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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  Mazda3 driving performance - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By 3 owner - September 30 - 1:00 am

  I bought my Mazda3 in 2006 since than I put over 42000 miles on the vehicle. I have had very few problems with the vehicle and the ones I did have were quickly resolved by the dealership. I like the performance and so far the durability of the vehicle. I hope to see Mazda continue the Mazda3 line and improve upon it. So far I think the 3 is just as good as the Honda civic, however I will know for sure if the car makes it to 150000 plus miles with minimal repairs.

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  the new crossover type - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By shawnicus - September 28 - 5:13 pm

  We had a sports sedan that just wasnt keeping up with the needs of a family, but wanted to keep with a manual transmission. This was the only option out there with a 3rd row of seats and were very happy with it. Plenty of cargo space, great safety features, peppy little engine that is seat-of-the-pants fun to drive, good gas mileage, and fantastic brakes. I always thought the crossover class was going in the wrong direction: crossing a car and a SUV. This is a cross between a Mazda3 5-door and a van: which surprisingly ends up with a "best of a worlds" feel.

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  Very reliable and fun to drive - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Wendy - September 28 - 2:53 am

  This car rides great and gets decent gas mileage (ave 28 mph mixed) and has needed only standard maintenance. Solid ride with plenty of people and cargo space and the moon roof, heated seats, six disk cd player with controls on the steering wheel are a nice plus. Excellent reliability for a good price.

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  Still fun after 2 yrs. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Yee Haw - September 27 - 1:40 pm

  Still has plenty of Zoom Zoom in it. Have had this as my primary vehical for two yrs and have not regretted one minute of it. Long trips (800+ miles one way) are a breeze. Hooked up a PS2 and the kids are happy. Head phones make Us happy, and the ride make everyone happy.

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  MX-5 Happy - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Canadian Car - September 27 - 1:00 pm

  This is my second MX-5. I had a 2002 and traded it in in 2006 for a BMW 3 series sedan. I missed it so much, I bought a black Sport with PRHT. I love this car and cant get into it without smiling. It is fun to drive and to cruise the back roads as well as a daily commuter. The greatest improvements since 2002 is that this feels faster, less noisy with the top down and I do not miss having to put on that vinyl roof cover. It still drives like a go kart and handles like a dream. I took it to Stowe Vermont and it was great going through the Mountains with my 6 speed. To misquote Jeremy Clarkson, "The reason I gave this car 10 stars is because i could not give it fourteen."

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  The zoom-zoom is real - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By EddieK - September 26 - 11:13 pm

  Youve seen the advertisements... The "zoom-zoom" feeling is real... The seeling campaign of a sports car in an SUV is for real. I was simply astounded by the amazing smoothness of this SUV. The ride is unbelievably comfortable. This car is a steal. I was able to purchase this car for 20800 with an extra package which included an overhead compartment, a moonroof, an upgraded speaker system, and a compass rearview mirror amongst other upgraded features.

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  A Best Buy By All Means - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By dbiri - September 26 - 3:06 pm

  This is my 3rd Mazda, 2 previous Proteges; all great cars with no problems which keeps me coming back to Mazda. But this CAR by far takes the cake. It has all the extras you could ask for and then some. The interior of this car look like it belongs in the class of cars that cost as much as $30k. For a small car this car handles like a dream for those who enjoy those twisty roads. Also if you are looking for the best car that money can buy this is it from the leather, xenons, 6 disc Bose, automatic A/C, you name it, its there. As far as gas mileage goes its about average for a 4 cylinder.

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  Mello Yello...King of the jungle! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By David LaPadula - September 24 - 2:13 pm

  Have had Mello Yello for 2 years and 40k. After initial flurry of recalls, and a clutch replacement at 31k (under warranty) I have had no problems. Period. Solid little warrior who attacks the twisties and wet roads with a driving passion. I love it. Just wish mine had abs, traction and stability control. Because of the product and backup service, Ill be looking at an RX8 or a Mazdaspeed3 for my next car. My current plate on my 6 reads ZOOMIN 6. LOVE IT!

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  love this ride - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By adrian - September 23 - 7:10 pm

  Perfect car, nothing wrong to talk about, great looks, good performance, nice and smooth. I have about 4000 miles and very happy, standard options, price, looks, two thumbs up!

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  Terrific Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By miken - September 23 - 10:56 am

  Im amazed with the level of equipment that comes with this car, for the price (I got the car at invoice). I have the 5 speed automatic, which includes sport shift. Love the looks, ride, handling, and utility. The car is a lot of fun and the gas mileage pretty good -- about 28.5 after two fill-ups.