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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  Still one of the better looking small sedans on the road. - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By zramil - October 5 - 1:54 pm

  The car is a great compromise between sleepy, although quiet Corolla and entertaining, yet loud and overpriced (for a used car) Civic. Very engaging ride, fairly precise handling, not the quietest ride but not as loud as Civic. Even though car is now 6 years old, its still a very good looking model. Interior is very well thought out, excellent fit and finish - clean, functional, attractive. This generation is notorious for rust problems, half of 3s I see on the road have rust which decreases resale value. Other than that had no problems with the car. If you are looking for a good quality small sedan mazda 3 is a must see - great balance between performance, quality, value and looks.

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  i love driving this car - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By jewel - October 5 - 5:26 am

  This car is a dream to drive. It feels like floating down the highway. The interior is spacious and comfortable. The V6 engine is not as responsive as I would like but I have been used to driving a smaller suv but its 4 cyl. engine had better "get up and go" (Toyo RAV4). The Tribute is well insulated from road noise, a very quiet ride. Stereo system sounds great too.

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  Best Value in its class! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By R Bailey - October 5 - 4:33 am

  After looking at competitive and more upscale midsize sedans for my daily commuter car (Audi A4, Acura TL, BMW 3, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord), I decided on the Mazda6 Sport with the V6 as the best value of the bunch. Fully loaded, with rebates of $2,000, it was $3,000 less than its nearest competitor (the YAWN Camry), and everything else was up to $15,000 more. The Mazda6 has a smooth drivetrain, deep content when optioned out, and is flat out fun to drive that leaves a smile on my face, and $400/month in my pocket compared to the similar BMW. (Yes, it feels exactly like a BMW3 to me, maybe not as fast, but we drive on city streets here 95% of the time, so look at the value equation).

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  Zoom all the way - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By leadfoot - October 5 - 4:33 am

  Ive had my 2010 Grand Touring CX-9 since Dec 2009. This vehicle is definitely fun and comfortable. I live in the country and take the back roads at more than optimum speeds and the vehicle handles great. Ive owned a Subaru with AWD and that was a bit better on the handling. Drive 110 miles each day and my back loves the comfortable seats. Ive used the heated seats with no problems but Ill refrain until they are fixed. Few economy is great. I get 21.9. Not bad for cruising down the road.

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  2 Times the Fun, 1/2 The Cost - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By armrobc - October 4 - 5:13 pm

  After doing a considerable amount of research on a variety of small cars, I settled on a Mazda2 for a variety of reasons. Chiefly, the styling, fuel efficacy and cost; while not truly being great in any one category, the Mazda2 is very good in many. Many of the reviews and comments I read referred to the 2’s small, 100 hp engine and “slow” starts off the line. Frankly, it is a bit slow; however, if I had wanted a spirited performer, I would have bought a VW GTI. With gasoline prices increasing, the need for a reliable and gas efficient vehicle more than eclipsed my need to go from 0 to 60 in five seconds.

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  FUN! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Gab - October 3 - 4:43 pm

  I got my Miata after wanting to get a roadster again. I had Jags, MGs and Triumphs back in 1966-1967. I have not been disappointed. Still look back when I park it! What fun!!!!!

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  Great CAR - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Holly - October 3 - 2:56 pm

  Great car. Drives very good. Handles nice and has good pick up. Seats are very nice and the red backlight is very nice. Over all great car.

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  Pretty good, but many small headaches - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By No Name - October 3 - 1:00 pm

  Bought my 2003 Tribute FWD LX new and have been pretty pleased overall. 90k miles, still has original tires with plenty of tread. However, have replaced wheel bearings (~$450), brakes and rotors, throttle cable sticks and steering wheel squeaks, even after several attempts to have fixed under warranty. Now, power steering fluid leaks, alternator is going bad (seems to be common problem), and rust is forming on the tailgate (water collects on the window frame). However, gets decent MPG (20 city/ 25 hwy) and drives great, handles snow and ice well with FWD. Comfortable seats and fits my 6ft frame with no problems. Ok overall, but wouldnt buy again compared to others.

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  Owned for years, still love it - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By lurking444 - October 3 - 12:31 am

  I purchased a 2008 CX-7 new, in 2009. It was a "demo" model so I got a good deal. My car only has 25,000 miles on it so far (yeah, I dont drive it all the time). However, I do love the sporty feel, the moderately large cargo capacity, and the styling; it still looks cutting edge. I dont drive it much because my wife and I also own a diesel VW Jetta, which gets better than twice the mpg of the Mazda. Ive averaged about 18.5mpg on the CX-7 in the years Ive owned it. I love the sportiness of the vehicle, but youll have to make a judgement about whether poor fuel economy is worth the love of the road/drive. Im happy with my decision to buy this car.

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  More than I need at below my budget !! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By TONWAT - October 2 - 4:36 pm

  This car has everything I need(fuel economy, fun drive, sunroof, Bluetooth, leather seat) and more than I need (Bose speaker, memory seat, BT audio, Adaptive head light). I was comparing with Mini Cooper, Honda Civic and VW Golf GTI and these cars have some good features, but overall, Mazda3 has better value than these. Plus, 0 down, 0% APR/60 month, no payment until e/April pushed me forward to purchase this car!!