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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  poor miles per gallon - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By girvin - February 17 - 1:13 am

  just got a 09 mazda3 for my wife i love the design and the dash lights are cool the only thing that i really dont like is the miles per gallon it gets it only has 1100 miles on it not sure if these have a break in period or not other than that its a great car

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  Still running after 164,000 miles strong - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Diane - February 16 - 10:36 pm

  We bought our 626 new 98 we have had no major issues with this car. Routine expected work and we have had more issues with cars with less mileage then our Mazda. The car is still beautiful rides like its 4 yrs old and have just had super performance from this car. We bought a Mazda CX9 as well this year and again very pleased - we only drive Mazda now.

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  Mazda CX-3 - great subcompact crossover - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Scott Zeigen - February 16 - 8:48 pm

  If you want a small SUV that easily moves around other larger cars on the road that get in your way ... this is the one. I have had it less than 1000miles and getting 23-27 city. The fold down seats do give you more cargo room. I was driving a manual transmission VW Beetle for 15 years, so I generally turn on the manual gear selection on this automatic. The paddle shiftes work great except when you go around the corner when you must use the console shifter instead However, if you need more rear cargo get the CX-5 or larger CX-7. Issues: The lane change warning indicator goes off for no reason quite often and is annoying; there is no way to turn it off! The touch screen cannot be used if the car of going over 5 miles per hour and you have to look down to see the knob and buttons (this to me is more dangerous than touching the screen).

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  Doubting this vehicle - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazda3owner1 - February 16 - 7:18 pm

  I bought the 2012 Skyactiv engine, 4-door sedan a few weeks ago and I, hear weird engine noises. I would describe it as a whistling sound under the hood. I thought it was a serpentine belt issue, and took it back to the dealer. They told me I had to give the car 200-500 miles to break-in. I still heard the noise after 500 miles, so I took it back today. Now, they are saying the noise is coming from the electronic steering and is a normal sound. I dont believe this. I think it is a skyactiv issue and they really dont know how to fix this.

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  My MX-5 GT - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By John - February 16 - 3:13 pm

  My wife and I decided to get rid of our motorcycle and buy a small sportscar, convertible. We bought our Mazda MX-5 the day after selling the cycle. This has been the best buy we ever made. We both love driving it and we drove it to the Great Smoky Mountains a couple of weeks after buying it. Had a ball driving in the Smokies with the top down. Cant compare with the motorcycle. No hot, wet, uncomfortable days with this toy. Should have bought one years ago.

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  Remarkable Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ppudgem - February 16 - 2:03 pm

  Just got a fantastic deal at Duncan Mazda outside Blacksburg, VA. Purchased 2010 Mazda3 iTouring with 0% financing for 60 months and $500 loyalty cash for $16,500 out the door. It is a sweet ride with all the amenities. Our 1999 Mazda Protege ES has 259,00 miles and runs like a top although it has rust. Bottom line, the iTouring is the current generation of reliable, fun-to-drive and economical Mazdas. We compared ours to Honda Civic LX, Ford Focus SES, Suburu Impreza, and Toyota Corolla, and believe we got the best value.

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  CX-9 hits the spot - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By tomlovescars - February 16 - 4:55 am

  Ive had it for 3 years......almost perfect....I wish you could get the grand touring without the 20" wheels....the ride is a little harsher, but the bigger problem is the constant TPMS light turning on every time you hit a decent bump. Just too finicky and pretty pointless given the vehicle.....I had a sport for a loaner and the 18" wheels ride much better and cant really tell with the handling

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  Love my Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By LeeAnn - February 16 - 2:43 am

  I have had my Tribute for 4 years now and have never had a major problem. It does seem to get good gas mileage as compared to other SUVs Ive had and is a lot of fun to drive. I love the way it looks - classy but kinda sporty. The only thing I dont like is the big bulky obtrusive gear shift handle. It looks clumsy and unusually large - kinda ugly. Otherwise, you cant go wrong with this SUV for the money.

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  Loving My Miata - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By sodiscool - February 16 - 12:16 am

  I absolutely love my triple black Miata. After 2.5 months I still look for reasons to drive it. I was nervous about the suspension package but it handles amazingly and is still very smooth and controlled over bumps. Top operation is really fast. Cruises at 90 on the highway all day long. I am 511 and I fit just fine. This is a car for people that really love to drive. Take one for a test drive, youll take it home.

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  Mazdas plan worked! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By musicman5 - February 15 - 5:23 am

  I have been a Honda owner for the last 20 years. When it came time to trade in my CR-V, I was ready for a sedan. The Accord was nice, drove perfectly fine, and looked very elegant, but wasnt as exciting as the Mazda. The Accord just didnt have the "Zoom, Zoom." I had forgotten how much fun driving can be. Mazdas plan to compete with Honda for market share worked on this Honda owner. Ive only had it for 1 week, but I love it more each day I drive it.