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 sports car ever made! - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Cara Mia - October 31 - 10:40 am

  I have owned a 96 Miata M-Edition for 6 years. I LOVE THIS CAR! With 64,000 miles it has never had a single mechanical issue. It gets great mileage, about 30 MPG average. It is amazingly quick with responsive handling and is absolute FUN! I have driven MGs, Triumphs, and even BMW Z-3s, and this car out drives them all. I also think the $$$ value rating is way too low - but then that may be why they are so popular... you get a car that is worth way more then you pay for it.

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  Our first Mazda - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Young family - October 31 - 12:16 am

  This car is gorgeous on the outside with the exception of the cheap plastic grille in front. The interior is well equipped but it is completely trimmed in plastic. Can definitely see where corners were cut to save money, like only having a map pocket on the back of the drivers seat. We love how easy the rear seats fold down. The stereo is strong for a stock system. Most importantly, this vehicle really gets up and goes. And as far as turbo lag goes, it is minimal at best. Any more power off the line and those expensive standard 18" tires would be smoked. One big negative, and probably only because we moved from an Acura TL into this vehicle, is the harsh and loud suspension.

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  From a Mazda 3S to a CX-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By jb03 - October 29 - 12:53 pm

  I was in the market for about a year considering various makes of automobiles. i was actually settling on a sporty sedan to eventually replace my 3S when I came across the new CX-5. I had heard about the new drive train and was initially concerned about the small 2.0L, high compression engine. I contact my dealer and decided to test drive before adding the CX-5 to my list. I was pleasantly surprised. The Skyactive G engine loves to rev and has good pick-up when driving in manual mode where I have control of the shift points. In automatic mode, the transmission logic is designed for fuel economy and need some coaching of the fuel peddle to accelerate. I bought a Mica Red GT with Tech.

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  2004 Mazda Tribute DX FWD Four Door - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Bmd - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This compact SUV handles like a car. The four cylinder engine gets the job done.

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  Mazda Manager and MPV owner - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By E Solari - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is our 3rd MPV. Ive been in the car business for 22 years and never bought a new vehicle until I went to work for Mazda. The MPV is very good looking and dependable but let me make a few suggestions. The traction control feature is a must if you live in a snow belt. If you want a power seat you must go to the ES model. If it were available in the Lx model I would give the vehicle all 10s. Transmission had to be reprogrammed but is fine now.

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  My Mazda - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By KrazieLette - October 29 - 2:00 am

  this car is awesome i want to get the same car in all colors, its easy to drive and fun to drive it runs smooth and easy to handle great sports edsition to 2004

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  i am in love - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kaye and mazda 4ever - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my first car that i pay myself and it is money well spent, it might waste alot of gas but its because its a v6.

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  mazda mpv -great value and reliability - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By jeff foster - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle large enough for a family of five. Ease of use, flexible vehicle.

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  From Porsche to Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By LoveMyTribute - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2000 Boxster S. Traded and bought my Tribute ES 4WD. Would MUCH rather have a Tribute than a Porsche anyday. It is the right size, useful, comfortable, performs beautifully, and a joy to own. I coulc not be happier.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By jumpback - October 27 - 6:16 am

  I test drove just about every small car available. None drove like the Mazda 3 Grand Tourer. This vehicle is just snick, snick great. The interior especially is upscale for a small car. If you are looking for value and a not just another boring econobox check this baby out.