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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  Reliable, Economical, and Fun to drive! - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By jb57 - April 6 - 11:22 am

  This is our 2nd Mazda (wife owns 2012 Mazda 5) and weve been very pleased with both vehicles. Mine is the 2014 Mazda 3 sedan sport edition w/ manual shift. Am averaging 36 mpg. Before buying, I test drove a Civic, Corolla, and Cruze. All seemed to be good vehicles but the Mazda stood out for its handling and appearance. Leg room and head room are just fine (Im 6 2"). Trunk space is larger than I expected. The engine is quiet as a kitten. My only knocks are the average looking cloth seats (I replaced w/ leather) and road noise on select highways. But, boy are these cars fun to drive!

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  Love It!!! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By SHouse - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Compared the MPV (ES) vs. Honda Ody. Fell in love with the Mazda & wouldnt trade it for the world. Sporty, fun to drive and loaded with features. Great vehicle!

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  Happy George - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Happy George - April 6 - 4:50 am

  My first Miata was a 2000, 5 speed manual which for some reason I dont recall I sold in 2003. I always regretted doing that. I never thought Id like an automatic transmission in a Miata. All I can say is try one of these 6 speed automatics before you decide. I love it. The performance, steering and brakes are great. Its quite comfortable on smooth roads but a bit less so, as expected, on poor surfaces. I like the grill and front view of the 2008 model better than the 2009.

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  Truly fun to drive! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Farrokh - April 4 - 7:30 pm

  I love my RX8. It is truly fun to drive and despite what Consumer Reports might tell you about predicted reliability, I have never once had a problem with it.!

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  I am not a soccer mom! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Heather - April 4 - 12:56 pm

  I love my car! I am not someone who is into cars so it surprises me how much I enjoy driving it. We took a family vacation and drove 1600 miles round trip with 2 small children and it handled well and was just the right size. I havent seen any others on the road and I am shocked. The price is excellent!

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  Awesome car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By MTS - April 4 - 8:10 am

  I explored many others before choosing the 3 so I knew Id like it, and it was a perfect choice. You cant beat all the standard features in this car that you wouldnt get in others. Steering cntrls/telescp, ABS/DSTC, full airbags, and very fun to drive. Tight handling! Took it on a small road trip right away and got 43 mpg hwy! One time only, I doublechecked, but city/mixed is only OK. Its my first manual and has the easiest clutch to learn on. I drove it home only having had 2 short lessons years ago driving an old manual Civic. The hatch adds much versatility, and everything about this car is designed to look sweet inside and out. Cntr stack intrudes on right leg, but not bad.

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  Great car - zoom zoom - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By parusianknight - April 3 - 10:26 pm

  Researched new 5-door for past 6 months. The Mazda3 beats every all others, hands down. The build quality is outstanding. The attention to detail and standard features in a "base model" are a lesson to other car builders. The Mazda3 automatic drives like a charm - be careful if you have other drivers in the house - it will quickly become a car of choice. The maintenance schedule is like no other - Sealed automatic transmission - no service required; 1st coolant flush - 100,000 miles; pretty much just oil changes. I recommend the Mazda extended warranty - very reasonably priced and gives you bumper to bumper coverage.

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  RX 8 is fun for moms - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Sue C - April 3 - 5:10 pm

  Love the attitude of the car -- handles like a dream! City and Highway driving are a thrill!

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  3i Sedan - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By ECM56 - April 3 - 2:43 pm

  I have about 1500 miles on my 3i sedan with manual transmission. Mileage is good - about 33 mpg around the suburbs. Its hard to not put your foot down (which is, of course, bad for mileage) - this car begs to be driven! First car Ive had in years with enough leg room (Im 62") - I dont even have to put the seat all the way back. Easy to set up a good driving position with the adjustable steering wheel. Transmission has a nice feel and short throw. I have found the A/C more than adequate for my area (Virginia). Big trunk and lots of little cubbies for storing stuff (huge glove box).

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  Fun Fun Mazda CX5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By miz_mas - April 3 - 10:01 am

  Since last year, Ive researched, tested-drive compact SUVs include RAV4, CRV, X3, Rogue. When CX5 was available, made my trip to the delarship, tested drive a Touring and I was hooked on CX5. I ended buying the Grand Touring with Tech package, which is ideal for a busy working professional like me, with weekend drive-around with my two dogs. The driving is smooth, love the look, love the rear view camera, the BSM is awesome, the drive is smooth and the price is a steal! This is my fun ride! Zoom zoom.