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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  Why buy more? - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By FLL - March 7 - 1:06 am

  Maybe Im the industrys worst nightmare. Their strategy is to get people to move UP the price/prestige ladder, not down. As a cash buyer I cross shopped G35, IS250, 325i because they should have been my next "step" from a current Maxima. Those cars are certainly nicer than the 3 in some ways but definitely NOT $15-20K nicer. It is well balanced, composed, and offers a great compromise between ride and "connectedness". The ergonomics are intuitive and controls are well placed. Throttle response with the 5A is better than any other 4 cylinder/auto combination I can recall. This is an honest vehicle not trying to masquerade as something it isnt. Well done Mazda!

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  Great vehicle for the price! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By ChuckFuller - March 6 - 7:13 pm

  Over the years, we have owned 3 Mazda Proteges and 2 MPV vans. Mazda has always delivered the highest quality vehicles we have owned and we expect no less of our new 2008 Tribute. We decided on a fully optioned Grand touring model in the the i series with the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder. I find acceleration to be quite responsive and Im sure to appreciate the better economy. Unless you need a tow vehicle, I highly recommend this combination. Im surprised by some of the less than complimentary professional reviews regarding styling cues as I find the vehicle to be gorgeous (gloss black over "stone" leather). All in all, an A+ experience to date.

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  Extreme bang for your buck! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Mikey6273 - March 5 - 2:10 pm

  Ive owned the car for about 3 weeks now and it is an absolute pleasure to drive. I was planning on waiting for the new STi, however Im glad I decided on the MS3 for both practicality and affordability. Plenty fast for a mid-thirty year old, gas mileage is a solid 26 mpg (I do a lot of city driving), and it handles like its on rails through the curves. Motor Trend just did a comparison between the MS3, the wrx, gti and ralliart, and out of all of them, this is the "point and shoot racer" that simply feels much more "dialed in". Believe me, theyre spot on. I simply cant stop grinning.

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  Highly Regarded - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Mary - March 5 - 12:20 pm

  Youll love to drive this! My husband even likes to drive it, and hes picky.

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  Watch the tires - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By cambridgedude - March 5 - 2:00 am

  After four months I have finally found something to complain about. Watch out for the 17" low profile tires. Lots of construction this summer/fall around here, and as careful as I try to be, raised manhole covers on stripped streets waiting for resurfacing have already claimed 3 tires. And these tires are not cheap - $200 per pop! Ive been driving for more than 30 years and this has never happened before, so I can only put it down to the low profile tires. On the plus side they do give amazing grip, and help the tremendous road holding of the 3.

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  20000 mile update - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Stenn - March 3 - 3:23 pm

  When I bought it, I wrote here that it was an exercise in engineering theory and perfection, but not practical due to low fuel efficiency vs. high fuel costs. Well, 20K miles later, Im still infatuated with it, wouldnt think of driving anything else, and have gotten used to its MPG after an 05 Mustang driver told me he gets the same 15 mpg I do. Id MUCH rather have this than a Mustang!! I admit that 15 mph is around town and short highway runs, usually doing 100 mph+ to and from work, so of course its going to suck the gas. But the handling of this thing !! :) And the sound system cant be beat. And its still the most gorgeous thing on the road if you ask me.

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  Please read if your considering a great affordable car - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By tobbeybear - March 3 - 2:46 am

  Have 2011 Mazda 2 touring with 51k. Just retired my mazda protege with 300k on it. The protege has the 1.5 liter which only has with 90hp. The mazda 2 also has the 1.5liter. Every go see the christmas lights and you can not turn your head lamps off?The 2 doesnt have the day running lamps. Has a self adjusting timing chain and not a timing belt so thats saving you 500 to 600 every 100k that you have to change on most imports.I work at a big dealership and get to drive every make and model and can say with certianty that this mazda is the funnest car out. The 5 speed tranny is smooth. The engine isnt loud. So what it only has 100hp. Thats a upgrade for me from the 90hp I had for many years

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  WOW! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Saabster27 - March 2 - 6:23 pm

  I just moved to a 2006 Mazda3 GT from a 2002 Saab 9-3 SE with 205 HP, sport suspension and 17-inch wheels. And let me say that beside straight line acceleration, Mazda3 beats the Saab in EVERY category, while priced less than half of the Saab. I also test drove the Audi A4 and and owned a Honda Accord Coupe V6 but those two dont perform better and dont come close to the value offered by a Mazda3 at this price level. The choice was pretty simple for me. And this car far exceeded my expectations after owning it for a month. I can say that I did not have the same feelings about the Saab after owning it for a month!

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  Great Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By EDP - March 1 - 2:00 am

  The combination of performance and bells and whistles make this one of the finest cars Ive ever owned. Every thing about the car is first rate except the fuel economy (and the fact that it uses premium fuel). At this point, still under 1,000 miles and winter weather where the temps are rarely above freezing, the car is averaging about 15mpg. I have not taken it out for anything except short runs so it should do much better as time goes on.

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  Great!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By chino - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!!