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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  An excellent compromise - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By tricky808 - March 17 - 9:33 am

  My wife picked this out from all of the suv/minivan choices. It took us 5 months to make our minds up, and were satisfied. Sure it might not have everything we want, but for the price, it has enough zip, space, and sportiness to last us. And its a family vehicle! Remote start, 17 inch wheels, economical and safe. Even the sliding door windows roll down! Anyone with a family will love this one unless you have your heart set on something else. I suppose the only things we wished it had would be a leather option and extra A/C for the back seats, but those are minor compared to what we got.

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  The unexpected... 2,000 miles later - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fshkpr1 - March 17 - 6:13 am

  Steering wheel feels great to grip. Does not feel like a front wheel drive car. Manual shifter is not only slick but has good insulation, almost no noise or vibration! 2.3L engine is smooth and powerful but gas mileage is not good, about 24 mpg (combined driving). Pretty roomy inside for a small car. Not much room for drivers feet, gas pedal and brake pedal are too close together. (This is with manual trans.) Standard single disc CD stereo sounds great, better than that in my 06 Lexus GS 300! Horn is too weak, a safety concern! Most unexpected: I still CRAVE to drive it, although I have been driving for 35 years and have sampled over 10,000 cars as a mechanic!

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  Love, love, love this car - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Destin - March 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive wanted a Mazda Speed 3 for about 2 years and finally my dream came true. It is everything I thought it would be and more. It is FAST, comfortable and has many features you wouldnt expect for a car in this price range. The handling is second to none!

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  First Mazda - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Toyota Owner - March 16 - 10:00 am

  My neighbor recently brought the same vehicle and I really like the style and size of the Mazda CX7 Sport. So far I really like the vehicle. I thought it would be hard to go from a 6 cylinder to a 4 but so far so good. Pleased with my choice. Could be less road noise but maybe its the tires or road.

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  Interesting - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By i love this car - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car back in 2006 and the only real problem I have had is the tires.

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  i Sport 4DR 4-cylinder - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By GeorgeSATX - March 16 - 12:26 am

  We bought the Mazda Tribute i because of our recent addition to the family. We had a Ford Ranger Edge. THis SUV is great! We where going to get the CX-7, Im glad we got into this vehicle. Its roomy, the styling is great. The aux input jack comes in handy. Its even Satellite radio equipped. I put in a TomTom GPS navigation device, Its the vehicle we needed, great features. Side impact air bags for protection. All in all Mazda, went over our expectations. Definitely recommend this SUV.

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  2nd Lease - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By G. Long - March 15 - 2:06 am

  This is the 2nd Mazda Tribute weÂ’ve owned; both times we made a purchase we fully explored the possibility of purchasing others. For some reason we just came back to the same model but different color. I, being the husband, wanted to look into something else but my wife would have no part of it, she wanted this same car a 2nd time no matter what.

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  Best Combo Car - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By BFane - March 15 - 2:00 am

  After acquiring a used 02 Miata and being impressed with the fun to drive and sports car characteristics, I was turned off with the tight interior. This drove me to consider a trade in and test drive the RX-8. It offered the same or better driving dynamics with more more comfort and even back seats my 2 teenagers can fit in. I also live in congested NJ and a stick is great fun lots of times, but also too much work lots of times. The auto was hard to find with sport A/T package but it is worth it to deliver at least the best sports car spirit for an A/T.

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  Just a Great Value - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Heidis3 - March 15 - 12:36 am

  I did research for a couple years prior to deciding on a Mazda 3. My mom had owned the 323 and a Protege for as long as theyve been around, and this Mazda 3 has the same peppy driving feel. Its small, but feels so roomy inside. The handling is fantastic and feels like a much pricier sports car, especially around the turns. Ive only had it for a month, but am absolutely in love with it! Its getting around 30 MPG but thats mostly been in the city, not highway. If you want a cute, sporty car, thats fun to drive and an incredible value, this wont disappoint!

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  EPA NUMBERS? BAH! - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By AVELECTRO - March 14 - 4:00 pm

  This is an excellent commuting and weekend fun vehicle. Mazda really knows how to use the Wankel to its best advantage. My mileage is way better than the EPA numbers: I am averaging 24 to 26 mpg in a 40/60 city/highway commute. Mine is an automatic 6-speed and I drive as if I enjoy the rotary experience. I sure do get tired of reviewers that claim this car is a gas guzzler only by looking at the lousy EPA numbers.