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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  Almost perfect - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By coaster - July 30 - 7:53 pm

  I traded in a 2002 Mercedes 4 cylinder with turbocharger for my Mazda5 and am really happy with my choice. It is more responsive, lighter in its reflexes, more fun to drive and much more comfortable. Very peppy acceleration from standstill. I wanted to sit higher since I am 62" tall and this car is very comfortable for my tall frame. Second row passengers also find the space is excellent. I dont use the third row. Yes, at 70 miles per hour the motor is revving fast but it never feels pushed. In fact, I always felt I had to push the Mercedes but I coast along happily in the Mazda. Sound system in touring version is excellent. Perfect car for a trip to the supermarket or long road trip

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  Worth getting (s GT 5/A Sedan) - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Quadjuny - July 30 - 6:33 pm

  First thing first, like most reviewers, I love my car. Second, you get what you pay for. Both good and bad. I have the Gunmetal blue mica. On my Mazda I have both the Moonroof/Bose package and the Technology/keyless entry/gps package. I also had mud guards installed. At face value, the mazda 3 exterior looks incredible. Im sure I dont have to point out the details. Interior quality on bottom line models is horrid, but the top line models makes you feel like your riding in a Lexus. Everything that matters MOST, Mazda made to the highest of quality, yet Mazda cut corners in several other areas.

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  Mazda 3 a Perfect 10 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Francis - July 30 - 3:33 pm

  After doing my homework I decided to buy this car. I absolutely love it. Smooth handling, excellent response, and speedy. I could care less about the trunk feature as the other reviews. I would compare this car to a Jetta or Accord. This certainly does not look like an "economy" car.

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  Loving it so far - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By ckeithp1 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  It may be a bit early to tell, but so far Im thrilled that we decided on the MPV. I cant find but one flaw, the gear shifter, when in D is in the way of the volume control and the A/C on/off switch. The van handles great and doesnt feel like any minivan Ive ever driven. Interior is quiet but sporty. Looking forward to a long-term relationship with this MPV!

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  Nicely Done - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By heehee - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Previously owned 93 Toyota Corolla. Test drove 04 VW Golf TDI, Scion tC, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3s and 3i. Mazda is the best among them. Golf is less reilable. tC feels heavier. Civic lacks horsepower. Corolla doesnt have the style. Mazda 3 has all of these for a very good price. Bought 3i with power everything, alloy wheels, AC, fog lights, ABS, and airbags all around. Handling around tight curves on Lake Shore Dr is excellent. Seats are surprisingly comfortable and supportive on long highway trips between Chicago and Minneapolis. Independent wheel suspensions are quite good. Fuel economy is a plus. Design is unusally stylish.

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  Very Happy With My Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By R. Holbrook - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving for over 35 years. I have owned 10 new cars. My Mazda3, after 7 months of use has been my favorite. The pick-up is hearty, fit and trim is excellant, it is very comfortable and I still get looks while Im driving it. I am sharing it with my sixteen year old daughter and we actually fight over who gets it. I only wish the gas mileage was better. We get better mileage on our 2002 Camry which is heavier and has a larger engine. Even so, Id rather be, "zoom,zoom, zooming".

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  best runner ever - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By jwallin - July 30 - 4:13 am

  This thing is just fun to drive. It handles like a car and is easy to drive in 4WD in bad weather. Looks nice in my driveway!

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  Happy so far - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By billmz66 - July 29 - 2:54 am

  After much online research (on edmunds and elsewhere) I decided on the CX-5 over the RAV-4 and the CR-V. I based this on horsepower, transmission, styling and fun-to-drive factors. Leased the vehicle in January, now have over 10K miles. Mostly use it for weekend trips and daily commute. My mileage is at 28 combined which is right about the sticker est.

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  Classy - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazdagrl - July 28 - 3:40 pm

  I got the new mazda3 for my birthday. It has been a very reliable, fast, modern car. I really love to get in and drive it every day. Everyone loves my car and always wants to drive it. its amazing on handling and sticks to the road, even in the rain. The lights in the car are really cool, and are fun at night, and the seats are very comfortable. The stereo system is also very sweet, and has great bass. I LOVE MY MAZDA3 <3

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  Best Car Ever - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bruce - July 28 - 5:00 am

  I cant help but smile whenever Im walking toward it or sitting behind the wheel. This car makes me happy! Shifting is a joy. Handling is light and nimble -- makes every other car (including my Mitsubishi Eclipse) feel like a tank. This car responds so quickly and directly that youd swear it can read your mind. Ive heard people say that you dont drive a Miata, you wear it. They are absolutely right. Youve got to strap one on to believe it. And while youre there, take a glance at yourself in the rear view mirror. I bet youll be smiling!