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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  Best Car EVER! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - March 7 - 4:36 am

  The car is an amazing piece of machinery. I recently took a defensive driving course; the participants were other economy sedans. Out of all of them the Mazda3 performed the best. It stops on a dime and handles extremely well. I was the only driver that went through the entire four hour course without knocking over any cones. Best car I have ever owned.

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  Former Camry Owner - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Karen - March 6 - 5:46 am

  I love my new Mazda6! Ive only had the car a week, so I cant actually attest to its reliability, but, from my limited experience with this car, I cant think of many things to complain about. It handles great, is quiet, the Bose system is very nice, not necessarily exceptional, but very nice nonetheless. Fit and finish seems exceptionally nice. The doors give that solid "thunk" sound when closed. There are many soft touch surfaces inside, and very few cheap plastics. Nice amenities abound, with lights galore. The trunk is huge, with nifty little side hooks to hang grocery sacks or whatever. The car looks good both inside and out. Great job Mazda!! You won this former Camry owner over....

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  Loving it - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By CJRZOOM - March 5 - 10:46 pm

  I purchased my 3i Touring Value last Saturday. I have gotten nothing but compliments on the car. It has great acceleration, nice looks, has a moonroof and a 6-cd changer. The 5 spd has a good gear ratio and the engine rides smoothly, particularly above 55 mph. Handling is superb and on par with German sedans costing nearly twice as much. I was originally going for the 5dr, but did not want to sacrifice fuel economy. Car is still new, so cant judge everything just yet but it is near perfect and I have no regrets.

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  More fun than a Boxster! - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Chris - March 5 - 10:33 am

  Yep, you read that right! My previous car was a 98 Boxster. The Porsche was superior in almost every way, except I enjoy driving the Miata EVEN MORE! Handling is second only to the Lotus Elise, on par with an S2000, and better than the Boxster, for a fraction of the cost to buy and maintain. You just cant go wrong with this car.

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  2004 Mazda RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Joseph Torres - March 5 - 9:50 am

  Handling of this car is great. It is priced right and has a great design.

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  Brand new, and extremely impressed! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By HALEX - March 4 - 7:43 pm

  2.0 VVT is lively with a stick. Air, in spite of past complaints, worked fine today in 88 degree, sunny and muggy day. Gearshift is smooth and direct. Steering is very secure; interior plastics have high quality feel to the touch. Engine feels very refined. Got 31 mpg on first gas tank in 50 50 city/highway driving (remember, still brand new, has 400 miles on car!) - cant wait until break in period is over!

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  Great daily driver - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob McCarver - March 4 - 7:23 am

  Over all the car is great. Im averaging 28 to 30 MPG mostly all city driving starting and stopping I usually cut the car and restart it about 15 times a day.

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  Awesome 4 Seat Sports Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Xer - March 3 - 4:13 pm

  Fun to drive with phenomenal handling, good acceleration, comfortable ride along with head turning exterior appeal makes this car a true winner. Interior cockpit seating for 4. Stability control with traction control. Standard front air bags along with side air bags and side curtain air bags front and rear. Rotary engine sound. Car insurance same as a 4-door sedan. Zoom- Zoom! The interior is comfortable and the cockpit seating is a plus. The kids love the car and there is room for all four of us. The trunk storage space is limited, but fine for this type of car. Gas mileage is good for a sports car. Im getting at 20+ mpg city/highway driving, 24 mpg highway running at 70 mph.

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  I love this little car! - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By de - March 3 - 1:16 am

  My next car will have to be a 4-seater, so I dont want my Miata to ever wear out! Im tall at 6-1", but I like this car and dont feel cramped inside. I dont drive long distances, though. The gearing tends to make for high engine revs when youre on the interstate - by my experience, in excess of 3700 rpms at 65. Fit and finish is as good as you have come to expect in a Japanese car. Engine compartment is well laid out, making routine service easy. It wont win many stop light drag races, but over all a very high-quality product and a pleasure to drive.

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  Should get better gas mileage for a 4 cylinder - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By dennis - March 2 - 5:00 pm

  Traded my Camry for this and wish I had kept it mainly for gas mileage. Thought a 4 cylinder would do good but I get only 23 on trips even with just myself in the car. I added a power roof which I like. Passenger door does not accept key so the only way in is the drivers door if you dont have remote. This is sometimes a pain as I try to keep my keychain from being too bulky esp. if carrying remotes for other cars too. There was a recall for the back hatch door lock which was minor. I have about 17000 miles and no real problems so far other than it is sluggish on the highway, esp. hills and has to downshift to climb. It does that a lot on trips. It does ride smooth and is sporty. It is just OK.