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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  2011 Speed 3, Initial Review - 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By MARROD - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Traded in 09 GT hatch,(2.3, 5M),a very good car. Had the new Speed 3 for just over a week, 1100 miles with a trip from mid MI to the UP. Car feels more substantial, much stronger and more firmly planted than the regular Mazda 3. Very good brakes and steering. Shifter better than I expected. The Tech Package and new shift pattern have me on a learning curve. Good drivers seat. Power in 1st and 2nd is scary, torque steer, but manageable. In third and up, power flow is great. Even in 6th, power is right there for passing at highway speeds. Read out showed 29.4mpg for the trip, paper/pencil 28.9. Great for a new, tight power train. Nice touring car for 1 or 2. Cant be beat for the price!

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  GM to Mazda - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Cactus Driver - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Replaced an 05 Trailblazer. CX-9 is far superior in quality, style and fun factor. Much quieter and better fuel economy than the blazer 6 cyl. The leather seats, and orange dash glow was very easy to read and attractive. Very quiet and great handling on the road. Acceleration was powerful and smooth. No jerky downshifting when trying to merge. Bose sound is a premium. Bluetooth is a must in todays connected environment. This is my first new Mazda and I look forward to a great driving and ownership experience. We got the 2010 Touring FWD. I also did aggressive braking and acceleration and was very impressed. A Zoom-Zoom 4 sure. Beat the Traverse, Edge, Sorento easily!

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  Never again-Mazda worst company ever - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By annoyed - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought the CX7 used at 36k miles, had a car fax run with no previous damage. Now it has 54k miles and is sitting in the driveway because the engine AND turbo are shot. Although I have every maintenance record possible, warranty wont cover it because they claim it was not maintained but I have EVERY record! Car is only worth maybe $12k now and the damage is $9K. It has been inoperable for over 6 months and will stay that way as I have had to hire an attorney. Mazda North American you have made a terrible car. Stop screwing over consumers and deal with this recurring issue. Do not buy this car. Im warning each and every person reading this.

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  Having fun already! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By MazdaHappy - March 27 - 10:00 am

  First Mazda ever and I am happy to say I am loving the car already. I am coming out of a Mitsu Lancer Evo 2008 which was an excellent car but too pricey. I commute a few times per week to work & appts so I wanted something reliable but affordable. So far I am enjoying the ride, fit (Im 62", 200 lbs), and styling. I looked at a 2010 model but decided on the 2011. Build quality is excellent. The ride is as advertised and the interior is awesome. I would highly recommend this vehicle for anyone looking for a sedan with ample room and comfort. Cant go wrong with resale value either.

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  A Great Value Without Compromising! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By C.M. - March 26 - 11:20 pm

  After considering both the six and four cylinder engines, I decided to purchase an i touring (4 cylinder) with the moonroof/Bose package and the convenience package. The car has almost all the features of the grand touring but costs much less, and it is a joy to drive. The 2.5 liter 4cyl is peppy enough for normal city and highway driving yet offers reasonable gas mileage for such a large car. I have no problems merging or passing on the interstate. The interior is phenomenal - very well thought out, comfortable, and beautiful, especially at night. I test-drove most of the competitors, and I found the Mazda to be a far better value (size, comfort, features, etc.) than the competition.

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  Mazda Tribute LX-V6 2002 - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jbondjbond - March 25 - 7:13 pm

  The vehicle has been reliable. It is fun to drive and reasonably comfortable even on an all day drive. It could use a little more back seat leg room and a little more rear storage width. The back seats wont fold flat unless you first remove the headrests. It definitely needs more soundproofing. It is a noisy highway ride. Actual mileage is about 2-3 mpg less than advertised. Overall the vehicle has more pros than cons. We have never had any regrets on the purchase.

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  $500.00+ for 6 spark plugs/tune up - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By no more mazdas 4me - March 25 - 7:16 am

  Transmission went out at 50,100 miles during my stay in Dallas after evacuating hurricane katrina. Mazda paid about 45%. I have no boat, have not pulled anything, just three small kids then. The coil packs that replaced the spark plug wires are terrible. If you have a problem with any of the back 3 cylinders bend over!!! Tires seem to wear very fast, though evenly, on the potholes of New Orleans streets. I see I am not alone with these problems.

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  LOVE - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By GMAN - March 25 - 3:20 am

  Simply amazing. LOVE is the only description I can give.

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  Go Mazda - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda Man - March 24 - 9:43 pm

  I drove a V6 Mazda 626 for 11 years until it was totaled in an accident. I reluctantly decided to go with a 4 cylinder this time to save gas. New car does not pick up as fast, but the shifting is very smooth and the power is quite sufficient. Interior is all black, which turns out to look rather sporty from the outside. Seats are very comfortable microfiber with good side bolster support. Driver visibility is terrific, especially out of the front window - better than in my old 626. Engine noise is very low and the ride is smooth. IMHO, the 6i is the best new car value for the money.

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  My Mazda - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By sexyblkgyrl1981 - March 24 - 7:40 pm

  I love my Tribute and would not give it up for anything.