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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  Better Than I Expected - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dan_k - October 17 - 5:33 pm

  After 3 years of driving the MX5 Im impressed with nearly everything about the car. Although I only give it a 7 for comfort, it is very good for this size sports car. I thought a 2 hour drive would be all I could take when we first purchased the car. This fall my wife and I completed a 4 day trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway and my back and seat were no worse for the wear. However, I had just put on new Bridgestones, which out performed the stock Michelins in every way. This car is all about fun. It is a car for those who love to drive. Driving the MX5 is like operating a point and shoot camera. The car just goes wherever you point without any fuss and looks great while doing it.

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  Fun to drive hatchback - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steven Kim - October 17 - 6:56 am

  I bought an 08.5 Mazda3 Sport Hatchback after a dump truck trashed my 2006 Mazda3 I-Touring Sedan. They call it 08.5 because of a model change mid-year. I went to the dealer to buy another Mazda 3 I-Touring but the Copper Red color of the hatchback caught my attention. It steers and accelerates very nicely and definitely fun to drive. It makes my 100 mile daily commute bearable. As far as MPG, Ive gotten, 28, 29 and 30 MPG. Im not usually interested in a hatchback but the styling is sporty and far better than the Toyota Matrix and Honda Fit. I checked out the Honda Civic coup also and the roominess and interior didnt match the Mazda.

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  Mazda3 Is Awesome! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ryan - October 16 - 2:16 pm

  Lets face it, if your budget is 17000 and you want a new fun, reliable car theres not much to choose from. Thank God for the Mazda3. So much power for the money. If you want a $17000 car why would you want any more or less than 160horses. Its perfect. Great acceleration and decent fuel economy. Interior is great. Winning Blue metallic gets everyone staring, fun to drive stick, great handling and so smooth and quiet for a compact, build quality inside and out is far beyond standard-- IN A CLASS OF ITS OWN

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  The Most Fun You Can Have With Your Top Down - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Steven Huneycutt, MD - October 16 - 3:18 am

  It never has needed any repairs, ever. Most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. Just dont have enough room in my garage to keep it.

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  Mazda Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By kathi reardon - October 15 - 6:00 pm

  Make rear fold down seats differently, cant find ignition key space, too dark.

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  good - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By sgtbobbo - October 15 - 10:00 am

  good response in the pedal, handles well, zoom zoom, great fuel mileage

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  After 3,000 miles - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mario - October 14 - 4:50 pm

  I was in the market for over 9 months and I was deciding between the Mazda 6 and Lexus IS 250. Yes these two vehicles are very different and both had their pros and cons. I settled on the Mazda because of a larger size, more horsepower, larger trunk, more options for the price and fold down seats. In return, I gave up rear wheel drive and a better warranty. I am very happy with the purchase, so don’t get turned off by my review. This car is fast and fun to drive. The controls are easy to operate and intuitive. The leather seats are not as comfortable and my 2001 Maxima, but they are softening up with time.

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  moving up in style - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Scott - October 14 - 5:16 am

  Just traded my 2010 cx9 for a new signature this car is amazing much better then the old one a lot quicker the turbo is great no lag at all. taking it on vacation next week I will check the mileage only issue is that the drivers power seat doesnt have enough adjustment also miss doesnt tell you what gear you are in. only in manual mode. this is the best 7 passenger suv under 45k for driving, style, comfort you could buy. I could drive this car all day long its is so nice.

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  Fantastic car - better than expected MPG - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By archway - October 13 - 10:36 pm

  I switched from a very reliable and efficient S-10 after 15 years of daily use. Almost 2000 miles on the Mazda3 so time enough to review: really good interior comfort (Im 62), great acceleration with the 2.3 L engine from a stop (though not quite as eager when merging onto the highway), and stylish, masculine exterior. I like that this is close to the end of the production cycle so the bugs are mostly (hopefully) worked out -- learned this lesson from the 93 S-10. This is really 2004s best car with fewer trouble spots and 2008 technology and safety equipment. Best of all, I have averaged a better than expected 32 mpg with roughly 70% highway driving and heavy A/C use.

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  Wonderful car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mia - October 12 - 7:36 pm

  This is a great vehicle! My favorite part is the height above other cars and despite the gas prices it still makes great miles per gallon!