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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  After 5 months of ownership. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 04mazda3i4dr - April 8 - 7:53 pm

  I have had this car for 5 months now and I am still impressed by it. It has excellent fuel economy and it is so quiet, comfortable and fun to drive. No buzzing at all from this car and it feels like it will last you for a lifetime! And this car does have the zoom-zoom factor. Out guns almost anything on the road and it has composure that a few compact cars have. Good ride and balance, flat cornering, and the shifter is awesome. Always keeps you in the sweet spot of the engine.

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  Just LOVE this car! 2014 Mazda 6 Grand Touring - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By rudy_w - April 8 - 6:56 pm

  Just a tremendous car if you appreciate handling and enjoy driving. Has me looking forward to highway on-ramps and off-ramps. So stable and planted in corners! Good power, nice 6-speed Auto Transmission (love the paddle shifters on the Grand Touring), mileage is excellent -- easy to get between 35-40 on the highway at normal speeds, and even in-town, it usually gets around 30. It rides firm, no question: if you want a cushy ride, this isnt your car. But it rewards you every time the road starts to curve, and always delivers really good mileage. Good interior space, nice flat trunk, nice back seat. This is absolutely a must-see if youre considering any of the other family sedans.

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  Nice Quality! - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By Lars - April 8 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car a year ago used. Had previously owned a 626 and MPV and heard good things about this car and its value. One of the best cars weve owned! Fast, smooth, quiet and handles well, too. Nice leather seats and luxury features. Too bad its discontinued!

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  Great - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jim Morison - April 8 - 10:00 am

  No complaints, love it, girls love it, everyone loves it, but the best part is - did I mention - girls love it.

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  Amazing, Fun Car with great gas mileage! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By rbtower2 - April 7 - 10:10 pm

  I just bought this car a couple days ago but already am in love with it!! The new SkyActiv technology is incredible. I have driven 250 miles 80% highway 20% city and am averaging 39 MPG! I love the Mazda3 styling inside and out. I got the Dolphin Gray Mica and the color is beautiful. Inside everything is really great too. I am learning all about the bluetooth system and Its amazing being able to play my Iphone music over the stereo as well and send and recieve calls =) I cant wait to be over the break in period so I can try out the engine to its full potential. The handling is outstanding as well.

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  Zoom Zoom on down and get your MAZDA! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ladyv618 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I recently traded my Scion TC for a Mazda 3i Touring, and dont regret it. Ive always driven a coupe,and didnt think I could get away from them. Now Im in a Mazda sedan and love it! The car is great! The solidness and quality of this car is something to talk about. Ive purchased 7 cars in my lifetime, but never test drove a Mazda until now! I think I will be in the Mazda family for sometime now.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By natalia - April 5 - 5:23 pm

  I bought this car a month ago and, am very happy I did, its such a fun car to drive its pretty zippy and the interior is very nice it has a lot of features for the price, love the 17 alloy wheels, and it feels very smooth on the road and highway. LOVE MY MAZDA3 Zoom Zoom.

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  2004 Mazda MPV Review - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By A. Carmona - April 4 - 2:23 am

  Compared to Honda, Toyota, Chevrolet minivans, the MPV is a much better value, especially for a small family of four or perhaps even 5.

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  Great SUV for familes - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Ken Miller - April 3 - 3:23 pm

  The Mazda CX-9 is a much better vehicle than the 2007 Honda Pilot I traded in. There is less road noise, better steering, better stereo, more power and torque. It seems like it should have cost more for all of the features, how it handles and drives compared to the Pilot. The six-speed automatic does not downshift all the time like the Hondas five speed did and shifts perfectly unlike the GM six speeds in their new SUVs which I also looked at. Rear seat is easy to get into and seats are much better than the Pilot.

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  Great MPV, but no SUV - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Hansen - April 3 - 12:33 am

  We read all the great reviews regarding the Mazda5, and for the most part they are correct, but we live in Edmonton, Alberta, and we traded in an 03 Explorer for the 5. It was a mistake, but at least we have a vehicle that is less expensive to own and operate. We miss the 4WD, and the SUV is much better during the winter. We feel the Mazda5 is better than minivans we owned prior. The 5s heater is lacking and there is no rear heat, the low profile tires should be changed for winter tires, the car "skwacks" over bumps when it is cold. However in the summer this vehicle is fun, it gets great fuel economy, its practical, great to drive and easy to park.