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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  Mazda!!! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Yall - June 4 - 10:00 am

  its a good car!!!!! I really like it alot. cheap, but good car! Its awsome. Go buy it!!!!!

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  Great car - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tribute1 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Love it so far. Has the room and presence of a bigger SUV, but the driving performance of a sports car. Only 2 problems so far: 1.Steering pulled a little to the right, but the dealer readjusted it and it is better. 2. Impossible to keep the black dashboard looking clean.

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  Better than I imagined - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By spooky8 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I waited for 4 months, read every review, and I am surprised that it eclipsed my lofty expectations. I got 17 miles to the gallon on my first tank of gas, so I gave it a 9 on fuel economy, which was still better that I expected. Sat idleing a lot with people looking at it, so 9 probably did not do it justice. Perfewct in every way. 5 mile drive to work is to short, looking for another job in another town. Highly recommended if it fun and excitement your looking for in a car. Test drove and looked at many other while waiting for mine, glad I waited.

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  Zoom ZOOM.. love my CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Jas J. - June 3 - 7:20 pm

  I hesitatingly bought my first Mazda (CX-9) and I can honestly say it is one of the best purchases I have ever made. It looks and drives better than any other vehicle I have owned previously. Looked at highlander, pathfinder and pilot. This one seemed like a no brainer. Looks like a luxury vehicle, feels like a luxury vehicle without the hurt of the price tag.

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  2004 Classic Red Miata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jaxrolo - June 1 - 7:46 pm

  Previously I had a 2000 Miata which was very nice. Got in a wreck so Had to buy this 2004. WOW this car is great!!! Very nice ride. great handling.

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  Great bang for your buck! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By missourimazda - May 31 - 9:38 am

  I have owned my Mazda 3 i Touring Sedan for almost 2 months now and I absolutely love it. It is fun and comfortable to drive, gets good gas mileage, and does very well in the Midwestern snow. Some people may not like the tight suspension. Personally, I love it. It gives the car a sporty feel, I think. For what I spent, I got great power and lots of features like cruise control, power windows, traction control, etc.

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  Mazda5 Review - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By kivo - May 30 - 4:43 pm

  Havent put much mileage on it, but so far I love this car. It handles great, and my mileage is good considering I have a scooter lift in the back with the scooter. Thats quite a bit of weight.

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  Great Handling. Poor gas mileage. - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By kevin - May 30 - 8:06 am

  The car looks OK from the exterior. The interior, solid handling and options sold me. Car is loaded with great options (back up camera, bluetooth, satellite radio, 6-CD changer, nice leather, AWD, steering wheel mounted controls) all for just under 30K. Better handling and less $$ than the Acura RDX which I also considered. I live in a relatively hilly area and so far I am averaging less than 16 MPG in city driving after my first 3 tanks of gas. I hope this improves as the car breaks in.

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  Best Sporty 3-row CUV - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By ceric - May 30 - 6:46 am

  I compared Highlander before CX9. The 3rd row of Highlander is a joke. CX9 is the best deal in a feature-packed package with sporty handling. In short, CX9 drives like a BMW X5 at 1/2 price with more room.

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  Pure Fun - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bob - May 29 - 5:20 pm

  This car is pure fun. Most bang for the buck. With the suspension package, traction control, and stability control cornering is superb and virtually no nose dive when braking. Ride is suprisingly smooth for such a short wheelbase and suspension package. The MX5 fits like a glove and everything is in its proper place except for the cup holders in the console which I have found to be a good place to stash gasoline receipts. The Copper Red Mica with tan leather has drawn nothing but compliments. Gas mileage is impressive returning 30 mpg in the first 600 miles of which only 200 has been highway driving. The convertible top is a marvel, just unlatch it and heave it over your shoulder.