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 Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Mazda buyer - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is and excellent car and even though it looks small, it is big on the inside.

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  Great Styling...Poor Performance - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By UnR1 - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought the RX8 strictly fsor its styling...the performance is not nearly as good as its competitors (350z, evo, g35, etc...) Mazda recently admitted that the real HP figures are 238...not 250. And from actual dyno results, it looks like it may be less. I love the styling though, looks awesome!

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  Loving to Drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Scott (Zoom-Zoom) - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I had been impatiently waiting for a couple months for the car to be available in my area. I have only had my RX-8 for two weeks, but it has been wonderful. The styling is close to exotic and I get lots positive comments about its looks. The performance is just what I expected, handles better than a porche, but not so fast that you will drive over your head easily.

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  AWSOME! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By warp3d - December 8 - 10:00 am

  The car handles like a dream...and the interior is beautiful. Great attention to detail...the Rotary symbol can be found throughout the car and quality is top notch!

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  Work of art! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By rustysurfsa - December 8 - 8:53 am

  I bought my Speed 3 w/ tech package after driving my girlfriends new Mazda 3 S. After driving her car I knew a Mazda would be my next purchase. These cars are amazing! They fly around the corners with ease! I not talking about cornering around a curb at 30 mph, I’m talking sideways at 60-70 mph. These things hold a line so well it’s like you’re on rail! The best thing about going around a corner in my Speed 3 is that it’s absolutely flat while doing it. I’m in love! Power is a huge + this thing is a rocket ship!! Fuel economy is great too. I averaged 28 mpg on my last tank. Only thing I would complain about is there’s a small amount of torque steer, but that adds to the fun. Great job MAZDA!

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  "Zoom, Zoom, Zoom! What a feeling!" - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By FM - December 8 - 7:56 am

  Compared this car with the 08 Highlander. We decided on the 08 Mazda CX-9 because of the standard safety features, great quality interior and the very sturdy feel when driving. Plenty of room with standard 7 passenger seating, standard 2nd row air vents, as opposed to the Highlanders optional 7 passenger seating and optional 2nd row air vents. The Bose sound system is a plus! Great exterior design. My children loves the roomy space and the DVD Entertainment. We have discovered the "zoom, zoom, zoom" way of driving and what a feeling, indeed! We recommend this vehicle to anyone shopping for the best of the best! Safety, quality, comfort the zoom, zoom way! The price is just right

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  Great price on a great van - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By nhorowitz1 - December 8 - 4:13 am

  Driving the van is very pleasant. The gear shifter gets in the way of the console, but the controls on the steering wheel make up for most of the inconvenience. Gas mileage better than in my previous minivans. Drives more car-like than many other vans I tested.

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  Zooma Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By gloria - December 8 - 3:20 am

  I bought my car in July and what a car! I feel great every time I get into my 8. It handles like no other car Ive ever owned.The suicide seats are fabulous... I actually enjoy taking on the curves these days. I go out of my way to find "some curves" and just feel my 8 straighten them out. The only other side of the coin is gas mileage. But I can deal with it. Look out world, it"s me and my zooma zoom zoom.

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  My favorite little SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Nickie Bots - December 6 - 9:50 am

  I test drove many automatic cars and SUVs (including the Nissan Murano) with V6 engines and so far the CX7 had the best acceleration (like a car with a manual stick shift). The exterior looks great very similar to the Lexus. This car works well for a family of three, or four at the most due to the limited cargo space when traveling. I had a couple of flat tires but could have been bad luck also. Otherwise runs smoothly with no serious problems. Great buy for this price except for gas mileage!

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  BIG CAR FEELING IN A NEAT PACKAGE - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Billy Mac - December 6 - 5:56 am

  Went to dealership to buy a Mazda Tribute as I wanted sport utility functionality. I drove the Tribute and then saw the Mazda 3; took a test drive and bought the car based on its comfort, looks and the ride is superb compared to the Tribute. Fun to drive and it has great gadgets: radio, driver information center, etc.