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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  its a blast - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By baze - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I have a Titanium Grey GT, and its a blast to drive. Its not too showy, but still gets looks everywhere. No problems at all. Check RX8Club site for good info.

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  Guapo - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Barry Pittman - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Perfact car !! It rides well and is more quiet inside than any car Ive been in !!

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  Love it so far - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By hbomb - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Needed to get out of an SUV, and saw a sport wagon as a perfect opportunity. Compared this to Volvo V40 & VW Passat Wagon, and this one beat them both on ride, handling, and looks. Solid road manners, superb acceleration. Priced to sell

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  My Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By No - October 28 - 6:30 pm

  I purchased the Mazda3 after reviewing the Civic and other similiar cars. Overall I considered the price, style and gas mileage. I drove the Speed and 5 Door Grand Touring 2.3 hatchback and chose the Mazda 2.3 Grand Touring due to price considerations. The car is great, I really like it and I have the Bose System with sunroof. However, after four months I think I should have gotten the Speed. Clutch is good, better with a shorter throw. Last note: Im getting 27.3 mpg and traveling 80 mph on the freeway for a about 80 miles a day.

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  Impressed. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By AZzoomzoom - October 28 - 4:46 pm

  Was completely impressed with the Cx9. After searching for six months, we narrowed it down to the Volvo XC90 and the CX9. We chose the CX9 because of the available technology, comfort and style.

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  My6... - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By seba1 - October 28 - 2:59 am

  Bought it brand new in Sept. 2010. I drive this car on daily basis to work and around town. Made 35K and no issues so far. Oil changes on time and just keeping it clean. Brakes still in great condition as well as tires.Nothing to complain about.I wish I bought a 6 cylinder version to get more kick from it , but 4 cylinder motor still will get the job done.Im getting 25.3 mpg driving in both conditions ( highway and streets). At some points ,on a highway driving at 65 mph , it gives me close to 40mpg.Car still loks great. I wash it myself , trying to avoid car washes , first , too expensive , secondly , hand washing doest destroy your paint.

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  mazda rx8 - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By renata4u - October 27 - 10:56 pm

  I have had a Mazda rx8 2004 which i named Christine since it wanted to kill me. I had to get a Lawyer to have them replace it. Now i have a 2007 rx8 and as the other one right at 26k miles all the emergency lights are on the dashboard and yes it is starting all over again. Jim Click does not stand behind the cars he sells and Mazda does not either unless there are Lawyers involved. Am I getting scared that this car will end up killing me ...yes I am.

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  6th SUV - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By COP31 - October 27 - 5:03 am

  This is our 6th SUV and we must say this is the best yet!!! The gas mileage is our only knock on this vehicle but it is par with all the others we have own, so we expected it! The design, comfort, and quality of a Mazda has met all of our expectations. my daughter is driving the Mazda 6. looks we are now apart of the Mazda Family and Mazda is apart of ours!

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  More Mazda Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By steve silverman - October 25 - 6:06 pm

  I have found this vehicle to be neither too large nor too small. Its performance and fuel efficiency are completely acceptable and adequate for a vehicle of this price. It is fun to drive and Im sure it will be as reliable as all the other Mazdas I have owned in the past. It handles very well and has the needed power when necessary. I was able to find a very satisfying color that was not the same as most other cars on the road. The appointments are very rich in appearance. The sound system is very good and the in dash holding of 6 CD discs is a plus. Adding a Sirius radio adds all the entertainment needed for a trip.

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  My CX-9 - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By mycx9 - October 24 - 2:10 pm

  Overall, I love the car- style, handling, features, value. The gas mileage is the same as my last suv, so no surprises there. The interior is beautiful, but dust and dirt do show on the dark leather and mats. A bit surprised by the amount of plastic used on the front exterior and hope it lasts. I like that there are few chrome accents inside limiting glare - something seen in many other cars. There is however, no way to escape the amount of direct sunlight coming in when driving due west. This may have to do with windshield design and shape of the vehicle- a small price to pay for great visability. My family just came from our 1st road trip through the mountains and the car performed great!