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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  Best looking car since Studebaker Hawk - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By rjoe1 - February 21 - 1:53 am

  Purchased the car new as my retirement car and only regret is having to burn premium fuel during times of gas crisis. Have yet to find any car as beautifully styled with its supercharged performance.

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  Fantastic! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Nick Man - February 20 - 12:06 am

  I have owned my Solar Yellow Mazda3s since April 2004. After test driving the bland Civic, outdated Corolla & overpriced Jetta, my decision came with the 3. I purchased mine with every option available including leather seating surfaces, xenon headlights, auto-dim temp/compass rearview mirror, all-weather floormats, tinted windows (performed by the dealership shortly after purchase) & a whole lot more for less than 20k. Anyone would be hard- pressed to find more "luxury" in a subcompact than Mazda has offered in the 3. People need to remember, this is not a luxury car, it is a subcompact. Were talking a 3, not a 3-Series.

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  Very Reliable - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Drivinthegirls - February 19 - 2:40 am

  I am getting ready to trade my Tribute in. It was my moms before it was mine. She bought it brand new. She nor I have had any problems with the Tribute. The only thing that I would say is bad is the gas mileage. Its a beautiful car. I like it MUCH better than the CX-7. I test drove a CX-7 and the interior was so cramped and remined me of a boxy volvo. The Tribute is awesome. It has been reliable now for 7 years. It has 135,000 miles on it now and still going strong.

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  Rides like a Lexus - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ride like a lexus - February 17 - 9:23 am

  Awesome car. It comes standard with dual exhaust and rides like a lexus. It has all the power I need, with a manual shift option. Disc brakes on all four wheels are also standard. I love the way it looks inside and out. Mine is black with tan interior. it is fun to drive and for the price, you cant beat it. The Mazda6 comes standard with 17" alloy rims . The mazda is smooth, luxurious, fun drive. Overall, happy!!!

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  Great Auto Experience - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sageking - February 17 - 1:56 am

  I live in Puerto Rico, which has winding roads, hidden roads, streets arent in the best shape. This car is absolutely up to the task. I have had this car for 5 months now, its a beauty to look at. Its great fun to drive, sometimes I look for side roads just to be able to put that suspension to the test. The accelaration is great almost gave me whiplash the first time I rushed out after light change. The Mazda 3 is an absolute must to test drive. The SP23 has a rich cabin filling sound by Bose. Enough space in the glove compartment to store small appliances. I test drove Corolla and Civic and this car is ALOT more bang for the buck, motors cannot be compared, the MAZDA3 beats them both.

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  a different car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gary - February 16 - 8:50 pm

  I have had no problems with the car. The styling has been copied now and will be used partially in the design of the EVO 10. It is so much different than having a boring Ford.

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  New owner - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By Mark G - February 16 - 8:20 pm

  I just took delivery of my 06 base RX8 6M. Researched the coupe market to death and ended up with the RX8, Ford Mustang GT and Nissan 350Z shortlist. Need 4 seats so Nissan went out. The Mustang went when I knew that the refinement of the RX8 and its looks had won me over. I was concerned about the fuel consumption and cold start procedure but once I drove it home I knew I could live with both of these minor quirks. The look and driving experience are just out of this price league. You can spend twice as much and not get the same feel all round. It is a breath-taking beauty! I got one of the last 06 models at a great price & dealership were excellent.

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  2.3L mazda3s sedan - great car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By m3gozoom - February 16 - 10:00 am

  You cant really find this kind of compact car elsewhere - its for people who want more than the low powered corollas and civics and dont want to pay mega bucks for the bmw/audis. I find it great to drive, everything I expected and more. I wanted something a little more powered and a little bigger than my old corolla, and this fits the bill exactly! Found out that my tire pressure monitoring system works - 3wks old and a flat tire =( I get about 25-26mpg and its about 50/50% city/highway driving. Insignificant minor flaws, super features. Brake dust is an issue, but thats only because the open spoked hubcaps make it visible - cleaning it can be a pain.

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  Got it Loaded with everything - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hypnodude - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Okay, I have to say I like the power of the 5-Speed. I think for the money you cant beat it.

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  Surprisingly Nice - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By MSC - February 15 - 8:16 pm

  Had a Toyota RAV4 and hated it. Went to Mazda just looking around and the CX-7 caught my eye. Test drove it and I was hooked instantly. Doesnt feel like an SUV when driving it (a great thing I might add). I was sick of feeling like some soccer mom stuck in a "practical vehicle." This actually feels more like a sports car than an SUV.