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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  22,000 Miles - Still Glad I Bought It - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Compared it 2 others - June 28 - 1:36 am

  I bought it in Feb 2007. Its a great car - and I would recommend it. A big issue with me is I wanted to get the car in light blue, but interior was an ugly beige, so got it in gray with black interior. I cant do beige upholstery - I hate it. Got the car with the ABS & side airbags as well, which was optional equipment at the time. Also, I really wanted the 5 door, even though the back end of the 5 door is kinda frumpy, but 5 door only comes in the S Model. The car handles well, the stick is real fun to drive, and has good acceleration. I think I am getting about 27-28 MPG. I like the fabric used on the upholstery, but the carpeting seems cheap. The car has a good solid feel to it.

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  More than an economy car, its a Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By RC - June 28 - 12:26 am

  Theres no other economy car in this price range that will get you Sirius radio, HID headlights, LED taillights, 17" wheels, automatic climate control, Bose audio, DVD-based nav system, LED gauges, heated leather seats, and rain-sensing wipers for $23K. Even base models are well-equipped! Sure, you could get a Hyundai for cheaper, but its a Hyundai and Im more social conscious than that. Its not wacky on the inside like a Civic, nor is it as bulbous as a Corolla on the outside - the 3 is just right. Well, its more than right...its pretty much perfect for the price!

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  NOT Disappointed - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gammaworks - June 27 - 11:16 pm

  Chose Mazda6 over Honda Accord for its 5-star crash test rating, and for its sporty handling quality. It is a big car, bigger than our Subaru Forester SUV, so still trying to get used to that. Dont know anything about its reliability, but we have been extremely happy with the purchase so far.

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  Great performer for the price - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By D-rock240 - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after my Subaru Legacy was totaled by a tractor trailer and was very impressed. I had my reservations about getting a protegé because I didnt like the mid 90s styling. Out of all the cars that I test drove this was the best. This has excellent driver feedback, especially the steering. It turns and stops on a dime and there is no steering looseness whatsoever. With the larger wheels and v-rated tires this car hugs curves. I find myself taking freeway on/off ramps at 40mph just because it sticks so well and there is minimum body roll. The interior is very roomy and the layout is simple and functional. This is the best handling car in class.

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  Great Minivan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By glockman - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I dont really know what to say yet have only had it for a few hours. Already put 100 miles on it. Ive been looking for a minivan for a couple of months & was priced out of the Toyota Sienna LE also tested the Odessy & Freestar. Took a test drive in the MPV LX with the LX plus package & was hooked. Price of 19,500 after rebate I was sold.

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  Ilove this car!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Octavio - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Great Car I cant stop loving it

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  Mazda 3 i Touring Great First Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - June 27 - 8:20 am

  I bought this car for my teenage daughter due to safety,stability control,6 airbags, blutooth, and great gas milage for under $17500,but I have found it particularly fun to drive. This car exceeds all expectations. The interior is well laid out and the car is fun to drive period.

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  Better than Accord, maybe even Acura - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By JMike - June 27 - 2:06 am

  Have now owned the 6 for 3 months and like it more every day. Have had several sports cars (S-2000, 350Z)and had to go with a more sensible car this time. No withdrawal symptoms, the 6 is possibly taking Nissans title of 4 dr Sports Car. Also looked at the new Accord; have owned Hondas and Nissans in the past, and know both to be excellent cars and great values. I could not get past the ugliness of the new Accord or the price tag for the new Maxima. Getting 20mpg avg, think the 6 is comparable to Lexus and Acura

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  Fun going Topless - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By flash9 - June 26 - 1:13 am

  After looking at Miata, S2000, and the MR2. I finally decided if I could find a 2001 Miata SE (British Racing Green) for a fair amount I would buy on as a fun run about car. We have had the car for nearly a year and it has exceeded all expectations.

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  I LOVE IT - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By larinkc - June 25 - 1:56 am

  We love our new CX-7. We had been shopping for about three months and we thought we had decided on a Murano, when we saw the CX-7 at the auto show. We decided to wait and drive one before we made our purchase. We love the way it handles and the gas mileage is better than we what have read about the Nissan. It is very "zippy" and I have NEVER heard a sound system in a car that was like the Bose sound system this thing has. The color we bought is Pearl White and we have the Technology Package. We will probably get another one when my husbands lease is up on his Lexus in August. What a great vehicle.