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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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By cottonmoe - July 28 - 10:00 am

  Im tickled pink with my new Millenia S.

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  nice car - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By sgreen - July 28 - 10:00 am

  for the money you cant beat it

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  My last Mazda...ever - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By racetech - July 28 - 10:00 am

  It has been the least reliable vehicle I have ever owned!! The wiper linkage broke in a snow storm, there was a gas leak and the worst thing is the thing just dies. The dealer had no clue what the problem was and said it was just one of those things that happens once and would never happen again. well, it died 4 times while I was driving it. I took it to another dealer who at least tried to fix it by replacing the computer. I thought the problem was fixed, but 2 weeks later, it died on me again. We traded in right after that, and that will by my last Mazda ever!!!

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  LOVE my 3... - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Christy - July 27 - 12:20 pm

  I traded in my CX7 for the Mazda3 and love it! The 3 is fun to drive and is very sporty. I am surprised it doesnt get better gas mileage though considering its size. The fit and finish of the interior is surprisingly nice for the price. The exterior style is far more trendy than others in its class like the Sentra, Corolla, or Civic.

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  3 Year Owner with 80K miles - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ckrx8 - July 27 - 10:36 am

  Ive owned my RX8 for 3 years now. Im a rotary enthusiast, owned RX7s and work on RXs of all sorts. First off, this car is an amazing machine as far as handling and value for a very affordable price. However, before you buy make sure you know what youre getting into. Like most rotaries, this car is temperamental, it WILL be high maintenance and its important you know that. Acceleration is good for a stock car but modding this car with simple bolt ons will do NOTHING. Major dollars are involved if you want to go faster. Overall, Im a very happy owner, I plan to keep this car when its paid off and turn it into a track car.

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  Best value SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By homer78749 - July 26 - 10:30 pm

  I went into the process with about six SUVs in mind (Q7, X5, Highlander, Enclave, FX35, and the CX-9). I was pretty smitten with the Q7. But Mazda makes it pretty tough because they are just such an exceptional value. I liked the Q7 better, but not $25K better. I test drove the X5 twice. I know its heresy, but I think the CX-9 is a better vehicle. I liked all of the cars I drove pretty well, but Mazda gives you a luxury SUV, top of the line model, outstanding performance and reliability at a great price point. Styling is a personal thing, but behind the Q7 I thought it was the best looking of the bunch.

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  All The Good Stuff - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fun to Drive - July 26 - 8:00 pm

  We were looking for a new vehicle with good gas mileage that uses regular fuel, has a best of class reliability and some personality! I believe the Mazda3 hits the mark. We have only had the car for about seven weeks. The factory radio had a problem with the volume (the bass would cut out at higher levels). Our dealership checked into a possible software glitch and replaced our radio with a brand new corrected unit. My radio works and sounds great now. This is our very first Mazda and we are looking forward to many happy problem free miles. Driving this car makes me smile. I love my little wagon! To all Mazda3 owners you choose a nice car! Zoom Zoom.

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  Great, Fun, Zoom-Zoom - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By leftcoastfunk - July 26 - 6:30 pm

  The zoom-zoom really comes out in this beast. Coming from a Mazdaspeed 3, I had very low expectations from this monster, but the performance and handling are WAY better than any SUV Ive ever driven or ridden in. Gas mileage is about what can be expected and is actually quite good if you tone it down (only 1 zoom instead of zoom- zoom) and head down the freeway. Fuel tank is a good size for decent miles on the trip meter. Interior finish is super nice with all the amenities. Exterior look is cool, but doesnt stand out-which is probably good. People complain about the ride quality with the 20" wheels but really the suspension is more sport-tuned and the ride really isnt bad.

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  Fun to drive sports sedan - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By miltownguy - July 26 - 6:13 pm

  Solid car that is fun to drive, decent V6 overall although its just the duratec V6 from Ford, has great power from 3k and above but definitely needs more low end torque below 3k..gas mileage is subpar, when im driving it nice i can get up to 27mpg, but 24-25 is more common..awesome to drive on curvy roads, the stiff frame enables you to hug the road and you can fly through corners..5 speed is also very slick and a lot of fun to drive..bought this car w/ 18k and havent had to replace anything yet through 67k besides regular maintenance (F & R pads once, F & R rotors resurfaced once & then replaced, tires once)..heated seats and leather are also nice

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  Most dangerous car I have every owned - 2011 Mazda Mazda6
  By todd345 - July 26 - 5:54 pm

  I purchased this car 8 months, 18.000 miles, and $28,000 ago. I thought I did my research, I test drove Acura, Nissan, Ford, and Mazda models. I read the reviews for each. The good things I found are correct; it is very stylish, comfortable, and good performance. The items they dont tell you are; The BLIGHTSPOT, that you have behind you, the headrest and A pillars make it so you cant see anything, VERY dangerous, you might as well paint the back windows black. And if you pull out of a drive and his "ANY" bumps the traction control kicks in and kills the acceleration and leaves you in the oncoming lane waiting for traffic to hit you. If you have a family this in NOT the car for you.