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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  Lot O fun for the $ - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kilmer - December 26 - 3:13 am

  Decided to get the base hatchback which is called the "sport" and its set up exactly as the higher priced "grand Touring" same, suspension, 2.5 -4 engine, interior/ext size , just a few less amenities. but U do get a 7-phone bt system, stability& trac control, CD,Ac ,all- pwr,TPMS more- . This car is chock full of goodies for the money and blows me away with its manners as after testing the "competition" it literally was no contest ! corolla- not, sentra-not , civic-not even close , I mean Mazda was thinking so far out of the box that the others are eating dust and Im certain many other designers/techs at the aforementioned companies lost their jobs because this Maz-3 deserves the Gold Medal

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  Mazda # - a winner - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Pres - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Test drove lots of other cars, Ion Red-line, Scion TC, Nissan SER Spec V, honda Civic, Toyota Corolla XRS, Neon. Final decision came down to the Scion and the Mazda 3. Opted for the 3S because the Scion TC felt to sedate and heavy. The 3S is like a big cat, light on its feet, flat in the turns, responsive at the wink of an eye. The interior fit and finish is superb, and the seats are a nice turn for an econocar-they are actually firmly supportive. The seating allows crank up or down, and the wheel repositioning is all needed to find a great driving position, oh yeah lumar suppport too. Mine has 5 speed, zenon lights,changer, TPMS, moonroof, and ABS and side airbags.

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  Miata Still Has It... - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By vtmiller - December 24 - 8:26 pm

  Owned for 2 years and besides my Nissan SE-R 1992 (before they changed body style), this is the most fun car Ive owned and perhaps even ridden in. Even my buddys Porsche 911 (although powerful) doesnt generate the same feel as the Miata roadster. The Shinsen edition color got great reactions (some even asked what kind of car it was - Jaguar?) and there are tons of modifications one can do (under the hood) and styling. Ive kept mine pretty stock, but plan on adding turbo next year for some racing pep. Nothing is needed for daily driving, but if you want to zip through the city, park anywhere, and lose stress with windy road driving anytime -- this is the car for you! Love it.

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  Great Crossover - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By lpmiller - December 24 - 6:40 pm

  We just picked up the skyblue CX-5 i Touring with the Bose/moonroof package and I must say, its an impressive car. Very roomy, drives very well for a crossover (not mushy around the corners) and while it could have more ooomph, its fast enough for most day to day driving. Very comfortable and roomy, in fact the first thing we did with it was buy a new dresser from Ikea. Car is too new to speak towards MPG yet, but the wife is happy, so Im happy.

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  New Car Performs - 2017 Mazda CX-9
  By K M Rich - December 23 - 1:12 pm

  I used to have a Volvo XC90 (for 10 years) but when it came time to replace, I needed to expand my horizons due to cost. A friend owns and loves the Mazda CX-9, so I took a test drive. My SO fell in love immediately. It took a little longer for me to come around, but for a turbo engine the car really moves. It has great styling (everyone around my office has complimented me) and the interior is beautifully crafted. The drivers seat is a little smaller than my previous SUV, and the actual cargo room is practically nil (without folding down the third row) but I love that the second row reclines and shifts in 2 pieces, making it very adaptable for my family. Gas mileage to date appears to be in range, although lower than I originally projected/anticipated. Overall Im pleased with my purchase.

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  Good as it Gets - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By PERAL MILLY - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Had it for over a year now and 27,000 miles and its been great no problems till now best looking car i had

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  Smart and Practical - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By jtk - December 22 - 4:13 pm

  We were originally considering the Civic but took a test drive in the 3 after reading positive reviews on this site (and others). Wow, what a pleasant surprise. The 3 has much more pep (especially with the manual), is better looking, and has more standard features than the comparable Civic LX. It gets fantastic gas mileage! 1500 miles on our 3, and were averaging around 30 to 33 mpg with about a 50/50 city/highway driving. Granted, its no BMW or Lexus but for well under $20K, you cant go wrong.

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  Almost Dream Car - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By dynamho - December 22 - 8:13 am

  The sheet metal of this car is definitely a matter of taste. Anything passionately designed is bound to have its critics. Whether its beautiful or ugly, one certainty is that it turns heads all the time. I have two kids and they are perfectly comfortable in the rear seats. We have another "blue jeans" car for all the hauling. However, this car is fine for 80% of everyday duties. Handling is extremely forgiving. Its easy to drive fast. The engine needs a little more attention than a regular piston engine, but treat is right and it will reward you with many grins. Critics complain about the lack of torque. But, the torque is spread over a wider powerband, making it less temperamental.

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  Zoom-Zoom, little go-cart - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By kertruss - December 21 - 9:13 pm

  This car is excellent in every area!! It gets awesome gas mileage and is so much fun to drive. All of the reviews are right! I had been looking for a car for about 5 months and was real tired of it. I was at the volkswagen dealership and my mom saw it. I fell in love and now its the best car Ive ever owned. I hope to have it for many years. The interior is very suitable and I love how easy it is to clean and so comfortable!! I would buy it all over again.

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  We Love it! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By brettr75 - December 21 - 8:00 pm

  We have owned the CX-7 for about a year. I bought it for the wife as we needed a vehicle to haul the Grandkids around and our 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse was just not suited for passengers or carseats! The acceleration is stellar ans the handling is supreme! Yes, the gas mileage leaves something to be desired, but overall we are happy with the vehicle!