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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  SUV Thats Fun to Drive - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By DK - December 20 - 5:33 am

  I bought my CX-7 in March and so far so good. It is my first SUV and the driving experience is fun. Body roll is car-like and breaking is excellent. I am averaging around 20 MPG. No issue with storage. The cargo cover is a nice feature especially this time of year. The stereo system is solid as well.

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  Nothing like it until BMW 1-series - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By BuffaloZoom - December 19 - 10:00 am

  I was wishy washy on my new car purchase for over 8 months i couldnt decide. When i saw the 3 hatch with the xenon & leather i said: all this for under 20K? Ride is fun, but no so fun to get into too much trouble if you know what I mean. Didnt test an auto, but the manual tranny is sweeet.

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  My first import..... - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matthew1048 - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The new Mazda 3 is great. Good looks, lots of room, economical yet powerful. The car is the best driving car in its class that I have found, and I did what seemed to be hundreds of test drives; everything from the Ford Focus to the Honda Civic. This car just plain smoked the competition in ALL areas.

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  Solid, Fun, and Very Usable - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By 2nd review - December 19 - 4:23 am

  This is my second review. I was allowed to purchase my own company car, and work as a consultant for a manufacturer. I travel throughout the Southeast US, doing exhibits and speaker engagements. I can pack my entire exhibit in my CX-7, and motor to anywhere work takes me. Ive put 50,000 on the car in one year. I love it! I might complain about the average of 20.5 to 22 mpg. But, maybe if I slowed down Id get better mileage. Ill keep the zoom zoom. Really, this car drives like a sports car, has the space of a small suv, and has performed flawlessly first year. I cant wait to see how Mazda improves on this unit in years to come. I will be trading in a couple years you know.

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  Mazda 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jlhuelsman - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I spend a lot of time in my car. It is comfortable, has great power, and looks great

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  Mazda Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Karval - December 19 - 2:00 am

  The Tribute is my 5th Mazda. I love it. It andles well, has great pick up, has a nice feel. The 6 way powered and seated heat is great. Very roomy inside. It is just as roomy as the 2000 Mazda Van I had with the ezception of the 5 seats. It truly does hold a 4X8 sheet of plywood with ease.

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  Cooks RX 8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jim Cook - December 19 - 2:00 am

  I had an 1978 RX-7. This car shares only the RX. Its an awesome vehicle.

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By NEWireless - December 19 - 2:00 am

  After 10 years of driving "sport sedans" (BMW 533i, Audi 100, Audi A6) this car is a remarkable improvement in fun and handling while maintaining the ability to travel comfortably and conveniently with my children. Love the look, feel, and driving experience. Car pulls strong and smooth right up to the red-line. The Renesis engine is amazing. With the right snow tires, this car is proving to be a great year-round driver here in Boston, MA

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  I Love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gypsywomen - December 19 - 2:00 am

  Dont hesitate...it is perfect! Roomy for it size, handles fabulous, great on gas, nice sounds, fast! and all this and not a bad price either.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By alecdean - December 19 - 12:03 am

  I love this car. I got the Black Cherry with upgraded Sand Leather - WOW! Everyone loves it. I love the fact theyre hard to find on the road - not everyone has figured out the new secret. I debated between this and the new Acura RDX, but for the money - this was a steal. Must haves: Navigation Package - it is awesome!