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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  Wow - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By thefa11en - October 16 - 6:03 pm

  This car is amazing. Its very fun to drive and I was very impressed with the performance of the car. Not to mention the gas mileage is amazing, I drove from San Bernardino to Yucaipa 3 times, around the streets, and I still had half a tank. It was full when I started. Sadly though, a drunk driver hit me head on going 40 miles and hour and the car saved my life. I walked out of the car with no injury, no whiplash, but a few sore spots from the air bag and seat belt. I got enough to buy the same car, and truthfully, I will buy it again for those reasons.

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  2006 Mazda3 Hatchback - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By carl999 - October 16 - 12:02 pm

  A great small car. Fun to drive, always reliable.

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  Good Looks and Great Mileage - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Don - October 15 - 8:23 pm

  I have had this car for several months now. It gets better than advertised fuel mileage if not drivin too hard. I drive 50 miles to work everyday, over a mountain and average 36 to 38 MPG. I have had it on the open road and it gets slightly less, comming in at an average of about 34MPG. I think this is because at 75 MPH it is turning 3500 RPMs.You cant argue with getting around 400 miles on a tank befor the light comes on. I think the manuals could use a 6th gear.

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  Fun For The Money - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mark Hartley - October 15 - 12:13 pm

  Fun to drive for a four cylinder and gets good mixed gas mileage, 28mpg, for my weekly commute. Great buy for a healthy combination of sporty, frugal and roomy, im 6 4".

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  So wonderful I bought another one - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By teamsc10190 - October 15 - 3:44 am

  I had a 2006 Mazda 3 SGT that was my favorite car Id owned since the early 70s. I decided late in 2009 that I needed to have another one but the second generation 3 was already at Mazda dealerships, sporting a vapid grin that I hated. I needed to find another first generation 3. The search for a SGT variant took me four years to find a low mileage pristine example CA car. When a 5-sp manual, White Pearl with navigation surfaced I pounced on it. It was well worth the effort and the wait. This car consistently delivers in smiles per mile. With the third generation 3, Mazda recovered the sexy face in a more capable and complete package that will be on my short list in the future.

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  Best Value in Mid Sized SUV - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By stephenb924 - October 14 - 8:50 pm

  Just bought my second CX-7. After 2 years, turned in a leased Galaxy Gray GT for a purchased 2008 Mica Copper Red GT, Sand leather interior loaded with every option. It is the first time ever I have repeated on a new vehicle with the same body style. The CX-7 was ahead of the styling curve and the other crossovers are just catching up. Exception is the Infiniti FX, a great vehicle, but for price and value, the CX-7 cannot be touched. Some ding it for the mileage, but its reasonable for its class and the 2008-09 can use regular fuel (07 required premium). Performance (244 hp) and handling are like a sports car. Zoom Zoom is more than hype. My other car is a 350z roadster. Both are a blast.

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  Slick tires on water/snow - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By abc - October 14 - 11:10 am

  My husband and I have owned our manual Mazda3 for only a few months, and it is a joy to drive in ideal conditions. Pure driving enjoyment! If it is wet or snowy, however, we fear for our lives. The car spins to start at a light, slides a lot at a stop, and often fishtails in the snow. The factory installed Eagles are like skis and after 2 near-misses and one collision due to snow, we are getting the tires/rims replaced before we get hurt or hurt someone else.

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  One of the best cars in the world - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mark Hernandez - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Looks, fun, luxary, quality and performance all in one. There is no better bang for your buck in the world. I got this car used, but its like brand new. From the time you rest your rump on the leather seats, to the time you hear the solid thus of closing the door, and the ever so sweet pur of the stock high performance exhaust, you are taken by the fact that you only spent 15k on a car that looks and feels nicer then most BMWs.

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  love my new 2003 mazda 6 zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tammesimon - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I shopped around in the price range of 20000 or less, and was surprised when i came aross the new 2003 Mazda 6 hands down I think it really gives the compa- tition a run for the money, its style comfort it seats a person 62 with plenty of head room it handles the road in hair-pin turns with no problem, very fun to drive, love the manual shift just tap the plus, or minus with no clutch it makes driving a joy, and thats a feature you would normaly see on more expensive cars like maybe my sisters bmw mazda has really took notice of what the average consumer is looking for, and they are delivering with 120% I just cant say enough about this car

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  Getting Another - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Tricia - October 13 - 10:20 pm

  I loved my 2007 Mazda5! I love it even more now. Unfortunately someone hit me this week and totaled my beloved vehicle. Over $15000 in damage and I feel perfect 3 days after, my 18 mo old son is unhurt. The car did just what it should - protect my family. I called dealer next day and am going to get my 2008 next week. Any car that is this safe as well as fun to drive, nice looking and roomy - what more could you ask for?