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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  Better than expected - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bob - August 9 - 6:50 am

  Having driven mini-vans for 20+ years, I wanted something more economical (MPG) but still had some room to haul things. I also wanted to stay with Japanese. The M3 wasnt on my radar screen until pretty late in the game. Im embarrassed to say this but the heated seats sealed the deal for me. The price was VERY attractive, too. Now that Ive had the car for a few months and have put 6,000 miles on it, Im quite enamored with it. Great amenities. Its fun too drive -- too fun maybe. I often have a hard time going easy for the better MPG. I miss the space/convenience of a mini-van but life is all about tradeoffs. Bottom line: no regrets, at least so far.

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  Almost perfect - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Aliona - August 8 - 11:20 pm

  I needed a compact wagon, Mazda3 seemed to be the best in this class in March 2006. I enjoy driving it, although it aannoyingly falls short of expectations while there seems to be no reason not to make it perfect.

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  Wonderful - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By WstEndZoom - August 7 - 12:30 am

  This is a wonderful car. Mazdas done a great job combining sportiness/design/value in this car. Exterior really draws the eye, it just looks quick. Inside everything about where you expect it to be and falls to the hand easily. Ride is what sells the car to me its fantastic. I took the 4 cyl for gas mileage (getting 28 from a midsize is fine by me). A little raspy when you put your foot down but it moves. Goes exactly where you point it - handling is a good as previous BMWs and Audis I have owned. This car wants you to push it. Brakes are 1st class.

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  Super Fun! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By C. Z. - August 6 - 10:00 am

  very great car! Its like my cute toy as a child. Very reliable. Never caused any problem for the year. The only thing I feel can be improved is the engine. A couple of dozen hp more would be great.

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  Just Amazing! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By avman - August 5 - 3:20 pm

  This car really lives up to the mazda saying of Zoom Zoom. With all the features I could ever want in a car the mazda 3 surpassed all of my expectations. The 2.3 liter engine is quick. The throttle response time is quicker and when you want to go fast the only thing standing in your way is traffic. This vehicle is not only fast but it has a beautifuly designed interior. The handling is amazing, and so is the ride. The bose sound system is the best Ive owned, and the heated seats are great. Overall the Mazda 3 is a car that will continue to leave its drivers in awe even after the drive.

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  Best handling subcompact hatchback out there - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By carboloader - August 3 - 5:08 pm

  Exactly what I planned on buying. The 2 handles great. It is best on curvy roads. I put a K&N air filter in it and it helped the acceleration. I drive 90% highway driving and I am averaging 40 mpg. That is with 3k miles on it. It is not a perfect car; however, I think that it is the best handling subcompact hatchback sold today. I test drove both auto and manual an the manual is the most fun to drive. I test drove other cars, but this car handles better than the other subcompacts that I drove. This car has the zoom zoom handling Mazda is famous for. At least test drive one before you buy another subcompact. I would buy this car again.

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  Exciting car to drive! - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By mars54 - August 2 - 12:07 pm

  This is the first Mazda I have owned I decided to get one after my wife had bought a mazda cx 5 and I enjoyed the way it drove. I really love the way my Mazda 3s handles and how it seems to be a much more expensive car than it is.I love engaging the sport feature with the 2.5 engine the acceleration and handling are amazing!

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  Surprisingly Good, Zoom-Zoom Crossover - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Chuck - July 31 - 9:26 am

  After having narrowed the choices to an Acura RDX or a Mazda CX-7, I am very pleased to say that after 6 months and 23k miles, the CX-7 was definitely the choice for me. With its more agressive and sleek exterior design, partnered with a handsome and roomy interior, the CX-7 definitely has the aesthetic advantage to every other crossovers in its class. The turbo-charged engine provides excellent acceleration, with no problems passing on the highway. The agile handling and precise braking on the most curvaceous suburban roads make for an excellent and fun drive, almost making you forget youre driving a crossover.

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  I CANT GET ENOUGH - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8man - July 30 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. MINE IS DUE NOVEMBER AND COULD NOT FAULT IT. I BROUGHT FROM ALEX AT ORPINGTON MAZDA AND WAS IMPRESSED WITH HOW HELPFUL AND HONEST EVERYONE AT THE GARAGE WAS. I JUST CANT WAIT TO GET IT.

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  A Blast To Drive... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By DuManchu - July 30 - 3:03 am

  I bought this car in the spring of 05. I put on about 30K miles in the time I owned it. Only had to replace brake pads and resurface the disks. The car has been perfect. The only other problem with it was the 12V socket pulling out from me overusing it, but I understand its a common problem on these. This car is just hands down a BLAST to drive. Ill recall a time I was on "Peak-to-Peak" in Colorado (west of Denver) and I was trailing an Acura 3.2CL. While I couldnt keep up with him on the straights, I gained serious ground on the turns. I was cornering so hard I got DIZZY at one point but the car never wavered. The only thing this car NEEDS is 30-40 more HP.