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:
Showing 1171 through 1180 of 10,700.00-
impressive...very impressive - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By paul0346 - May 8 - 11:33 pmMy wife and I own a dog, and with our first child on the way, we desired a vehicle that would allow us to keep the dog away from the baby, and have the space to carry a pack n play crib when we drive to visit our relatives, that still gave us decent gas mileage (i.e. SUVs were out). We researched the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe, VW Jetta Wagon, and the Mazda 3 wagon. After test-driving all vehicles, the 3 stood head and shoulders above the rest in regards to performance, comfort and styling. We are very impressed with our 3!
-
As time goes on I love my Mazda 3 more! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
By Adam. W - May 8 - 10:00 amAfter my first test drive of a 2010 Grand Touring Sedan I fell in love and knew this was the right car for me. The handling in the Mazda 3 is downright amazing! This car just hangs on and is how every front wheel drive car should handle. The ride is very good for the sporting capabilities of the Mazda 3. Interior is fantastic. Materials are all very high quality, feature content is superb. Seats are VERY comfortable and supportive. The engine and transmission are gems. The 2.5 engine is so smooth it is easy to hit the rev limiter while winding it out. Fuel economy is good. The power from the 2.5 may feel "soft" initially but once you get it above ~2500 RPM it goes well.
-
most stylish sedan around - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
By mtaylor - May 8 - 2:00 amMoved up from a Mazda3, and am very impressed with how smooth and quiet the car is. Exterior styling is edgy without being too trendy and should hold up well over the years. Interior styling is simple and elegant, and mostly very high quality (but whats up with the thin vinyl on the armrest and the Buick velour on the door panels??). On a 500 mile trip I averaged 34mpg in mostly rural driving at 60-65mph with a good bit of stop- and-go intown driving, and have been averaging about 27mpg around town. Pretty awesome for such a big car. I love that the car looks big, but drives like a much smaller car. The ride is firm, but very compliant, a near perfect balance of handling and ride comfort.
-
Love this car. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By John Moses - May 7 - 12:26 pmOverall, I have been extremely happy with my new Mazda 3. The i Touring edition, while not lush, is comfortable and well designed. Driving the car feels natural, with a sporty engine and great suspension. The car holds the road with minimal roll, and I believe that this is partly because of the standard stabilizer bar and multi-link suspension. Gas mileage is also great, around 32 mpg. Overall the cost of ownership is great. And with such a low sticker price, its a hard deal to beat.
-
solid tank of a car - 2017 Mazda CX-3
By Gene O - May 7 - 7:12 amThis car feels like a hybrid of a small tank and a porsche. The car handles excellently and because of the way this car handled and steered on a test drive, I picked the CX3 over a subaru crosstrek - an uninspired driving disappointment, by comparison. The CX3 is not quite a utility vehicle. Its more like a station wagon thats a little jacked up higher off the ground and has AWD. It feels powerful with a 2L engine and has good acceleration if you drop the pedal. In the snow, it bites and drives great. Bad weather is no match - snow, ice, rain - it can handle any of that stuff. Several inches of wet snow and going uphill - barely a slip. Its a little beast. On the highway its smooth sailing and very good MPG. You dont get a huge gas tank - max range is about 295-300 miles. Comfortable interior and lots of USB ports and stuff for phones and other junk you want to plug in. the touch screen has good visibility and all the functions work well - good ergonomics with the console dial, voice control, rear camera and steering wheel buttons. The inside climate control is a little wonky - its not easy to get it just right for some reason. either you get ice cold air or something that doesnt defrost your glass or something thats hot....odd. Sometimes my kid likes to sit in the middle of the back seat when I drive and hes very close to me there - like a parrot on my shoulder - which Im not crazy about. The back seats are not huge. He says theyre comfortable. A USB port or two back there would be cool instead on me having to run a wire from the front. the cargo area is big enough for me to carry 2 hockey equipment bags for both my kids and most other bulky stuff but its not huge, either, which is something I happily accept for what the car is. It has a small sub-section under the floor so you can make it a little bigger, if you want. Stereo may sometimes have a little buzz if you set the bass all the way up to max. My pet peeve with the CX3 is that the outside back of the car gets FILTHY with road stuff and spray. I suppose a set of mudflaps would fix that. If youre driving on wet and salted roads, the back of the car is coming home covered in a filthy grime of road salt. Not nearly as bad in summer when roads are cleaner. Even a good car wash has trouble eliminating all that filthy grime off the back so theres the Achilless heel of the CX3.
