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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  The best Mazdaspeed 3 built to date! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By TJ - November 6 - 9:53 pm

  Got the Celestial Mica Blue w/ tech package. Tech package is totally worth it... push button start, bluetooth, Bose system, navi, and Sirius for 6 months. The color is exotic! The new body style is incredible. Curvier lines, RX8 type wheels, lower appearing stance, functional hood scoop, and dual exhaust make this the best MS3 ever built to date. And the inside is super contemporary and high quality. No torque steer and super clean shifts. Honestly, the best bang for your buck. GTIs, Civic Sis, even the WRXs and EVOs truly cant compare w/ the overall build quality (interior/exterior) and the "best bang for your buck" factor that the MS3 offers.

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  New 2009 Hatchback; SoFar, So Good - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Marc Rodgers - November 6 - 9:33 pm

  Just got the car on 8/22, put on about 450 miles over the week end. About 30 mpg, mixed highway/city driving. Initial impressions: responsive, OK for power, nimble, good turn in with slight understeer (expected with front wheel drive), very good brakes and steering feel. Nice interior layout, good fit and finish. The Bose stereo, wiper controls and trip computer seem rather complex, but Im on a learning curve. Great cargo and passenger flexibility. I wanted a well made, economical but still fun to drive little car and this fits the bill. At or close to best in class. My other vehicle is a 08 Ford F-150 Limited with a Cobra pack. A great truck, but not the constant $80+ fill ups.

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  Nearly perfect car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Roger - November 6 - 1:00 pm

  I bought this car specifically to improve upon the gas mileage I was getting in my Maxima. Even though its rated for 35 mpg, I routinely get better than that when its warm out (37-38 is not uncommon). What Ive found really impressive is that at high speeds, the mileage doesnt seem to be sacrificed. On the drive from Salt Lake to Laramie, I must have averaged around 80-85 mph and still achieved better than 35 mpg. The stereo is great for a stock stereo and the MP3 jack is a nice touch. I previously owned a 2001 Protege ES which I thought handled slightly better than the 3, but the 3 is a much better looking car. Somehow with the same engine as the Protege, mileage improved big time.

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  vehicle for todays family - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Norm Favit - November 6 - 3:46 am

  I have 2300 km on the M5 and Im confident I made the right choice for a long term vehicle. Id recommend the M5 for a growing family that puts a lot of miles on the car as the fuel economy is excellent relative to vehicles of similar seating capacity (just finished a 470km road trip with 7.9 l/100km).

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  Great car (ok, minivan) for the money - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Not your average mom - November 4 - 4:30 am

  I swore Id never drive a minivan but here I am doing so and actually enjoying it. It is versatile and very easy for the kids to get into and out of by themselves. It gets good gas mileage even in the cold winter months. I have never gotten below 22 mpg on a tank of gas. I love the fact that it is getting more popular and that when I first got it, people were asking me what it was. I love all the spaces to hide things in. Ive been accused of having everything but a toilet and sink in it but you wont see any of it. If you live in a really snowy/icy climate you will want to get snow tires. Stock tires perform as expected on the snow but are next to useless on ice.

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  Style but serious flaws - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By rconn2 - November 4 - 4:26 am

  I just bought the 2005 Special Edition Mazda3, with SP2 Security Package, Moonroof and Navigation. I have decidedly mixed feelings; am actually considering selling (and have had less than 2 weeks). Why? Despite researching and reading all I could, you dont really know until you buy. 1. There are many posts on the internet saying this car is awful in the snow... the worst theyve driven in 40 years... an embarrassment. Some say its the tires, some the wheels and tires. Who knows. 2. Fuel economy is poor -- especially with the automatic transmission. Lots of complaints here too. Like in the low 20s. 3. Consumer Reports just dropped it. 4. Nav system is featureless.

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  Lots to like, a little to dislike - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Dennis - November 3 - 11:03 am

  I bought the Sport with M/T. Vehicle meets all my needs, lots of room, decent fuel economy, good price. The manual trans takes some getting used to. It has a very light engagement and is very easy to "top" a gear. I definitely will be tinting the rear windows to keep things cooler but the A/C works great. With almost 3,000 miles on it I am averaging about 22 mpg. Since all my driving is around town I find this acceptable but wished for more. Manual adjusting seats required me to get out of the car to raise the seat level. If you are willing to keep the RPMs up, acceleration is good. Overall I am very pleased and hope time will prove me right.

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  Expensive - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By kingshahid - November 2 - 1:40 am

  This car was bought in 2007 at 180,000km. The car gave nothing but expensive bills for maintenance. One by one everything kept breaking down each month. No bill was smaller than $200. Its very consumptive of gas. It always had problems. The good side is has a very nicely designed car interior and exterior. When its working properly it can be comfortable and fun. Unfortunately Mazda failed at providing reliability - I always feared with this car if I would make it from point a to point b or not.

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  Mazda CX -9 Soars - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By kathrynb - November 1 - 11:07 pm

  When I began my SUV search I hadnt considered the Mazda brand until I read the outstanding reviews. With a family of five to transport plus lots of sports equipment - yes, Im a soccer mom, I wanted a lot of space for people and cargo but didnt want to feel as if I was driving a bus. Mazda delivered with style, functionality and performance. Mazda had superb ratings and having now owned my car for 3 months I finally can attest to the incredible driving experience. It is pure luxury and is a pleasure to drive. The car is very roomy with lots of leg room for the driver (510" and husband 63") and the vehicle soars across the road. A driving machine that is pure joy to drive.

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  Avoid. - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Trex - October 31 - 10:46 am

  The car is really loud inside. No need to opt for the upgraded stereo because its really poor -you can tell when the car is parked. When the car is moving, you cant hear anything anyway. The interior and exterior trim are so cheap and flimsy. When you are shopping dont be afraid to tug on these bits and youll see what I mean. be gentle in case there is a break it you own it policy. I get 19.2 mpg combined, which is appalling for a modern 4 cyl 3000 Ib car. The seat is too small for me (front), Im 57", 140 Ibs. The lights are worthless, cant see anything- I could go on but Im getting tired -in short, please dont waist your hard earned $$.