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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  Slick Mazda6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Truck - March 5 - 10:20 am

  I purchased my Mazda6 5 door in April and I took the vehicle on several trips. The comfort of the vehicle and ride made the trip very good. The look of the vehicle is different from the Camry or Accord -- slick and low profile. This attracted me to the car. Stereo system package (Bose 200 Wt) -- I dont feel that I have to upgrade a thing with it. Overall I am extremely happy with the vehicle and cant wait to see what Mazda comes up with in the next 6 years or so to surpass the Mazda6.

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  Fun and comfortable car - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By SteveOakley - March 4 - 9:10 am

  Ive owned the car for about a month and so far I love it. The interior is the nicest Ive ever owned. The car is surprisingly quick for only 146hp, and is much more fun to drive than the CX-5. The NHSTA safety scores were just released and it scored the highest 5 Star rating. Its one of those cars that looks more expensive than it is. It has a perfect balance of luxury and sporty fun to drive dynamics. The only cons are that the cargo space isnt the best if the back seats are up and in use, and the fuel tank capacity is too small for this car. I have too many trips to the gas station compared to previous cars Ive owned. It really needs an additional 1 or 2 gallons more capacity and then it would be perfect. Overall, great car though.

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  A mind-blowing sports car to drive! - 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By nawaaz - March 4 - 5:54 am

  Through my brief history of owning an array of sports cars, this Miata is the least expensive car Ive bought, yet it is simply the best out of them all... It may seem hard to believe, but I WILL NOT lie to you. Ive owned a 06 Evo IX MR, 09 e90 M3 Sedan, 10 RX-8 R3... and this MX-5 Miata beats them all. Ive matured into a smarter and more expererienced driver, expecially after attending several HPDE events... And this particular car is the pinnacle of pure sports cars. It has all the driving enjoyment you could ever want or need. Having the option of going top-down is an exciting bonus. This car really connects with the driver and becomes in harmony with one another.

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  After 12 years of a Miata... - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By DLN - March 4 - 5:30 am

  As many others did I researched and drove a number of vehicles and settled on the Mazda for some fun factor. After the 96 Miata, the 3 took a bit of getting used to, far lighter feel in the steering, clutch, shifter. but Ive adapted. On my 21 mile commute I am getting 33 mpg by paying attention and not invoking to much "fun factor." I am quite satisfied with the power from the 2.0 engine couple with the manual transmission. Interior layout is good, seating, something that takes a long road trip to judge is great. Yes,I would recommend that car.

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  First 1500 Miles on Mazda 5, 6-Speed Manual - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By superelevated - March 3 - 6:39 pm

  Mazda hit a home run with this little gem. I love driving, and normally drive my vehicles like they are stolen. We have two kids that were having a hard time fitting in our 08 Jetta (yes, also with a manual). We now have taken day trips with two kids and 4 adults with no problems fitting everyone comfortably. We have also fit 6 adults fairly comfortably for short trips. This car is fun to drive, and yet very economical. We get 23-25 mpg when driving hard or fully loaded with people, and have gotten 30 mpg on a 350 mile road trip. Right now we are averaging 27.4mpg over the life of the car. I cant believe Im driving a mini-minivan that is this practical and fun!

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  Hi, Guys try Mazda - 1998 Mazda 626
  By penn_2003 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Good Car! I bought it one year ago, just love to drive it. No any problem.

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  Good all around pickup - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By Bob Mazdaman - March 3 - 10:00 am

  After shopping around, found this vehicle to be the best for the money by far. Was only lacking skid plates and limited slip rear. Added a few details and everyone admires its appearance!V6 lacks in the mileage, but they all do once away fromthe 4 bangers. Overall good truck. 76K now and going for 200K+ miles.

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  Excellent van so far. - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By mayday2 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  We didnt want a huge van, so we tried the MPV. It has many of the same features as the Odyssey, but smaller and less cost. We have take a couple of trips and driven it around town, and it has performed very well so far. It also handles nice for a mini-van, and the interior feels bigger than it looks.

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  Love my van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Texan on the go - March 3 - 10:00 am

  It is fun safe, and spaces the kids out well to eliminate fighting! Manuvers great, love the looks, upohlstery is like a luxury car! I had Toyotas for a long time, and they kept getting cheaper, and breaking. So glad I investigated vans on this site and others for 6 months, and choose this one. The paint doesnt come off from bugs like all the Toyotas, and the ride is smooth

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  When does 250 hp equal 238hp - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zoom RX8 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Its 3 week now since I purchased my rx8 Handling is scarry I havnt got this car to break out yet. On wet pavement its like a regular car on dry pavement. The thrill of thr rotary winding out is musical. All the controls are just right I am 61tall and fit just right. The cbbin is so roomy its amazing. the Freestyle, "suicide", doors amaze friends family and strangers. This is not a car. It is anextension of me. When driving I have never experienced the feeling of being one with a machine I get from the RX8