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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  Formerly Honda, now Mazda owner! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By traveler777x - October 11 - 7:46 am

  Ive had my 6i hatch (auto) for over 10 months and put on almost 14K miles. Mazda got it right! Im a former Honda Civic owner (15 years, 3 Civics) who wanted more features and horsepower and did not want to lose reliability. So far, I have had no issues (other than a little sputtering in the cold with no warmup). The 6i is not as quick to accelerate under 20mph as my Civic was, but its not a VTEC. The gas mileage truly stinks with the way I drive; Ive gotten as low as 19mpg and no higher than 26.5mpg so far. Car hugs the curves, though. I wish it came in a hybrid - Id trade this one in for it. The amount of room I have is astonishing. I recommend test driving to see if its for you.

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  Best daily grind car - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Playfirst - October 10 - 3:30 am

  Very comfortable, engine buzzy at 75 mph, slow pick up - dont even bother to rev it past 3500 rpms, handles great, avg. 27.5 mpg mostly city driving. Awesome car for a practical lifestyle. I love it - best beater, daily grind car!

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  Overrated - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Eddie Money - October 9 - 11:03 am

  I traded in my Subaru WRX to save some money with lower payments, lower insurance and to get better mileage, plus the WRX required premium gas. I just wanted a nice commuter & I even bought an A/T car for the first time in 15 yrs. I like the styling and a lot of the accessories, but what really bugs me is all the loose things on the car. Lots of interior squeaks and there is a clunking in the back after only two weeks. I think the build quality is mediocre. The power sunroof is almost worthless because it makes such an annoying sound when driving down the road at 40-45, it goes away on the freeway.

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  Gas Pig - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Russ - October 8 - 9:20 pm

  Overall, its a great car. No mechanical issues at 16,700 miles. Its got great pick-up and looks great. I get 27 mpg on the highway at 65-70 and I think that bites. I can get 37 out of my Focus. If I drive at 45 mph down the highway I can get to the 34 mpg range. The 17" Goodyear Eagle P** tires are about worn out. Im really disappointed with them. Almost all my driving has been highway. They have a tread wear rating of 250. Ill be lucky to make it past the 20,000 mile mark without buying new ones. Had to upgrade to the Grand Touring trim at the last moment to get the side airbags.

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  This car rules - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By MtotheC - October 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the 2005 Tribute S - Fwd for about 3 months and I love it. I have always had small compact cars so I worried about driving an SUV, but this car drives great. I love the new design and the cloth seats. I like how the black is no longer two-toned. It is very fun to drive and is a smooth ride.

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  True love - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By BHRpowered - October 7 - 9:43 pm

  I purchased my Millenia brand spanking new off the showroom floor and have been in love since day 1. I went so far as a purchase a 2nd car and save this baby for the weekends. The styling and history behind it are timeless, with LEDs and factory style HIDs added I have people come up to me asking if its a 2009. Excellent long distance highway car, good around town, very high quality all around, if it didnt have a Mazda badge it could have easily sold for 75k. I have never driven anywhere without attracting attention, envy, and curious on lookers wondering what it was.

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  Great SUV - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By jgc1995 - October 7 - 12:06 pm

  We have had this car since 2012 and it has been great! It is just the right size for getting around town but with lots of space. AWD gets through the snow without a problem. As many, had to replace the tires at 27,0000 miles.

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  Uncomfortable seats, rattles and weird noises - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By neems - October 7 - 1:55 am

  I never thought I would be one of the "those people that writes unhappy reviews but here I am. 1. The basic cloth seats look good, but theyre hard as rock. I dont know if there was some switch-a-roo but my seat barely have any padding and I can feel the seat structure of the chair. 2. For a two week old car, it sure rattles a lot especially on the passenger side 3. Theres an unusual humming noise coming from the middle of the car. It doesnt sound like idling or accelerating so Im concerned.

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  Somewhat Costly To own - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By palmettophil - October 6 - 10:48 pm

  Had the car since it was new and now has 70000 miles on it. Had to replace the factory tires at 25000 miles and did not think much of it. I use this for light duty personal use with no off road or hauling. The original ball joints cracked at 40000 miles and were upgraded to better ones with grease fittings. The transmission was rebuilt at 69990 miles. The steering wheel cruise control was replaced due the disintegration of the original equipment (Common across ford and Mazda trucks).

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  Great City Car - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By boomerbob - October 6 - 7:32 pm

  Ive had my Mazda 3 for just over a month and Im very pleased with the car. Most of my driving is in the city and the SkyActive engine has delivered right at 30mpg on the first 5 tanks. I really like the driving dynamics and the overall road feel the car gives. My only complaint so far is the road noise at higher speeds. Theres plenty of interior room and very comfortable seats.