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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  More bang for your buck! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bps1977 - July 3 - 3:46 pm

  This is my second Mazda 3, I previously owned an 04 4 door and while the car remains mostly unchanged, its excitement keeps rising. The included dynamic stability and traction control with this model will be sure to help in the ice and snow, while the moon roof will comfort during the warmer months. The car is absolutely a work of art and I could not think of a better car to get, even for my second go around with it.

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  What a Surprise - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Bryan O - July 3 - 2:00 am

  We had been looking, since July 2010 and covered everything but a Kia. We drove the Porsche, MB ML-350 you name it and we drove them all. I can say this was the winner by a long shot. Coming from a Porsche guy, I am glad we saw and drove this wonderful vehicle last.

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  Great, fun car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fred - July 3 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as a one owner vehicle with 34000 miles. A joy to drive with taut handling and smooth manual transmission. Light clutch that took a bit of getting used to. No issues with rattling or brakes. Prefer having a coolant gauge that the new models dont have. Comfortable seats, better than average stereo system and Ipod jack is a plus. Great acceleration in second and third gears and very stable at speed for a relatively light car. Mileage averages 27-28 combined city/highway. A bit noisy at speed but figure that is the sacrifice for a preferred stiffer suspension. Love it!

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  The Perfect Suv, Love It!! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By willowby - July 3 - 1:33 am

  This SUV is perfect for city driving, and does great on the highway. The engine is not over powered if youre running the air conditioner in the city, but thats not that important, but the pick-up is there if you need it. I love the the black trim around the vehicle, your seeing less of this,the monochromatic look is not for me. The engine is not loud and you dont hear excessive road noise.

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  Great drivable SUV - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By Joseph masterson - July 2 - 3:13 am

  Test this car before buying another SUV

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  Dream Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brian - July 2 - 2:13 am

  Great styling! Beautiful handling. MPG not bad. Great pick-up! Love the safety features. So comfortable to drive and very smooth on the road. Hugs corners like no other! I feel like I am glued to the road!

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  Great Car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By New Mazda Fan - July 1 - 2:26 pm

  I think this car is awesome. It really caters to the driver. While the mileage is not great, I give it high marks because I am easily getting the mileage advertised, if not a bit better, about 19 city and 24-25 highway. The Bose system is wonderful, controls for it and all of the comfort features are easy to understand and use. Storage is great - the glove compartment is huge, as is the space under the armrest. I can fit my laptop in there when needed. Flip down seats in the cargo area are a great idea, and the auto button to fold them down is a real convenience. Moonroof is nice and getting a lot of use from me. The ride is excellent with no rattles or hums. Great pickup for a 4-cylinder.

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  Hidden gem - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Michael Cleveland - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car from my in-laws who were having a baby and ditched the car for a station wagon. I never imagined myself owning a Miata. After one week of test driving, it had me hooked and I bought it enthusiastically. You cant find a comparable car in this price range. It has plenty of pick-up and hugs the curves like its on rails. Havent regretted my decision for a second.

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  Whats not to like ? - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By 40thomas - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Have put 2200 miles on a new 03 purchased 1/2004. Dealer went $300 below invoice, and we got $2500 rebate to boot. The car is beautiful, does everything very well. The 4 banger wont blow you away, but were running better than 30mpg and having a LOT more fun than with, say, an Accord. DO NOT pass up a chance to stir the gears on Mazda 5sp manuals - best shifter/tranny combo around, and placed exactly where your hand naturally falls. BTW the 5sp goes a long ways toward making the 4 cyl a performance car - it revs freely, expecially above 3500rpm where it realy wants to take off.

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  Gotta Love the 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Michelinas25 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  When I decided to buy a car in June of 2003, I looked first at the Nissan Altima, 2003 then looked at all the cars in its class :the Acura RSX, Honda Accord, Mazda6,... . That is when I saw the "6". I narrowed down my selection between all of these to the Mazda6 and Altima;based on the size & features. So I drove them both again. I found that the 6 is a great size sedan, perfect rooming yet sporty. It hugged all the curves better than the Altima and just handled so smoothly.