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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  CX-9 is the Mazda3 of its Class - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By MDmike - November 4 - 11:43 pm

  We got a CX-9 GT AWD a week ago, so this is my first impression. Daughter has 05 Mazda3 and Im as impressed with the CX-9 as the 3. That says a lot! I think the 3 (2.3) is the best value on four wheels. The CX-9 GT interior is superb. I drive a 98 MB E320 and the CX-9 interior equals it w/o the real wood. The materials and controls definitely feel first-rate and the doors have the vault-like sound of Mercedes as well. The ride & shifter are also Teutonic and firm, which I like. More fun to drive than those we compared - Acadia & Caddy SRX 6. As a Mercedes owner, I think the CX-9 is comparable to the R-Class at $15k less! If its reliable like the 3, Mazda has another winner.

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  High Value budget sports sedan - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By movieye - November 4 - 10:00 am

  In LA, with gas pushing past $2.50 a gallon, I decided to replace my 2000 BMW 325 with something fun to drive but economical. I was delighted to find a 2002 Protege ES with only 8800 miles on it at a Toyota dealership. 5-speed, moonroof, 6-CD stereo - the Protege is a blast to drive - much more responsive than the BMW! I wish it had leather but for the money, I can always add leather later. Great buy. Ive seen people complain about its gas mileage, but Im coming from a premium gas 6-cylinder BMW that drank $40/tank so this is a major improvement.

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  Drive one -- if you dare - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By alabammer slammer - November 4 - 10:00 am

  The most affordable Sports Car in America. Fast, fun, and certainly gets the looks. The RENESIS rotary sound best between 6000 & 9500 rpms, and gives you the impression it is begging for more. 6 speed tranny is silky smooth. Visit www.rx8club.com to learn what other owners such as myself have to say about their awesome rides.

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  remi runs wild - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By remi red - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Get the best radar detector available on the market cuz youll need it. This car just wants to goooooooooo. So much fun to drive. Makes me want to get up to go to work in the morning. The guys at work want me to put spinners on it, but I get enough attention without. Everyone wants to race me to see what this car can do. I love it cuz I blow them away. Corvettes, eat my dust!

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  VERY well thought out car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Meowloud - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Ergonomically correct vehicle with just the right touches. Young street-racers are not welcome in this car! If you dont need the fastest 0 - 60, then this is the sports car for YOU!

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  Jims Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greek7 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda 6 is fun to drive and very comfortable. The dash design and controls are great to view. I notice people constantly looking in and out of the car when it is parked.

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  Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By James - November 3 - 11:03 pm

  Only had this car for around two weeks, but so far its a blast to drive. A lot of oomph in the first three gears, but looses some of it in 4th and 5th, but you dont really need it then. Handles great, fairly smooth ride, even for Michigan roads. The mileage seems to be pretty good, though Ive only checked it once (only filled up once). I got around 30mpg with a mix of freeway, highway, and a little city. All in all a great car.

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  Not My First and Certainly Not My Last Mazda - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By boatracer - November 3 - 4:15 pm

  I simply love me 07 Mazda 3S Touring Hatchback. Ive had it since new and currently have nearly 65K miles on the odometer. This little car has been trouble free. It still performs like the day I bought it. It is incredibly practical and while not a station wagon, it does splendid duty for hauling gardening stuff, boat parts and even lumber (if you use the sunroof) Im one of those people who service their car regularly - even moreso than Mazda suggests. Right now Im trying to figure out if I want a new Skyactiv 3i or keep my 07 just to see how long it lasts. Im a Mazda enthusiast (7 so far)

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  hard work paid off - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdabeliever - November 2 - 3:23 pm

  After a long and drawn out process of research and haggling via e-mail after e-mail, it was all worth it. After weighing my options this was the best choice I could make. I traded in my 2003 corolla for it and love the upgrade. I was contemplating the VW rabbit or the mini Cooper but after reading consumer reviews and just looking at the cars itself, I decided to stick to the mazda3. I love the cabin and all the little features despite the fact that I just got the I trim. I also sprang for the moonroof and Bose system. Total luxury for a great price.

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  Fun car to drive - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ceasar - November 1 - 10:00 am

  When I first walked up to the car I said, "Its so small, no way I could like this". When I got into the test drive I was sold ! The power is a bit lacking but I can not get over the handling. It is such an nice car to drive. I am planning to turbo it but stock it is GREAT.