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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  Awesome Redesign - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By lpmiller - April 9 - 12:29 pm

  I just traded my 09 6 for an iTouring with the Technology package, in Soul Red. That red is gorgeous. This car is a very nice improvement over the 2nd generation. While its a touch smaller on the outside, you dont notice it at all on the inside. The engine has a throatier growl to it and you can definitely feel the extra horse power from the old one. Its way too soon for me to talk MPG, as Ive only put about 60 miles on the car so far. But the handling, ride comfort, and style is a very nice step up. The autobox is about the best Ive ever seen, and the Bose stereo sounds a lot better then the previous version.

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  I love my new CX-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By kothmcaa - April 8 - 9:10 am

  After years of looking for just the right mix of features, price, and MPG rating I finally found what I wanted - the Mazda CX-5. I wanted an SUV or crossover with high-end features, a MPG rating at or near 30 mpg, for under $30,000. The Mazda CX-5 has it all. I purchased the Grand Touring edition as soon as it arrived at my local dealers lot. I have 1,300 miles on the car after one month. I am getting consistently getting 30 mpg in mixed (city/hwy) driving conditions. I have not taken a road trip yet, so I dont know what my high end mileage will be for highway driving. I would not buy this car if I had a lot of hills or mountains. The acceleration on inclines is not that great.

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  Fun - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By David Dunn - April 6 - 10:33 pm

  What more do you want in a car, fair price, fun to drive, quality is outstanding and its a convertible.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By ShaneT - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought the M3 a couple of weeks ago and it great all around from style to performance. It gets good gas mileage (around 35 mpg) which was very important in the decision. Also, the body style and colors to choose from were all excellent.

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  The Surprise Winner - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By BarrY Evans - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I decided to test drive the Mazda 3 just to be sure that I did not overlook anything before I dropped 20K. This car out drove anything else I drove (Jetta, Civic, Altima and Matrix). Shifting is simple and precise, not the sluggish start of the other cars I drove. The engine revs freely and clutch is very smooth. Steering is a bit light but provides a good sense of the road. The car interior is well laid out though a bit quirky in its styling. The result is that I bought the car. Mazda really has delivered a drivers car at a reasonable price.

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  Awesome Car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jtemp7 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This is truly a fun car to drive! The interior is comfortable yet sporty. It handles very well. The highway ride is smooth and quiet. The car can be customized to fit your peferences, while remaining affordable. I would highly recommend it!

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  The newest Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By romasuave - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this model 2 weeks ago and I love it. I couldnt believe how affordable this was to purchase seeing how much I get for my money. For around 17k (Tax and title included) I got a 2.0L 144 HP 5 SP manual with power eevrything and 16" alloy wheels. Having driven a 95 Nissan 200 SX I could see a huge improvement. Very fun to drive, fuel efficient, nicely designed inside and out and packs quite a powerful engine. A definite must buy.

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  Mazda 3 lives up to expectations! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By VWGator - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I was on the market for a reliable new vehicle that I knew I could build up to high performance standards. The Mazda 3 has given me a jump start on this goals at a great price. This vehicle should be around a long time.

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  Loving My 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By jose21 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my loaded 6 last week and each time I have been behind the wheel I just totally smile. I researched this car and many others for about 5 months. I also test drove an Acura TSX...it was very plush but with no V-6...it just could not match the performance of the 6. The low end torque has not been an issue for me. The engine pulls strong all the way to redline. It never feels strained and it sounds awesome! I am very satisfied with my decision to buy the 6.

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  Great Econo-box - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gone Ron - April 5 - 9:20 am

  Purchased the car for business trips. Has averaged between 32 - 35 MPG on highway, has plenty of power and has proved to be very comfortable on long trips. Stereo (6-CD changer) is awesome, still getting used to the atomic cockroach exterior styling.