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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  Love it! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Colleen - May 21 - 5:43 am

  Love this car! It is fun to drive has a lot of power for a small car. Good on gas (but not as good as a scion or fit). Cant say enough about it. I am so glad that we decided to purchase this one over the scion or fit. I dont have any Major issues with the interior or exterior. The Bose stereo is awesome! Love the features.. This is my first Mazda. I bought a manual and love the way it shifts. It is very smooth! Zoom, zoom, zoom for sure!

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  More fun to drive than my former Corvette - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Paul Jay W. - May 21 - 5:39 am

  Traded in my 2006 Corvette for a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, so that alone should tell you something! More fun to drive, better handling, smoother manual shifting and just more exciting overall. My only issues are with some of the interior design flaws. The CD player is behind the seats rather than in the dashboard by the radio where it belongs. There is no "glove" box even though there is room for one. The GPS outlet is located near the passengers feet where it is not accessible from the drivers seated position; not a problem if you have the navigation system in the "Club" or "GT" trims. The cup holders are located where they can not be easily reached. The sun visors are too small and do not rotate to the sides. The floor mats are very thin and not reinforced where the drivers clutch foot comes into contact with them. Despite these few interior design issues, which may seem petty to many, this car is a blast to drive and I am pleased with my purchase.

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  love the car except.... - 2018 Mazda CX-9
  By Milan - May 21 - 4:18 am

  Love the car. Much better than my 2010 Mazda6. I have only one issue so far - drivers seating position. I am 6,4 about 210 pounds. I am still to find a comfortable position. I think that comfort can be easily improved if the telescopic steering wheel could be pulled a bit more towards driver. Other than that, the car drives and looks great! We are making 24-26 mpg, combined - 70% highway, 30% city. We test drove Toyota Highlander, and although Toyota put more thought into practicality and space designed particularly for families, I simply didnt like the driving feel. Reminded me of the van we had. Mazdas storage, compared to Highlander, isnt great, but in my opinion is still plenty for a family of four. The cars style and drive feel won.

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  BEST THERE IS! - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BC - May 19 - 10:06 pm

  I bought this vehicle to drive both for fun and back and forth to work, and it is truly what I expected. It even loads my golf clubs in the trunk! The only real complaint I have is that somehow it could have a spare tire. I just feel real uneasy going out of town far without a spare, even though they do give you an air pump and sealit material. Overall, I definitely recommend this car and would buy one again sometime once i wear this one out, if that is possible.

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  mazda millenia - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By bilu mathew - May 19 - 10:00 am

  very good car. Very good acceleration. The interior scheme is kind of different but thats the whole point. Plus I like the fact that not to many people have the car.

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  Love the van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By CheapDad - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Decided on this van after looking at a myriad of SUVs and minivans. Didnt have a boat to tow, live in the snowbelt or go offroad so an SUV wasnt necessary (plus the center consoles cut down on my legroom). Liked the compact size of the MPV, drives like a car. High enough off the road for good visibility and no need to bend over to put kids in carseats. More than enough power. Power sliding doors are a lifesaver with little children. Great price in comparison to Odyssey (many incentives and prices near invoice to boot). Go buy this van, you will love it.

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  Seriously Fun To Drive - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Ing Beukert - May 19 - 2:10 am

  I drove the new Honda CRV as well as the Mazda CX3 before buying a couple months ago. While the Honda had more interior storage space, there was no comparison with the driving experience. The CX3 rides smoother and is quieter and is just a sweet, sweet driving experience. Almost like you are part of the car. The interior finish is impeccable. Very stylish and not run of the mill.

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  An all around review - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoomalabam - May 19 - 12:20 am

  We purchased our 2013 Mazda3 after loving our 2009 3, and this car is far better, with a 160 miles round trip commute daily, the car truly get 37 mpg @ 65mph highway. The bluetooth features lets me talk hands free all the way home, and I can listen to my favorite tunes with pandora, or bluetooth. The interior lighting is nice, with the blue LEDs lighting up the console and door handles at night, the downside on our model with in dash navigation, is that in the daytime, with headlights turned on (ie rain) you have a dimmed stereo console, so it makes it hard to see the radio and all in dash features. The bose sound is great, although the bass is only responsive at higher volumes,

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  I love my Mazda3 touring wagon. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gerald Deckler - May 17 - 8:13 pm

  I love to drive my Mazda3 wagon. I live in Houston, Texas with some of the worse traffic in the country. My Mazda3 zips through difficult traffic situations with ease. The handling is like driving a European sports car. The interior is large and very comfortable with great eye appeal. The six disk changer is exceptional. Overall, I love this car. Zoom Zoom!

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  Forget the 3, get a year-old 6s - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By tjlst15 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a new Mazda3. The car was way too small, so I wanted something bigger with enough power to compensate. I was lucky enough to come across a 2003 6s with 9000 miles for under $18000. What an improvement from the 3. This car is everything you need. Plenty of room inside, plenty of power, sporty looking, lots of extras on the dash and its a Mazda. My perfect car. If you can find one for the price I got, buy it!!