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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  happy so far - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By highwaystar - November 20 - 10:43 am

  Im really enjoying driving my new Mazda. It combines sportiness with practicality while giving me around 30 mpgs. This Grand Touring model is flush with several high end features such as the adaptive xenon headlights, memory drivers seat, and auto on headlights and wipers. My wife insisted on heated leather which we have need for much too often here in Wisconsin. Am currently having an issue with the outside temperature thermometer which is very slow to adjust to the actual temperature. A small problem perhaps but frustrating all the same. It was just such gremlins that led me to trade my 2006 VW Passat for this vehicle in hopes of higher Japanese build quality.

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  fun car to cruise in - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Larry - November 19 - 12:20 am

  So far my experience has been excellent. I love the way it handles, and it gets great gas mileage. For a 4 cylinder its got some power. I would definitely buy another one in the future.

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  Zoom zoom - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Anthony Novak - November 18 - 8:35 pm

  Only - is no console storage just a arm rest

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  A Winner! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Queen Mum - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I was thinking of buying a 2004 when I went ot the dealership. I came across a pristine 2003 and took a test drive. SOLD! I have the i model and find its power more than adequate. A solid feeling can that rides like its on rails. Quality in and out is first rate. This is my first Mazda, and my first Japanese car and it wont be my last. A winner for sure.

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  Just purchased - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By CRalston - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I have just purchased the automobile and am extremely happy with it. I got it for an excellent price and the car is extremely fun to drive. The one thing I am not too fond of is the one- piece dash panel. I have never owned a car where I didnt customize the stereo unit!

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  I love this Mazda3 - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By CardinalFan_101 - November 17 - 12:23 am

  Im a previous owner of a 06 Mazda3 S Grand Touring, but the new 2010 Mazda 3 S Grand Touring has improved 100 times over. The handling is improved, gas mileage has improved and you get all the great toys that all the top Luxury brands have to offer. Mazda is a top rated car company with a good reliability score. This is a great vehicle and Mazda did a great job with the re-design.

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  The Best Roadster for your money - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By supermiataman - November 16 - 10:00 am

  The Miata is the best car Ive owned, it is extremely reliable, fun to drive, and everything works, this is more than could be said for my other cars. The only complaint I have is with the seats, they arent very comfortable on long trips. but in 2001 this is fixed, and wow, what a difference. but great little car. You need one. remember the red ones are faster (automatic 20hp)

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  Work of Beauty! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Victor - November 13 - 11:56 pm

  The Mazda3 is just a fun drive. It doesnt just get you from point A to point B, it makes you want to go to point B. while some might see that as a problem, i think the worst part about this car is that you just want to keep driving. A lot of the reviews you read online say that they dont like the engine noise when your accelerating. But i see this as a plus, since it only gets loud when your trying to go fast. The Mazda3 makes 120mph feel like 40 and handles like it to. Great car great buy, Id recommend it to anyone.

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  Great Great Great - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Mike Dee - November 13 - 1:46 pm

  This vehicle does what I need it to do and when I want it to do it. Love the styling, performance, and handling. It is everything I wanted in an SUV. Drives like a car and performs well in adverse conditions.

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  ZOOOOOOMM ZOOOOOOM - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mack13 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  After being greatly disappointed by the Matrix XR, my wife and I went to try the next car on our list, the 3s Hatchback. No comparison. The 3s blows away the Matrix on HP and standard equipment. We got the Titanium Gray color with 4 speed auto. The dealer had a labor day sale going on, and we got it for $17,109. I love the getup and go this car has, and the tranny shifts smoothly. It reminds me of the 1989 Honda Civic si that I had because it is just fun to drive. The controls were hard to get used to, but, are very easy to use after a little bit of practice. I had a 1975 Mazda GLC, and got about 240K out of it. I have nothing bad to say about this car at all.