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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  Fun to drive - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Bop - November 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a new-owner review. I will write a follow-up later, maybe after 6 months or a year. Initial experience, after extensive test-drive and comparisons, is that the Tribute is the best value for the money out there. And it IS fun to drive. I have no complaints at this time, and can only recommend one.

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  great car - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By fred - November 12 - 6:16 am

  I traded my Mercedes R350 on a new Mazda CX9 Sport; what a value! Even the base level is well optioned, including heated seats. I added leather as a dealer installed option which was well worth it because the quality is much higher than the factory hides and it is less expensive that upgrading to the Touring model. My Mazda rides and drives like a dream and the styling is awesome. The cargo room with the seats folded down is enough for furniture and unlike my Mercedes you dont have to remove the headrests to put the seats down. If you are in the market for a 7 passenger, AWD vehicle, this is the one!

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  Simply The Best - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Robert - November 11 - 11:43 am

  I cannot stop smiling. I drive from Lake Arrowhead down the hill 5 days a week and have never had so much fun doing so. Like many of my neighbors I bought a Subaru WRX (fast & good in the snow, but mediocre handling.) Test driving the Mazda3 pretty much sold me. My salesman took me on a 12 mile back road course with tons of turns to demo the cars ability and even left the A/C on so I could see how well it could take a hill. All in all I am highly impressed. I drove the Civic, GTI, RSX & TSX, TC, G6, Ion and none even came close to this thing. Im hooked.

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  Unbeatable Deal on Speed3 Sport - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By HerkDriver - November 11 - 9:46 am

  I was looking for an inexpensive, well- built car that would be fun to drive and get reasonable fuel economy and I found it! I have friends w/VW (too many build quality issues), WRX (dealers are too proud & I cant figure out why), & why waste my time on a Civic Si with ~200 horses? This car is a comfortable every day driver. The Dunlops are a little loud on certain road surfaces (rough asphalt) but the car grips the road better than any of the other cars mentioned above. It performs when you want it to and is well behaved during all driving conditions (wet/dry). The turbo has no lag & when youre on the highway & you want to pass, you dont have to downshift...let the turbo work! Paid 22K!

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  mydreamcar - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Firefly1 - November 11 - 8:36 am

  I loved these cars when I first saw them in 01, but could not afford them. Every time I saw one on the road I would just stare and picture myself in it. My husband presented my beautiful car to me on our 25th anniversary. It was the exact color I wanted; white with metallic flakes and sand color on bottom. It was in showroom condition! Still has the new car smell, and under half the new car price.

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  Fun Car! - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BrendaC - November 10 - 5:20 am

  THE most fun car you will ever drive!

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  Best car for the money on the market now - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By CB - November 9 - 7:10 am

  Since buying this car early this year I have had an excellent experience. The fuel milage has been consistantly fantastic and the handling is awesome! Im so impressed with this vehicle that Im going to be purchasing another one in a month. Even with all the economic advantages of this car it still has a high performance ability for the road {ZOOM-ZOOM}.

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  zoom zoom zoom - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By izoomzoom - November 9 - 1:36 am

  Driving this car will put a smile on your face. The new direct-injected SkyActiv engine feels fast and powerful. The car handles great on the road. The i Grand Touring comes well equipped with features like leather seats, sunroof, navigation, bluetooth, and Bose stereo. The seats are comfortable and controls are well positioned. The navigation screen is small and a little awkward to use. Bluetooth works great. Bose audio sounds great. Visibility is pretty good except out the short back window. Good amount of cargo space. Overall the Mazda3 is a great car, and Mazda has improved it for 2012.

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  The best - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By ZOOMX2GUY - November 8 - 4:50 am

  I thought I will never have the same driving experience I had when I bought my first BMW 5 series and then I got a CX9 this month and WOW is all I can say! Its like Im so excited driving it that I dont care where to go or how far the destination is because this vehicle is so much fun to drive. Im not sure why other reviewers will comment on the MPG on this one but all I can say is that DO YOUR RESEARCH before buying a car.

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  Great value! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tim - November 7 - 2:16 pm

  Just traded in my 2006 Tacoma for the Mazda3. Wow. What a ride. The performance and handling of this car put it so far ahead of the others in the class (can you hear me Honda, Toyota, Ford, etc?). Mines brand new, but Im already averaging 31 mpg. It is such a blast to drive, and surprisingly roomy inside considering how small it looks. When you first sit in this car, you feel like youre in a more expensive class of vehicle. Everything is rock-solid and extremely well put together. Just simply a joy to drive and own. If a small economical car is on your wish list, youd be doing yourself a great disservice to not at least look at the Mazda3.