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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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazdaspeed - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a Mazda3 hatch a month ago, and let me tell you it is an awesome car to drive. The way it handles on curves and turns is astounding. And as far as looks...well lets just say that the ladies definitely love it.

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  Frugal Sport Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By BillF - March 14 - 10:00 am

  My criteria was a midsize sedan with high MPG, and very fun to drive. This car is fantastic. I get 28 MPG driving around and 32 MPG on a trip. The performance is great above 3,000 RPM. The car is also very quiet inside. I have never seen an oil filter like this! The 4 cyl has a housing where you replace the paper filter media. This media is hard to find and many places cannot perform an oil change because they do not have an oil filter.

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  Reliable and good looking - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By apglaser - March 14 - 1:21 am

  We bought our Tribute LX used with 106,000 miles on it and havent had any problems at all! We are now at 125,000, and took it on a road trip from CA to UT. This past week was very rainy and my husband went crashing through all the deep puddles and the #3 spark plug got wet, causing a misfire. However, after a day or so it dried up and ran normal again. It has plenty on room in the backseat for 2 carseats, with more than enough cargo space for our double-stroller. I love my "Mazzy" and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Deleted my "Bucket List"! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Vaughn - March 13 - 5:23 pm

  Dont think this little roadster wont be exciting to drive with only 155 horses under the hood. Ive been driving the Grand Touring version since August and I really hate pulling it into the garage for the night. The short throw, six speed manual shift is so sweet. My daily commute is 12 miles of country roads ( speed limits 35 to 55 ) which puts the tach between 1500 & 2200. Im getting 38 to 42 mpg, not 28 to 34 as suggested on the sticker! My only freeway run was the hour and a half drive coming home from the dealership at 80 mph. Only got 36 mpg on that trip. Ill take it back to the dealer for its first free oil change but I definitely wont use the freeway, (no fun in that!) Coffee drinkers will be dissappointed with either of the cup holder positions as you and a passenger will be banging your knees on them (if holders are installed on either side of the front center console) and if the holders are at the rear of center console, reaching for your cup will be a little awkward. Trust me, you wont feel the need for caffeine when your slide behind the wheel! The glove compartment is between the seat backs (right above the cup holders) so dont be reaching for any items while driving. There arent any door pockets for storage either. The trunk can hold 4 or 5 bags of groceries (but not your golf clubs). If the lack of storage positions bothers you, ... take your spouses car but dont be surprised if they wont give yours back! Final analysis ... Ive deleted my "Bucket List" ... Dont need it! Im having too much fun driving my Miata!

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  Best Value and with High Quality, Superb - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Big - March 13 - 3:26 am

  My wife was tired of the Expedition and wanted something easier to park. She wanted either a Murano or the Infinity FX. As I started to do the research on these vehicles, I noticed the CX9. In my opinion this is a far better value than the Infinity FX or Murano and the third row seating is surprisingly comfortable for adults. A big plus over the others that dont have the third row seating. Seats fold down easily. We got the Galaxy Grey Grand Touring model. This vehicle rides better than my 300 (the base company car). With the all aluminum V6 it has plenty of get up and go.

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  "impressive ride" - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By rsbklyn - March 13 - 1:20 am

  Got the CX-9 im place of my leased07 Envoy. Took test drive and was sold. Great power and handling. The cockpit really sold me. Took it out in the snow and WAS IMPRESSED ON HOW IT HANDLED. Price was right for a 7 pass CUV.

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  Get one before theyre gone!!! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By SM - March 12 - 10:00 am

  A luxury car for $21,000? That is what you will get if you buy one of these. With a sticker price of $30,000, dealer incentives and discounts brings this car within reach. Look around at other cars, the top of the line Maxima, Accord, Camry, Avalon, or domestic cars in this category and youll spend $4000- 8000 more for the same ride, equipment, and reliability. I drove all the above cars, bottom line, money talks.

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  Great! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jazzyjerry2000 - March 12 - 10:00 am

  This is a really great little car excellent fuel economy and fun to drive has cd and everything you need love the hatchback!!!

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  I love this car! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sher - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I had never considered a car to be fun before. This car is amazing. Having a bad day? Just climb in, drop the top and all is right with the world.

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  Great car! I recommend it. - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By pwrofjoe - March 11 - 8:44 pm

  I was caught between buying a Honda Civic, VW Jetta or the Mazda3. The Civic lacked substance.. it was simple, not sporty, lacked knobs and features. The VW fell in the same category as the Civic, it was just blah. Dont get me wrong, they are great cars, but their design lacks a statement. Its just another car parked at the grocery store. The Mazda3 has great design, modern and a nice body kit. The interior feels solid and luxurious. Some people like the the front grill and others dont. In all honesty, if you dont sport a turbo charger, a big block engine or some NA performance engine, you dont need to have an aggressive front grill. The Mazda3 is a fun car and should be smiling! Enjoy!