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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  Good for what you pay - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By AJ - November 4 - 9:20 pm

  This car for me, right off the test drive, no matter how much you try to abuse it, it wont let up. It will adjust to your driving style. I suspect that maybe if I have driven the manual version, then I could have done some real damage, but I didnt get the chance. Anyways, the car handling is exact and precise. The performance isnt anything spectacular, but it should be sufficient for anyone driving aggressively, kind of...Luckily, the car comes with a tremendous amount of features and interior design and layout to make it exciting, or fun in the least. You wont be disappointed if you just want a base car to mess around with, but if you want a true sports car, go for better models!

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  Nice car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By marke - November 4 - 6:50 am

  The Mazda 5 has been a great car that I can still fit my family of four in and all of the gear that you need for small children. The only negative that I have had was that the front passengers seat does not have an armrest.

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  check it out - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Anita - November 4 - 3:13 am

  I purchased this crossover suv in July 06 and I just love the ride and the room. I drive to a lot of soccer games and it make all that driving very enjoyable.

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  Ok, for the price - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By jayw - November 3 - 6:20 pm

  Fun car to drive,looks cute,sporty handling,however seats squeak horribly since day one, paint chips and scratches easily,interior doesnt hold up well-seats and dash trim,gas mileage- max 28mpg hwy driving no more than 65 mph. (would love to know how others are getting 30 mpg +, as they say they are! Dont think its possible, not even using cruise control) Have already replaced catalytic converter and rear main seal at 30,000.Heater has rattling noise that no one can seem to figure out what it is.Has alot of road noise.Would rather own another accord or camry for sure.This car is more comparable with a corolla or civic.Not as impressed with it as salesman was.

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  Great Little Van - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Amazed - November 3 - 12:06 pm

  I was amazed how much interior room this little van offers to its occupants. The expansive glass and high seating make for a very good driving position with great visibility. Seats are comfortable and supportive and they feature adjustment for lumbar support. Steering feel and feedback are excellent. Interior material is high grade and everything fits together nicely. Fuel economy is acceptable for a 4 speed automatic and with careful driving you may get 24/30 mpg for city and highway driving. A/C can be improved for the back seat passengers. For those who want to improve and beautify this nice little van there is a bunch of accessories available from your Mazda dealer.

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  da kid - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By nick gusman - November 3 - 9:43 am

  i love the speed of this vehicle as i cruise the parkaway i hit about 80 in the 5th gear

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  LOVE this car!! - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By kachok - November 2 - 3:05 am

  I got my Mazda 3 hatchback a few days ago and I absolutely love it! Crazy good mpg in town and on the highway (52.9mpg@55mph and 44.0mpg @70mph) all the power I ever wanted, fantastic handling and plenty of room for me and all my gear. I work at another brand dealership, and am willing to deal with the ridicule of my boss and co-workers to drive my 3, it is the perfect car for me. I drive all kinds of cars every day, and the Jetta/Civic/Corolla/Elantra just dont stack up. Only the Focus SE and Dart Ralley compare, the Dart is not offered in a hatch and I have had bad luck with Fords so it was an easy choice for me.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By lunacharsky - November 1 - 5:33 pm

  Love this SUV. Great handling, esp mountainous curves. Plenty of zip. For me (6) perfect seating and ergonomics. After 50.000 miles, only changed cabin filters and brakes. A little noisy on rough roads - key is getting the right tires (BF Goodrich Long Trails are the best). I plan to keep it forever.

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  Great car, poor MPG - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Slick26 - November 1 - 7:56 am

  All things considered, I think this has so far been a great car. Build quality and reliability have been superb. As has handling and over-all general performance. My main concerns about this car have been fuel economy and room. Now I knew I was buying a compact car, so I cant complain too much about room. But just take note, if you have kids, especially small kids in car seats, this car gets extremely small in a hurry. Put two car seats in the back and you have no room for anything, and driver and front passenger become very uncomfortable. Now, where I am most disappointed is fuel economy. I cannot get better than 23 mpg hwy/20 city no matter how hard I try. And I drive very conservatively.

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  Enjoying my Mazda 3 GT! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mark - November 1 - 7:46 am

  Ive owned this car for 4 months now and continue to be impressed. After coming out of a BMW I wanted something "fun" to drive with good handling and the 3 has delivered. The GT comes with a long list of features in a car of this price range. The 5 door hatch has proven to be very versatile yet with the seats up can carry 4 adults in comfort. I wish my wife knew how to drive a stick as it would be even more fun with the manual tranny. At times the automatic hesitates a little between gears and can be somewhat difficult to drive smoothly. Also, on days over 90 degrees the A/C can seem a little weak unless you put on recirculate. Ive already taken it on a 1500 mile trip - comfortable road car!