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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  Full circle - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robert - September 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought 2010 i touring Mazda 6 in Jan. 2010 and put 12,500 miles on it. Traded it in Oct. 2010 for another 2010 Mazda 6. Same color, same engine 2.5 4 cyl auto only difference was that I moved up to i touring plus and with added leather seating. Hows that for a 12,000 test drive. Love the car. You think.

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  Zoom up and down the road. - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By Drive drive drive - September 6 - 10:00 am

  I decided to replace my 2007 Focus. Looked at 2010 Corrola, 2010 Civic and Accord. After reading reviews people said to look at the mazda3. I drive around 30k just to work and I wanted a fun but good car to drive. After test driving all of them the mazda3 was the one for me. The Toyota was the best deal for the money but felt numb to drive. Honda was nice but lacked bluetooth and nice radio. I got a great deal on a 2011 mazda3 s sport with Bose/roof package. I love how it drives. I hope it will give me the 200k+ miles I am looking for. So far getting 30 mpg on highway. And me driving so many miles I wanted fun to drive.

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  Great Fun - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By chuckdee - September 4 - 12:43 pm

  I had been restoring and driving a 1991 BMW M5 and after thousands of $$$, I finally blew the engine. Faced with needing a new Something, ANYTHING, I succumbed to the ads and tried the CX-7, the Speed6 and the Tribute. Even though Id had three turbocharged Saabs in the past, the turbo lag nearly killed me a couple times, because I thought the thing would have acceleration similar to an m5... duh! Clearly it does not, but it IS fun, totally different looking and certainly fast enough. Ive had 15 cars in my life, including 2 Vettes, Saab Turbos, etc. and this is a fun, easy handling SUV. Just dont try to pass an M5 in heavy traffic until you count a heavy turbo-lag 1-2-3!

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  I Love My Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lauren T - September 2 - 11:23 am

  I just purchased my Mazda almost a week ago and I absolutely love it! The interior design is extremely sport and like no other sedan that I have seen, which caused me to pick the Mazda 3 over the Mazda 6. I have been searching for a new truck for the past few months. Then I opened my search to cars and fell in love with the Mazda 3. I viewed it for the first time on a Monday and purchased that Thursday. Driving it is so much fun! My husband drives an Infiniti G35 Coupe and I wanted a car that can keep up with his. Im not sure if it can, but he is not complaining, LOL. I was a little disappointed on the gas mileage on a long trip, however, this week is looking pretty good.

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  Excellent car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Tom Briggs - September 2 - 11:16 am

  The MX5 is the closest thing to a motorcycle youll get with 4 wheels. Exremely fun to drive. Very responsive. I love driving this car almost as much as riding my motorcycle. Excellent fit and finish. If you want a fun to drive car, this is it.

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  Great car! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Elara - September 2 - 2:00 am

  The 8 is the most exciting car Ive ever owned. Its plenty fast (0-60 in between 5.9 and 6.2 seconds, depending on who you talk to) and its amazing handling and 9k rev range are just fun. Take a trip down a winding road, and the car sticks like glue. Better yet, you can put four people comfortably in the car. Weve taken several 500+ mile trips with 3 people in the car, and no ones had any complaints. The engine itself is amazingly smooth and quiet. All in all, a great car.

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  Mazda3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By LeBron - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Good Performance/Handling. Quiet engine. Solid structure. Excellent design inside and out. Dont know about reliability yet.

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  Great car! Fun to drive! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By xdatou - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I looked around all brand cars of same class before I found the Mazda 6 is the best of all. I already drove more than 3K miles in three weeks, so many funs and never have a problem. This is my first new car. I love it.

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  Best Value for Its Class - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By anenders - September 1 - 9:23 am

  I love my Mazda 3. The interior is well designed. It has many fun features such as rain sensor, bose speakers, heated leather seat, moon roof etc. I still could not believe that I could get mine for less than 20000 with 0% interest.

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  Best I have ever had - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Danielle - August 31 - 11:00 am

  I just bought my Mazda and I completely fell in love with it after the test drive. It is stylish and affordable. The gas mileage is excellent! I would recommend this car to anyone.