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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  Best value for fun and economy - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By woofer - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Good looking, fun-to-drive, low purchase price, and good fuel economy make it hard-to-beat for the $. Much more of a drivers car than the Civic, Corolla or Sentra. MPG is usually 32-35 MPG (combined) after break-in, and already saw 39 MPG, all highway miles. No rotor warp as others have stated: a torque wrench MUST be used when tightening lug nuts! No issues to date, only service has been oil changes.

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  The best I have ever had - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By webster6 - June 13 - 7:42 am

  I have owned 13 cars and this is by far the best car I have ever owned. I purchased it last year with 200,000 miles on it as a temporary car. However, I fell in love with my 03 Mazda 6 s. It handles great and I have put 36,000 miles on it myself. I have driven it on family vacations because its comfortable and reliable. When the battery started to go bad, it never left me anywhere. It made sure I made it to the auto parts store and now its just like new. People seem to complain if they get a lemon. That is a possibility with any car you buy. If I had to take a cross country trip tomorrow best believe I would hop in my 6 and zoom zoom with no hesitation.

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  Great Looking Car, but company does not stand behind it and build quality is poor - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By paul7410 - June 12 - 9:53 pm

  Plain and simple, if you are thinking of buying one - dont. Build quality is suspect. Company doesnt honor warranties. Company wont recall even when 1000s of customers have same issue, etc.

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  Fun to Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Randy - June 12 - 7:20 pm

  I cant begin to tell you how impressed I am with this car, for its price group it has the features of a much more expensive car without the high end maintenance bills. Its fun to drive and it definitely turns heads, I often see people trying to get a look at the emblem to see "what it is" as it does not look like an economy car but more so a high end Euro coupe.

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  Jammin Coupe! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8bear - June 12 - 6:46 am

  I love this car! The car is an unbelievable value for the money. It drives and handles like a dream. It is built as solid as a tank and the fit and finish are superb. I havent had any problems whatsoever with the car.

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  I will help you decide..Buy it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By acreed - June 12 - 1:23 am

  Ive only had the mazda3 several days and I am very impressed. I was originally looking into the Civic and Corolla just for a commuter, but the exterior and interior style of the Mazda3 really caught my eye. It handles beautifully and you get a lot of car and options for the price. Many of the "expert" reviews indicate the ride is stiff, but that is just opinion. Its not a stiff ride. Its a nice tight sporty suspension that gets excellent mileage, even with the larger 2.5.

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  Excellent SUV! - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Joe - June 11 - 11:03 pm

  Awesome SUV for the money, great options, awesome styling. Non-turbo motor has adequate power for most needs - strains a little w/ 4 passengers and luggage. Gets right at 30mpg on this highway, smooth quiet ride. OEM tires not the best in snow but excellent traction/stability control keeps the vehicle on track. iSport w/ convenience package is a terrific value. Adding factory fog lights makes the front end much better looking - too much empty black plastic areas on the front bumper w/o the fog lights.

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  ROADSTER WITH A BACKSEAT - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By PALERMO - June 11 - 12:13 pm

  I bought this car yesterday after shopping numerous other coupes/sport coupes and sedans. I compared it to Mustang, Mazda6, Nissan Altima and Maxima, Infinity G-35, and a couple others. I bought the black touring with rear spoiler and all season mats. Sticker $30,600. I paid $26,000 with my trade. A 1994 ford Taurus, probably worth $500. Great deal! What a cool look, car drives like a sports car, has a backseat big enough for my 4 & 11 year old, and rear doors that are easy enough for a small adult/child. The interior is not so luxurious like a loaded Maxima or G35. Not even the GT w/added leather looked that great. I didnt think the leather was worth $1500. Overall a really cool car.

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  Good Car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By grayghost - June 10 - 11:43 am

  I bought this vehicle used (34K miles). Within one week of purchase, I made a 2000 mile trip with no problems. The only maintenance performed have been oil-filter changes and a front end alignment. The room inside the car is better than my previous vehicle, a 2000 Mercury Sable.

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  Not bad after almost 3 years and 36 k. - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By markus81 - June 9 - 6:16 pm

  I have had the car for almost 3 years now. Only had to replace rear shocks under warranty. Doing oil changes and tire rotations every 5 k. Everything runs like new. Still on the original brakes. There is some slight vibration but not noticeable at lower speeds when braking. Also, the tires last only about 25 k. The new tires are wearing slightly already due to aggressive rear camber, which gives the car a sporty ride. This in turn causes a slight steering wheel shake at times. All in all, this is the best and cheapest to maintain car I ever owned. The sliding doors are awesome.