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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  Moms Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By barnatcb - September 29 - 4:56 pm

  My son has a Protege and introduced me to the world of Mazdas. My first look at the Mazda 3 Hatchback had me hooked. Then I heard on the Today Show how they were ranked one of the safest cars and I knew that when it was time for me to buy, thats what I wanted. I was even more delighted when I got behind the wheel for the first time. I still grin from ear to ear while driving. I work with a lot young people in their early 20s, and theyre jealous of my ride. Dont worry, I let my son borrow it too. Hes looking for a Mazdaspeed down the road, so were definitely a Mazda family now.

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  Moms Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By barnatcb - September 29 - 4:56 pm

  My son has a Protege and introduced me to the world of Mazdas. My first look at the Mazda 3 Hatchback had me hooked. Then I heard on the Today Show how they were ranked one of the safest cars and I knew that when it was time for me to buy, thats what I wanted. I was even more delighted when I got behind the wheel for the first time. I still grin from ear to ear while driving. I work with a lot young people, early 20s, and theyre jealous of my ride. Dont worry, I let my son borrow it too. Hes looking for a Mazda Speed down the road, so were definitely a Mazda family now.

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  The winning choice. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Marc - September 28 - 11:16 am

  I compared the Civic and Corolla before this purchase and took each for a test drive. The Corolla and Civic both have better gas mileage but have less pickup/power as well. The Corolla simply wasnt fun to drive and the Civic was too pricey. Dealer offered me more than TMV for my trade in, $500 less than invoice and NO FEES! Honda wanted invoice, they waived the fees but offered my $1500 less than TMV for my trade in. In the end, I decided the extra performance and cash made the Mazda3 a better choice. After a month of driving, the Mazda3 handles so well, I have to pay more attention or I find myself way over the speed limit without feeling it.

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  Fun Machine - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jerry - September 28 - 1:13 am

  This high wagon is outstanding. Slick exterior design and the interior is great. I enjoy the way it drives and its fun to switch gears on the auto/manual stick shift.

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  30,000 review - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By lap - September 27 - 9:03 pm

  Im not sure if Im just lucky, good with preventative maintenance, etc. - but with 30,000 miles on my Tribute Im happy to report I havent had one thing go wrong! I still love my truck after 2 years.

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  Great car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. It handles as well ir not better that most other cars in its class. Looks great, nothing else out there that looks like it. It also still has room for the kids in the back seat. Great car, very satisfied. Gas milage is not quite as bad as people say.(I get around 20 mpg)

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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By carpicky - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The 3s 5-door is written about to "appeal to a younger driver," but Im not in my twenties and love it. Mazda was smart to include what they did in this car i.e. 17" rims w/ low- profile tires, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a sporty suspention, to name a few. I wanted an auto for commuting but also wanted it to be fun, which translates to, wanted it to perform. This car meets those needs. I was looking at the jetta too but who wouldnt go for this car with such savings and higher reliability history? Drive: One word, NIMBLE! I took a long sharp turn during test drive and it had just about no leaning as it just zipped around the bend.

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  Love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 11brakuy - September 27 - 2:00 am

  When I first went to the dealrship I was looking at the Mazda 6 but with one look at the Mazda 3 I knew that I wanted the car. Now the real test would be driving it. I took the car over night I it handled so well even the people that had there doubts had nothing bad to say. I have had the car a little over 3 weeks and I am just as happy as the day I drove it off the lot.

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  Best Compact - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By CB3 - September 27 - 2:00 am

  So far I have 900 miles on the car. I dont have a single complaint yet. I chose this car out of the usual compact shopping list of Civic, Jetta, Corolla. The handling of the car is great. Even with the AT, the throttle is very responsive. Braking is equally responsive. Interior and exterior design is very attractive. Build of the car is very sound. I find the profile, and car in general, to be similar in comparison to the IS300 except 10k cheaper. Take it for a test drive and youll see what you can get for sub 20k. My options include ABS/SAB/EBD, Xenon & TPMS, Sunroof & 6-CD, Sport, and Sportmatic AT.

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  Best for money - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mooby - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 3 for a week now, and have put over 600 miles on it. I was also looking at a 03 Civic EX and a 03 Corolla-S. The Mazda 3 wins. Its more powerful, better looking in and out, and just a better vehicle overall. Acceleration is great with the 5-speed. The handling is fun but not so rough that it beats you up. I got 30 mpg of spirited mountain highway driving on the 2nd tank of gas. The blue/orange gauge cluster is the coolest Ive seen in this class. Got my Titanium grey, 5-speed S Sedan for $18,000 with the sport package (17s), safety package and xenons. Built in Japan, with the 4-year 50k warranty, what other car offers this much for $18,000?