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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  Impressive - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By pwhopkins1 - April 20 - 3:19 pm

  Mazda has really put the full package together with the new 6 - We previously had an 08 3, and loved it, but for much different reasons than how we now feel about the 6 - Every time I stop the car, I think to myself, this was made to be drive - This is a drivers car. Refined, but with some roughness around the edges that make it feel unique in a very busy segment. Love the fuel economy and all the technology in the GT - And the looks....... nothing like it in the segment -

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  Nice for a small SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By CreamCorn - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Driven for 2000 Miles with no issues. Found that after 1000 the transmission was a little more responsive whle in OD. Nice classic look that will not go out of style unlike others in the same catagory.

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  I love it - 1999 Mazda 626
  By darrellkirby888 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my 1999 Mazda 626! I drove it home 100 miles the first night I owned it and fell in love with it! I purchased it to replace my 1992 Accord that bit the dust. My friends love the swinging air vents. The car runs great and looks decent for Mazda styling. I never expected to be so satisfied with it!

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  2008 Mazda 3 GT Manual - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda 3 GT - April 18 - 3:56 pm

  I researched vehicles in this class for about a year and chose the Mazda3 as best option. I am very pleased thus far. I got 38.9 miles per gallon on initial interstate trip 1000 miles and it rolled right down the road without exhausting me. The glove box holds a lot, and it has nice little cubbies and cup holders. It has good pep. On my way home from work I have a terrible entrance ramp to get on to interstate and it is scary. My Mazda gets right out there with plenty of pep. I added a few little accessories to doll it up, like a spoiler and a mask, and it actually turnes some heads.Two improvements would be key fob for trunk and better quality carpet. I am very pleased thus far, ZOOM ZOOM!

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  Nice car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jack - April 18 - 8:40 am

  Got this car last month. Its amazing. I like its engine - much better than 1.8L Honda Civic. Definitely would recommend. Totally worth the price.

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  Great Car for Most Purposes - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Stonejaw - April 18 - 5:46 am

  The RX8 is very fun to drive! Great road feel and superb handling. If you want to drive this car where there is snow - get dedicated snow tires! This is not a 4x4 (that are all in the ditch because they start well but dont stop any better) but I regress. With the Potenzas that come with the car RE040(very noisy and rough riding) forget about driving in the winter. However, put some Pirelli Wintersport 210s on and have fun! I have taken it skiing in Colorado numerous times including blizzard conditions and heavy snow and it came through just fine. Also since the tires are an integral suspension component treat yourself to some Bridgestone Potenza RE960AS Pole Positions - will get you home.

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  Like it Better than Fit - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By nofitforme - April 18 - 1:50 am

  After failing to come to terms on a Honda Fit, I started looking for alternatives. For $400 more than a Fit Sport Automatic, I was out the door with this far more substantial and comfortable car. The rear seats fold down and the trunk is huge. All my friends and family, as well as myself, have been impressed with this car. Mine has automatic transmission, and side air bags. I also installed the Sirius myself (which I highly recommend). I have averaged 30.2 mpg in real world commuting driving. With the 18 gallon tank, you can plan to travel over 500 miles on a tank full. The car came with Michelin tires, power windows and locks, tilt and telescope steering and power mirrors.

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  Mazda 6 GT Winner over the Mid-size Vehicles - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By verysmartcar - April 17 - 5:38 pm

  Love, Love, Love the look and feel of the new Mazda 6. What a great looking car. Cant wait to go somewhere just to drive it. If you want a Mid-Size vehicle be sure to check out the Mazda 6 in the 2014 model year. Love the 19" wheels in the GunMetal Finish you only get with the GT, Leather Seats are very soft and feel good, love the looks of the front and rear. The GT Comes Loaded with all the options, added the Radar Cruise Control that works great. Bought the Liquid Silver with Black Leather that has the Red Stitching. The Nav is very easy to operate. The whole car is just a great value and has very sporty looks unlike the dull Accord or Camry.

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  GREAT CAR! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By AnnaB - April 17 - 3:36 pm

  I dont usually follow up to write reviews, but this car is awesome! I only had about $18,000 to spend on a new car and wanted to get the most bang for my buck. I had driven a 99 Protege for 10 years and loved the reliability of the Mazda brand. After looking at the Corolla, Elantra, Civic and Altima - the Mazda 3 stood out as the best pick. IMO, the Mazda 3 exceeded all of the other cars in terms of looks, quality and performance for the money. I park next to a BMV and Acura every day at work and feel that my new Mazda 3 looks just as great as those cars do. Now I look forward to my morning commute because I get to drive such a nice car. Honestly, I couldnt be happier with my pick!

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  MPG better than rated - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By BEN - April 17 - 11:20 am

  We have 2000 miles on our MAZDA5 and have carefully monitored the gas mileage. We consistently get over 30 mpg on the highway, and thats cruising at 75. City is about 26. These numbers are about 4 mpg better than the government rating. And despite being slightly underpowered we love our 5. Interior configuration is brilliant with no wasted space. Our only complaint is that Mazda decided not to offer Stability Control that is available in the Japanese & European version. We would have gladly paid extra for that important safety feature.