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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  I love the 09 i touring value!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sonny - November 27 - 10:30 am

  There is no better looking car in this class, or more fun. The engine, even at 2.0, is peppy, fast and ready to go. I love how sporty it is, both outside and inside. Lots of headroom for a car this size. Feels and handles like a BMW 3 series, but you are paying $10-$15K cheaper! Its sporty and fast enough and yet, it still gets good gas mileage. Between city and highway, I averaged 29- 31/gal. and the stereo which comes with the i touring sounds really good, nice acoustic and full bass. I am 61 and I bump my head when getting into a BMW 3 series, but no problem at all with the Mazda 3. Its tight, its firm, and feel you are in control all the time. Its just an awesome car all around!

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  Found an SUV I like - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Bob DeSantis - November 26 - 8:50 pm

  We have a Lexus 430 for long trips and nights out but wanted something to run around in. Since our kids are adults we never liked the big vans & SUVs & the small ones didnt feel comfortable. We didnt want to invest the money required to buy a Lexus SUV. We walked into Mazda and were immediately intrigued. The next day we bought it. We are having a ball looking for excuses to run to the store. We strongly recommend you consider this SUV.

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  Good family car - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By AngelicPenguin - November 25 - 2:23 pm

  I wish I had noticed how loud this car was before I purchased. Also, the leather on the seats is not as nice as it could be. The AC seems to smell funny too and my "new car" smell left after only a week : (. I do love the keyless start. I consider it a safety feature because it keeps me from spending minutes in a dark parking lot searching for keys. I didnt get the nav. system but wanted a back-up cam so I had the rearview mirror cam installed and I love it!! The car is growing on me. Love the cargo room when third row is folded down.

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  Reliability Problems! - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By jdwilkin - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I had hoped that the good looks and performance of the Protege would be matched by Japanese reliability. No such luck. Had to replace engine (rod bearing)at 80k. Transmission repair at 81k. Have done rear brakes 3 times and rear links twice already - fronts once. (@ 94k now)Strut failed at 85k. Dealer and Mazda have both avoided any/all responsibility for problems...even while under warranty. Very dissappointing purchase.

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  REAL GOOD - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By JUAN TOELNTINO - November 25 - 10:00 am

  THE MAZDA MPV HAS GOOD LOOKS ALL OVER

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  zoom zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By madball - November 25 - 10:00 am

  Have not had any problems with my RX-8 other than a crack in the windshield that i had to have replaced. I drive it hard all of the time and it takes it wthout complaining at all and even seems to like it!

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  A smooth ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Giovanni - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I have been complimented on the stabiliry and comfort fels on the passengers seat. As well, I enjoy the drive every single time I ride this very stylish car with a powerful engine. I am thrilled with the Mazda 6.

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  Dont Hesitate, it has everything you want. - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By primetime8032 - November 24 - 11:49 am

  To start off, Ive only owned this car for 4 days now. I was a very proud rx8 owner and loved every bit of it, except for the gas mileage. This car, has everything that you want. Perfect handling, the right amount of power, its very practical and to be honest, economical. I know people will be like "economical? it only gets 18mpg!" Yeah, when youre flooring it everywhere. When I drove home from the dealership I was about 50 miles away from home. I drove it like a grandma and averaged 34mpg. So if you really want to economical, this car can definitely do it. I cant talk on the reliability as I just got the car, but I still rated it a 5 because I love everything about this car.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By JPC - November 24 - 8:46 am

  Overall a great vehicle. This is our 4th Mazda and we are very happy. This one replaced a car that was totaled in a wreck. That Millenia was a 2000 and even though the car was a total wreck, my wife and 2 year old daughter came away without a scratch. The front end was crushed but the passenger compartment was solid and stable. The car has excellent pick up and good steering. We love the style and ride.

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  Way to go Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By John Q - November 24 - 6:03 am

  My last five cars have been from the Nissan line. But I decided to try something different this time. Im glad I did. The Mazda6i Is a superior car to the Altima, Camry and Accord. The options I got on my Mazda6 would have cost me a couple of thousands extra on the other cars.