-
Fun to Drive, Handy to Have - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
By newToMazda - May 6 - 10:10 pmIve had a manual 3s Hatch now for exactly a month--it has 1300 miles. Reasonable mileage (26-27 on suburban errands). Excellent for doing U-turns into parking spaces, taking stuff to the county trash-pickup, and transporting model airplanes with wings attached. Very high quality of assembly.
-
The Very Best Sports Coupe - 2006 Mazda RX-8
By Rotary Rider - May 6 - 12:23 pmThis car is the most fun you can have on 4 wheels (driving). The handling is superb (rivals or surpasses Porsches Boxster or Cayman) like a four wheeled motor cycle; and the compact Wankel (rotary) engine provides a unique kind of performance that no piston engine can. Which is why this car is slandered in other reviews (even in the motor mags): first, its normal for a Wankel to consume oil (like a two cycle engine); second, it is simply crazy to compare it to a piston engines low end torque (its power delivery is much more like a turbines). Thats why a rotary really needs a six speed manual (dont let the revs drop below 3000, keep it "on a boil") and listen to the music as it winds to 8000.
-
Your opinions helped me, so... - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
By zeroismydoggie - May 6 - 2:06 amI researched various cars over a year ago before my purchase, and online reviews were a large part of it. To return the favour, Ill write about my Mazda 3 5-door. Everything about it is great. My boyfriend has an Avalanche and can barely afford to drive it, but my car, even with the high gas prices, is $45 every 2 weeks. And I drive home at lunch every day. The back seats fold down so my 2 large dogs can fit in the back without destruction, and with the hatchback I just lift up the trunk to let them jump in. I hesitated to get the fit, scion a & versa as they were puny. This car has some guts but is sporty and versatile at the same time. Cheers.
-
Best Car For The $. Zoom Zoooom! Wooo! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
By Sleepyz321 - May 5 - 11:36 amIve had the car about 8 months now. There are lots of features my car has for the money. Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, HID manual leveling lights, auto wipers, leather, air bags all around the car. AC is powerful. Audio/cruise control on the steering wheel is convenient. The 2.3 shifts up well and holds onto gears when needed though downshifts are a little abrupt at low speeds. Gas mileage is only decent and was expecting more but cant really complain considering acceleration and how I drive. Car handles extremely well at low and high speeds. Steering is sharp and impressive, with very little float while the car stays composed over bumps. Brakes have good progressive feel.
-
Fantastic Ride - 2011 Mazda CX-7
By joebrock5 - May 4 - 8:14 amThis SUV is fun to drive! It drive more like a sports car and handles really well. There is plenty of power from the turbo charged engine. As for the comments about the A/C I have had zero problems. It blows ice cold air on the hottest of days in Arizona. With over 80K have had the car in the shop once for repairs due to a tire issue. Maintenance costs are relatively low, although I would recommend using synthetic oil. Highly reliable and looks great.
-
Mazda 626 267 Reviews
-
Mazda B-Series 16 Reviews
-
Mazda CX-3 34 Reviews
-
Mazda CX-5 230 Reviews
-
Mazda CX-7 540 Reviews
-
Mazda CX-9 562 Reviews
-
Mazda Mazda2 45 Reviews
-
Mazda Mazda3 2,343 Reviews
-
Mazda Mazda5 525 Reviews
-
Mazda Mazda6 1,498 Reviews
-
Mazda MazdaSpeed3 77 Reviews
-
Mazda Millenia 161 Reviews
-
Mazda MPV 678 Reviews
-
Mazda MX-5 Miata 830 Reviews
-
Mazda Protege 471 Reviews
-
Mazda Protege5 530 Reviews
-
Mazda RX-8 879 Reviews
-
Mazda Tribute 944 Reviews
-
Mazda Tribute Hybrid 9 Reviews
-
Mazda Truck 61 Reviews