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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  ZOOM ZOOM ZOOOM - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By ROCHELLE - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE ONE THAT I WILL NEVER PART FROM!

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  Mazda 3S Touring - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Orland - June 23 - 9:46 pm

  I have recently purchased a 2006 Mazda3S Touring Manual w/ added rear wing spoiler, 6 disc-changer, moonroof ... and thanks to edmunds.com, I was able to become a smart buyer and purchased it at $17,915 (before taxes ... about $200 under invoice!). I did my research and it paid off. I did most of my research and dealing online and over the phone. So far, I love my ride and I am thankful for spending some time doing my research. Hope this helps... Zoom zoom zoom.

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  A great sporty space wagon to drive - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By coolmazda5 - June 23 - 6:13 pm

  2nd Mazda5 I own. No other family car compares to the versatility, looks, fuel economy and handling

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  I love it, but it could be better - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Greg - June 22 - 3:10 am

  The look - the exterior is much cooler than the 2002 which I previously owned, but no vinyl side panels that saved me a bundle when I got hit in the older one (no damage!). The interior - I love the high gloss look, but the sunglass holder door drops open every time I hit a bump. You still have to take the head rests off the back when putting the seat down. The rear cup holders on the console dont have the sleeve that the front ones do, so its very difficult to clean what the kids manage to put in there. Driving - it handles like a dream. I love driving this car.

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  typical mazda, great for the $$ - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By mike w - June 21 - 8:23 pm

  Have owned a number of Mazdas over the yrs, all good except the American built 1999 626 - it was junk. Mazda 3 is recommended by me and i do lots of driving. problems ... rear view mirror set too low from dealership, almost wrote off car on third day due to blind spot ... hesitates on a damp mornings going up hills. dealership said knew nothing about it, until i gave them a list of 4 other mazda owners with same problem, and they admitted they all do it. I can live with it, but am careful to put in decent brand name gas, that helps. .... seats are a bit worn after 18 months and underside of glove box all scratched otherwise, its fantastic, too bad they changed the body style this yr

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  Best MG I ever had - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By GrandadsFun - June 21 - 5:56 pm

  Okay, Its not an MG - its so much better but has all the things that made the MGB now sitting in the back yard attractive years ago but with added comfort, performance and reliability. Best sports car I ever owned, and there have been many.

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  I love it - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By newowner - June 21 - 8:00 am

  I have recently purchased a Mazda 3 and love it. It is a fun and stylish car with excellent handling. It also is much roomier than you would expect. I am happy I choose it over simlar cars in its class. It delivers the most bang for its reasonable buck.

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  Best of its class - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Colin - June 20 - 1:13 pm

  After driving several of its competitors, the Mazda 3 easily stood out for me as the best. Suspension is tight, engine is smooth and loves to rev, auto transmission is quick and well-programmed, brakes are strong, and the interior is the best Ive ever seen. Ergonomics are excellent; the driver can really feel like he or she is part of the car. Gorgeous styling, and the exhaust note is great. Gas mileage in the city could be better, but highway mileage is right up there with other compact sedans. Excellent build quality -- the 3 is built in Japan, and it shows. A very well-thought-out, fun, affordable sports compact.

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  Loved this car from the day I bought it - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Phil - June 19 - 8:36 pm

  What can I say. From the day I drove it off the lot it just passes the gas stations by and is just a total joy to drive.

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  Pleased in NC - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Pleased in NC - June 19 - 8:13 pm

  We made a decision to sell a 2007 Chev Suburban and a 2006 Cad CTS to cut payments and insurance and improve fuel economy. I traded my CTS for a 2009 Mazda6 - what a pleasant surprise. The crash test ratings were higher (surprise) and while the CTS was a great car - I like this one better. Very comfortable - more than enough power (despite having 100HP and 2 cylinders less). Extremely comfortable in the front and VERY roomy backseat. I like the fold down seat backs. Everyone who sees the car says it is beautiful. I had read some complaints about road noise, but Im struggling to find that - could be different tires. Overall I am rating this one a "ten" and for less than % 25,000.