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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  Best Car for the money - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Digga3 - June 24 - 8:56 am

  The car drives great and makes me very happy. I am an ex-mustang cobra convertible driver, and although that car was fun, it was a headache on my wallet and I never knew when the next major maintenance would arise. This is a great car, so jump on the 2.0 liter before they change it to compete w/Subaru! This engine is lighter than the 2.3 and in my opinion, more fun to drive.

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  From Gernan to Japanese! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By YoVinnie - June 24 - 2:56 am

  After 3 years in our BMW X5 we chose to go a different path with our purchase of a 2009 Mazda CX-9. What a delight it is to drive and we cant believe the creature comforts! Tight but kind suspension and great get up and go when demanded.

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  Tires - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Joyce - June 23 - 8:23 pm

  I really love this car. It is so fun to drive and really turns heads, but I cant keep tires on it. Bought in July 06 I now have 13K on it & on 3rd set of tires. Dealer cant help me, Mazda cant help me. I cant afford to put tires on this car every 4 to 7K miles.I do not spin them or drive recklessly. I am going to have to sell it. I am just sick over it, I love everything about the car, but at $500/2 tires I dont know what else to do. The dealership doesnt know if this is the expected life for tires on this car or not?? I bought this car for my 40th B.d. Im really going to miss it. If this problem is just with my car I wish theyd fix it for me!

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  great gas saving mini van - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By lee - June 23 - 11:20 am

  I purchased this van due to it came out with 6 seats and great cargo space. Also, it has all safety features I need with very reasonable price. Its fun to drive and gas saving (23-28) , great driver position and great individual seats. Its easy to operate all feature and great rear air con control. Dont expect you could drive like Mazda 3. Instead of, its great car for family like us ( 2 adult plus 2 teens). Great cargo space if you fold down the 3 row seat. So far, we all like it a lot.

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  My experience so far - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jason L - June 22 - 7:36 pm

  Im driving the 2.0 liter 4 speed auto. Before buying this car, I drove a 2000 Toyota Camry CE. Its really amazing the difference in interior quality between a Toyota and a Mazda. Toyota certainly beats the Mazda hands down in terms of build quality inside the car. I.E. Cheap plastics and poor stitching on cloth seats. That being said, the Mazda3 is leaps and bounds more fun to drive than a Camry. Virtually everything in the performance dept is better, with the exception of low end torque. Maybe its only the 2.0 liter, but the low end torque is a little weak. Once it gets into 3rd/4th gear, it accelerates QUITE nicely. When I need a burst of speed, the car definitely delivers.

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  Outstanding Tribute! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Jimbo - June 22 - 2:33 am

  I have had no problems with this vehicle. It has been a pleasure to own.

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  zoom zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By jeff - June 21 - 3:56 am

  Bought this for my wife as a xmas present. Have not driven it too much -- about 300 miles, but I love this car. Fun to drive, fast, holds the road, great looks sporty. Have not found any flaws with it yet, not sure how the gas mileage will be. I’m sure if I kept my foot off the gas it would be about what they say, love the 2.3. Matched great with AT.

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  Awsome! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By DJP5 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the P5. Great tuner car with above average handling, priced to buy and great styling. A+

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  Looking for a roadster experience? - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By R. K. Parker - June 21 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda Miata is the best-looking, most fun-to-drive car for less than $25,000... Plain and simple. While not producing loads of low-end torque or high horsepower, Mazda has put together a total driving experience that rivals that of its much higher-priced, German counterparts. The wonderful steering feel and crisp transmission contribute greatly to the astounding overall handling characteristics of this car. A bit cramped with the top up, but once it is lowered, all is forgiven! If you are looking for a reliable, unique (10th anniv edition - I love mine!) and fun-to-drive car, look no further.

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  Perfect Answer to Your Boring CuteUte - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By zaimon - June 21 - 2:00 am

  In the time Ive spent with my Tribute Ive mostly had the best owners experience! At first there were a few trips to the dealer to handle minor annoyances in certain parts, otherwise nothing major. The sporty handling and performance of the v6 leaves little to be desired. The 4wd system reacts quickly and works well in ice and snow! One major criticism, FUEL EFFICIENCY. Ive never been able to get decent fuel mileage (averaging 18.1 mpg) on this car, although I admit I dont drive too conservatively, I would expect more out of the car, however. If theres a price to pay for excellent handling and performance, fuel consumption would probably be the one Id choose.