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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  09 MAZDA6-S grand touring - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ike - December 6 - 9:30 am

  This is my second mazda6, I bought the four cyl one last December. I love this car sooo much I had to have the v6 model. Now I have 2. Fantastic vehicle. Hands down blows away the Nissan altima/Honda accord/and Camry. For the money this is the best car around. The competition dollar for dollar is blown away. You gotta test drive this car. Dealers eager to negotiate price. Great handling characteristics, so fun to drive!

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  The best "driver car" - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By gary - December 6 - 4:03 am

  I bought the Mazda 3i 4dr 2.0. And its a great car. Handling is amazing. Ride quality is firm but absorbant. Road noise is also low. Pretty good power. Fuel economy is about 25-28 mpg. good engine. smooth trasmission. Interior is beutiful, exterior styling is unique and attractive, i pod jack built in. Im 62 and fit comfortably except my right leg very close to console. I sold hondas and toyotas this car exceeds both civic and corolla in overall value. This car offers more performance better looks and far better handling for less. Cant beat that.

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  Great Car...I mean SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Nole795 - December 4 - 1:30 pm

  I have had this SUV for about three weeks and it is a great ride. I got the Black Cherry Mica with two toned sandy leather...sweet. I got it for $300 over invoice. In the market for a small SUV (RAV4, CR-V) took the CX-7 for a test and we were hooked. My last car was a Mazda, and it was very reliable. It had never seen the inside of a service center. CX-7 has a smooth ride, the only problem was the check engine light came on due to a faulty gas cap which is going to be recalled. Dont let the 4 cylinder fool you, this ride is swift. It is roomy & my pregnant wife could not be happier.

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  Dont Do It - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Joe - December 3 - 5:03 pm

  Heres the thing: The transmission is a joke. It constantly wants to downshift on interstate hills to jerk your neck out of joint. Then at low speeds it has an abupt upshift and it feel like someone has rear-ended you. Did I mention that the fuel economy stinks? I didnt? Well, it does. Did I mention I had body rust in the fourth year? Im an angry white MPV owner, man. Good thing they quit making this bomb.

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  This is our third Mazda...WOW! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Terri Zooms - December 3 - 10:33 am

  I purchased the 2005 Tribute with every option except the DVD and running boards. I am 240 pounds and my husband is 64". Both of us fit well as other compacts were too small, doggy and had poor visibility for me (53"). The V8 is powerful -- quick off the start and ZOOMS around vehicles on the highway. The cargo door opens 2 ways unlike other SUVs. As with any compact, not a lot of leg room in the back seat. Mileage: town 18 highway 23. It will improve after its driven more. Heated seats and mirrors are awesome, power adjustable seats are a snap to use, leather is high quality, paint job and appearance is second to none. You get the bang for your buck! Audio system rocks even for old folks.

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  2004 RX-8 - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By RXG8r - December 3 - 3:40 am

  The RX-8 is an extremely fun car to drive, with impeccable handling/cornering ability and a 9000 RPM redline. Its not quite as torquey as I would like, but thats not exactly what rotary motors are known for anyway. The only thing that would make this car better would be an additional 80 ft/lb of torque and 30 hp, nothing a turbo cant solve!

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  Mazda 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Stephanie - December 3 - 3:40 am

  Everyone of my friends are jealous of my car. Its cute, reasonably priced, and safe, PLUS it drives like a dream!!

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  north carolina review - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By john core - December 2 - 11:03 pm

  fun to drive. excellent handling and acceleration. much too much road noise.very well built. vehicle is a true quality product exceeding cars of much higher price tags.(I should know I owned a few of them)

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  Perfect if you dont want to be typical - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Cinda - December 2 - 11:43 am

  Its been almost a year and have not come across any problems. I dont have a gas mileage meter, but rough estimates put it at more than advertised. I can drive about 400 mostly city miles before the light comes on. Most problems Ive had with cargo are solved with this car, sandbox, toddler bed, etc., have all fit. Having a manual makes you forget your in a minivan-ish thing, that happens to be the length and width of a typical mid-size sedan. Oh, and its so easy to park, it turns very sharp, like a compact car.

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  This SUV Rocks! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Dan - December 1 - 9:20 pm

  I traded a V8 Ford Explorer that had tranny issues. I was looking for something smaller, reliable and more fuel efficient. I was concerned about giving up the power of the V8 but after one test drive I was hooked. I didnt really care to much for the FWD because of the torque steer when you get on the gas so I opted for the AWD. The AWD is seamless and well worth the extra $$$. I purchased the Touring addition with leather but really didnt want to pay for a bunch of features that I would never use in my daily drive to and from work.