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 Got the Zoom Zoom 1 Year Later! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By MWi1068196 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding ownership experience. Traded a 2002 Millenia for my Tribute with no regrets whatsoever. Does everything I want it to do and more! Purchasing experience with the dealership wasnt good, to say the least, but service and maintenance with the local dealership has been fantastic!

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rochelleROCHELLE - July 6 - 10:00 am

  GAS ECONOMY SUCKS....NOT TOOO KEEN ON HAVING TO CHECK & REFILL THE OIL SO OFTEN...BUT IT COMES WITH THE CAR!

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By bp902 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  So far this has been a great little car. It has more than respectable "get up and go" for a vehicle in this price range. It handles better than expected. Having owned other vehicles in this class I must applaud Mazda for there investment into the product. This is not your entry level car by any stretch. Overall I give this an "A".

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  The BEST crossover. Love It. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By carguy - July 5 - 11:30 pm

  This vehicle is amazing. As a car nut who has owned just about every type of car imaginable including Audi, BMW etc. - this vehicle has exceeded my expectations in every way. The drivability and sheer practicality of the CX-9 is unmatched. I looked at every crossover and for anyone who enjoys cars - there simply is no comparison if you need the room of a 3 row CUV/SUV. I even owned the new Acura MDX and aside from the Acuras vastly superior navigation system, just about everything else on the CX-9 is better. BTW - I have not had any issues with the 20 inch wheels - the ride is smooth, taut and in no way harsh. The CX-9 simply drives like a nice European vehicle. Highly recommend it.

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  Decent family van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Andrea - July 5 - 2:50 pm

  Ive enjoyed the benefits of this smaller-sized van. Our family fills it, but it has met our needs. With wise packing and a rooftop carrier, we can carry whatever we need. Ours has about 115 k miles on it, and ran well until about a year ago. We have spent quite a bit of money on repairs recently, and the "check engine" light continues to indicate a problem. I think it is nearly time to replace it, but it has served us well.

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  GREAT, SNAPPY & SAFE HANDLER - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By BOB FISHER - July 4 - 2:26 pm

  This compact is wonderful to drive. It has great appointments, lots of room and comfort for front and back passengers. The upholstery is very serviceable. The drop down rear seatbacks allow me to carry 8 2X4s when needed. I tried laying down to see if I could sleep in the car, but the trunk section is about 3" lower than the seat backs and the top of the opening to the trunk is not high enough to clear me lying on my side with an air vent under me to cushion the drop-down into the trunk. Oh, well. I miss my van, but the 28 mpg average is not hard to take. I love this car.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By zstardust - July 4 - 6:46 am

  Im enjoying driving my 2014 Mazda 3. Its taken awhile to adjust to the sight lines, which are not nearly as good (due to low ground clearance) as my prior SUV. The tradeoff is much better gas mileage, though as others have noted, I havent achieved nearly the mileage I expected (roughly 30 mpg combined). Ride is much quieter and softer than I expected. Handles like a nimble sports car. Stick with the basics, and add on your own aftermarket bells and whistles for a great car under $20K.

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  Great car for $$$ - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By G - July 4 - 6:00 am

  For the $$$ you cant beat. Plus, it has unique style that sets it apart from camrys, accords, and other mass- produced 4 doors that old people drive. Power is only good up top so you need to keep it there if you want to have fun. Handling is excellent - I owned a 91 300ZX and this handles just as good. Interior style is good, though quality of materials is lacking. This is my third MAZDA - I will definitely purchase again. They seem to be the only manufacturer that can put all of the right peices together in one package. Not necessarily the best in any one category, but I feel it is best all- around.

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  Fun & Sporty = 3 (zoom-zoom) - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By JJ - July 3 - 1:33 pm

  After thinking long and hard about many different vehicles, I decided to go with the 3. I could not be happier with my decision. This car is sporty for a 4-banger, and with the manual tranny, its fun-fun-fun. I honestly wish I would have gone with the SPEED version though (I didnt because I really need the sunroof).

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  Very good all-around - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By swyler - July 3 - 5:46 am

  I am very pleased with the build quality. No defects apparent after 1500 miles. Average fuel economy 26 mpg.