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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  Take It From Me - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By TRO - October 27 - 11:13 am

  I have been an auto detailer for years, and just started college in Oregon. I needed a reliable car with good gas mileage to drive from Washington. This car is everything and more. I have the 2.3 Mazda 3 Hatch S. On average, now this is average about 28 miles per gallon. On highway only I have averaged about 36. I know its insane. Driving on the highway the noise is actually very quiet. This car has tons of room and very spacious. The manual transmission is very smooth along with the steering. Easy to use controls on the steering wheel. I would recommend this car to ANYONE. I have driven hundreds of other cars through my auto detailing, and nothing compares to a Mazda. Nothing.

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  Fun family van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By daveinla - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I first wanted to wait for the new 04 Quest for its stylish look and peppy engine but the lack of lateral adjustable 2nd row and the 2nd row window that dont go down made me go for the MPV 03. Its a very pleasant and fun van to drive with a very good level of trimming and material quality on the ES model.

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  super purchase - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By howell - October 25 - 10:00 am

  purchase about six weeks ago. handles and rides great not too harsh not too soft. easy to get in and out of. solid features for the money.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Eric - October 24 - 11:40 pm

  This car is any persons dream! It is extremely comfortable for long trips, fun for in town driving, and great for anyone in a hurry. This car zoom- zooms along and definitely lives up to the image Mazda puts out. Highly recommend this car for anyone who is looking for both affordability and fun!

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  Fun in the Sun - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Doug - October 22 - 7:00 pm

  I bought this car for a daily driver one year ago with 100k miles. Now Im at 115K and the only expenses have been a tuneup, new tires, and oil changes. It handles great, is fun to drive with the top down, and gets 25-30 m.p.g. Though small, it is solidly built. My son borrowed it for his Jr.-Sr. Prom, so my three kids (two teenagers and one married) like it too and occasionally ask to borrow it.

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  Not compact on performance - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By radarryder - October 22 - 8:43 am

  This car is far surpasses anything in its class by leaps and bounds...and I test drove them all. The fit and finish, performance and driveability remind me of a sports car...with 4 doors. Plenty of room for a compact, and lots of "bang for the buck" goodies made this car very attractive vs. its competition. Smooth ride, ergonomic controls, superior build quality, and lots of safety features from Mazda all add up to a car you will love to drive, be proud to own...and the 35 mpg from a 150 hp VVT 4 cylinder engine isnt too bad either. Mazda coined the phrase "Zoom Zoom" because they said that in all of their cars was the soul of a sports car. They were right on with the 3.

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  Worth the Wait - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Happy Mom - October 22 - 12:26 am

  I purchased my CX-9 in April after a ton of research and numerous test drives of similar vehicles. Nothing compares for the money. Very happy with the smooth ride, look of the car, handling and comfort. All of the kids and their friends can easily fit into this car. Easy access to third row and plenty of trunk space even when 3rd row is occupied. Much more than my Mountaineer! Love, love, love the bluetooth feature! Bose stereo rocks as well. Most of all, love the cool look of the car. Nothing else like it and people notice it all of the time!

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  Top Notch Choice - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By sawyer98 - October 21 - 4:56 pm

  Purchased a 2012 CX-9 GT. Im fussy about build quality. I didnt find a single quality issue with my car. Every seam, all the paint, every fit was perfect, inside and out. An excellent value and definite upgrade from others in its class...and I checked them all. The 20" tires are "firm", but I expected that. Mileage combined has been about 23.5. Also what I expected. I leave the 3rd row folded down to increase capacity. No problem. My local dealer provided the best buying experience Ive ever had. Service dept is excellent and every employee has been friendly and helpful. Maybe Im just lucky?

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  Must See, Must Buy - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By IntgrGsr5 - October 21 - 3:03 pm

  The Mazda3 is an awesome car. They look very aggresive and even have a little growl from the factory. I rate the safety very well since I wrecked mine doing rolls at 75+mph. My friend and I were okay and walked about 5 miles to my friends house for the night. I had a sore shoulder for about 2 months after but by judging by the car its a miracle we made it out alive. Its a clean, and stylish car with good performance and mileage all in one. I wouls recommend this to tuners, youngerr crowd, and parents with no more than 2 kids. The trunk is BIG so I cant figure why the back seat is small.

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  Fun and practical - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sam - October 21 - 9:06 am

  I switched over from a Mercedes 350-E which was plagued with problems and poor quality not to mention expensive maintenance costs. I chose a Mazda 3 2.5 litre GTE model and am extremely satisfied with the car. Have traveled across the country this summer and never even had a minor problem. The gas mileage is good but city consumption is slightly heavy in traffic. The car has enough power for highways and passing. It has many features of a much more expensive German luxury model but far cheaper to run and maintain. It also runs fine on regular gas and has a smaller environmental impact compared to German imports . The GPS display screen in the dash is a bit small and hard to read.