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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  A Solid Decision (and lots of fun) - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By jpook730 - April 17 - 1:23 am

  Great Drive: Handling is superb; steering exquisitely communicative and well weighted,; engine (2.3) sounds great, revs easily, and goes like a Jack Russell Terrier after drinking a bottle of Jolt. Great Practicality: 5 door hatchback is flexible, roomy and comfortable; the cloth seats are grippy, supportive, and firm; gas milage is great (25/32 with the 2.3). Great Future: Highly rated reliability; fantastic projected resale value (best selling fleet car in Europe for this reason); safe; well-built and stylish. Conclusion: An economical, practical family hauler with the soul of a much more expensive european sports sedan (or is that Zoom-Zoom?).

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  Love it! - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By Jen! - April 16 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car to replace an 03 Civic coupe, I was initially torn between the Nissan Versa, Scion xd and Honda Fit, this one is way better. I had never even heard of this car before but after driving it I was sold. It handles well, has features I didnt know I could afford, and is spacious enough to meet my needs. I recommend the touring model, the extra features are worth the slight jump in price and make the car stand out a lot more. Im no longer embarrassed when I drive to work, Im getting really awesome gas mileage, and Im having a lot of fun with all of the features.

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  Mazda Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Lena Papaleo - April 14 - 9:30 pm

  I love my Tribute and everything about it.The style is so nice. We had a 2002 before we got a 2005. We plan to stay with the Tribute.

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  Wowed by the Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Bill C - April 14 - 7:56 pm

  As a crossover, I am fully impressed with the CX-9 GT. Fast, handles like a sports car on turns and acceleration, yet comfortable and roomy. You can go race it on the highway or take your wife out to the opera in it... not that I do. Gas mileage isnt that great, but then again it is a high performance 3.7L engine with AWD. Not bad when you factore that into the equation. We are so impressed, we will get another one after this lease expires and I am buying a MSP3. Bravo Mazda!

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  Puts a smile on my face every drive! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By sdoublelatte - April 14 - 3:17 am

  I test drove the 2012 camry xle and honda accord ex-l the same day as test driving this mazda 6 gt. The mazda 6 was the only one that totally put a grin on my face! Its been a month and it still does! 1. I just the simple math for calculating mpg and I got 38mpg! Thats with about 70/30 highway/city. 2. The interior is so sharp! Subdued, classy. The accord was obnoxious with the 2 huge screens! 3. The bose 11 speaker sound system blows the other 2 cars away. I played metallic yesterday, drums, cymbals were crystal:-). 4. Rigid chassis, but not at all uncomfortable. It helps it turn on a dime. 5. Trunk is shaped like rectangle. you could actually fit large items in there.

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  I love this sporty little car! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By david - April 13 - 7:43 am

  I am a 50 year old driver and have owned several cars for 12+ years so I was looking for a practical & reliable car. Boring right? Well, the Mazda 3i is all about practical & reliable...but the cool factor is off the chart too. I compared sevaral cars in the class for the following features: independent suspension & abs disk brakes on all 4 wheels, twin cam 4 cylinder, alloys, 4 doors, timing chain (not belt), cruise, curtain airbags, nice sounding sound system. I got all this and lots more at a much better price than I thought possible with the 3i value package. The 3 is assembled in japan which, in my experience, means very high quality. This car rocks.

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  Great Choice! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By RS - April 13 - 7:00 am

  In deciding on a second car, I did a lot of research over a 6 month period. To be honest, Mazda never even entered the discussion initially until two months ago! Truth be told, in test driving the Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX 330, Honda Pilot and GMC Acadia, the CX-9 had them all beat. The ride was incredible. Power when I needed it and agility when necessary are the atrributes that made the CX-9 stand above the rest in this category. While the review is true about the stiffness with the 20" wheels, its not as bad as the review potentially paints it. Interior and Exterior stylings are very, very nice! - This car makes people do double takes! (Especially the Grand Touring model!)

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  Memorable First Car - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Brian Wright - April 13 - 2:00 am

  At 17, 2003 Special Edition #768 was mine until a couple of days ago, when I was run off of the highway. I am extremely grateful that this car was as safe as it was. At about 50 mph impact, I was able to get up and walk out of the car with several scratches and bruises. Worked hard to make payments, but I never got sick of working because I always got to drive that car home. This car was an absolute blast to own, and I wish I could have been with it for a good 200,000 miles. Got it up to 130 mph w/ 6-speed and room to climb higher!

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  Tainted love - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Alberta - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this used vehicle with under 20k miles and fell in love with the first test-drive. Still love to drive it, but am finding annoying issues arising on continuous basis. Like others, dont like the placement of the gear-shifter, but also have lost use of rear window water "squirter." Will cost $200 (CDN) just to check the line because it runs inside the vehicle! In cold weather, driver and passenger windows squeak like nails on a chalk-board. Mechanic said the rubber was extremely dried out -- more than youd see on a 15-yr old vehicle. Brakes also squeak in cold weather.

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  zoom,zoom,zoom....................... - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By abrickie - April 13 - 2:00 am

  i have owned two rx7s 78 & 85 loved them, but my rx8 is so much better i cant belive the difference. power,handling & comfort are tops. i liked the g35 also but the cramped up feeling & road noise were too much to overcome. sorry nissan...mazda RULES!!!!