owned Mercedes, BMW and Audi and finally got smart. I had a great deal lined up for a Mercedes ML430 (used) then did some reading on the horror stories and breakdowns. So decided to test drive the Mazda6 before I went for a 3 series BMW. Guess what? Save the 10k! The Mazda6 is outstanding, sexy and "prances" down the highway at 80 mph with a solid, quiet feel. Yeah the beemer is a little quieter, better turning radius, and tighter on hard turns, but get over it for thousands in savings with the Mazda6. This company knows where the market is!

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  Disappointed - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dissapointed - August 6 - 4:50 am

  Original Owner. Well Maintained commuter car. 50K miles. 6 Cyl. 5sp manual. Loaded. Squeaks and rattles everywhere. Lots of problems: Trany, Engine replacement, Brakes, exhaust, electrical, engine performance, suspension, steering, seat breaking, to name a few. Approx 20 times / year to dealers a year on average. Bad Dealer experiences(not very knowledgeable, poor service, poor quality work) and Mazda Customer Service did not seem to care. So much for Mazda advertising quality and taking care of the customer. Not in my experience. Did not like them doing computer updates without my permission. Hurt cars performance and they refused to reverse the updates.

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  Lots of extras - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Mike from East Islip - August 5 - 3:53 pm

  I like driving Mazda 626 and the dealer was good to deal with. This car has a zippy 4 cyl. engine and is good on gas. The car is comfortable and has some nice extras like the headlights turn off automatically. The engine is a bit loud for a sporty effect and I replaced the radio because the display wasnt work most of the time but the radio I put in it has a I-pod jack. I have 98,000 miles on her as is still running good. I hope to have this car for a while.

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  Very Nice Vehicle - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By grf1 - August 5 - 2:15 pm

  Ive had my 2011 CX-9 for about a month, have taken two long road trips in it, and use it to commute in Atlanta traffic about 40 miles round trip. I traded in my 2001 Toyota Highlander for the Mazda, and so far, Im very happy with the CX-9. The driving experience is great for this size vehicle. The third-row seating is very accessible, and is roomy enough for my 9-year old (my 15 year-old complains its too tight, but then again, he complains about everything!). I am disappointed in the gas mileage, even when travelling on the interstate at reasonable speeds. I suppose that is the price one pays for this kind of performance. I really like the Bose sound system.

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  Mazda3 for me - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By travisthomas - August 4 - 9:30 pm

  In March I will have had this car for 4 years. To this date the only complaint I have is the cloth interior tends to fray with use. The carpet as well could be a little more durable. A drivers foot rest would be nice. Typically after 2 years I tend to get tired of a car. But after four years I am still in love with this car. Mazda has a winner with this car. In this time of high gas prices it is nice to find a car that looks great, fun to drive and gets great gas mileage. My 5 speed tends to get 38 to 40 mpg on the highway and 33 to 35 mpg in the city which is full of stops and goes.

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  Fantastic Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Charles - August 4 - 3:36 pm

  I bought my Mazda 6 hatchback new in 2008. I did a lot of research on this car before deciding to buy it. It had everything I needed. Comfort is top notch. Performance is a 10. The touring trim level is very well put together. Between the hatch and the fold down seats its amazing what you can fit in this car. Ive owned many a Honda and Toyota... Reliability is as good as Honda or Toyota with better interiors. If you want "Vanilla" buy a Toyota. Personally, Ill take two scoops of "Zoom Zoom" over vanilla any day.

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  Still Fun After a Year - 2013 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By jbowen52 - August 4 - 3:36 pm

  I was looking for a hot hatchback and the choice was the Mazdaspeed 3 or Focus ST. I was fortunate that the local dealer carried both brands so was able to test them literally side by side. They are both outstanding in their genre. The choice came down to a small price advantage for the MS3, a bit more power and my wife liked the looks better. Gas mileage had been a concern when looking, but at least here in Florida, it is much better than rated. I average 24 around town and around 30 highway. All around a really fun ride with a bit of a firm ride.

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  Love - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bure1088 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I did about 5 months worth of research to find a car. That all stopped when I found my 3 :). It is a lot of fun to drive and looks great. Im hoping the reliability holds up. I have confidence. I love my car!

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  Wow Im Impressed! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By pishii - August 4 - 2:00 am

  For the price this was the best value I could find. The look of the car is decidedly European and the handling falls right in line with what you would expect from a Euro car at a much higher price. I love everything about this car and I am sure that once you test drive it yourself you will come away saying the smae thing. I got the 2.4 Liter 160hp s type sedan in Velocity Red and its just awesome. I have been telling everyone that I know how great this car is, which is something I normally wouldnt do considering its an economy car...but man this car rocks!

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  Fun car indeed! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Unix08 - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I was a bit skeptical when buying one. But im sure am glad to having a mazda. Ive talked with other owners of other compact cars around, and they themselves agree that the mazda is indeed looks much better than other competitions. Though options can be expensive, this car is extremely silent which is a plus!. Might want to be careful driving this beauty, you might get a speeding ticket. :) Corollas and Civics have met their match. Cant wait till the kits for the 04s come out. :)