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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  A true motoring Icon - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By William Boike - March 9 - 8:56 am

  This is my 3rd Miata MX-5. Ive had a 96, a 99, and now I own a 2003 second generation Miata. Around town it does everything a car is supposed to do. Where it really shines is out on a twisty country road. It is not a 0-60 car but a momentum car. Once youre up to speed theres more than enough power to pull you out of a corner. Its cheap to buy. cheap to own, and 100% reliable. Though most Miatas are driven hard as a sports car should be, the Miata is I believe Mazdas most reliable model. Check out the Miata.net forum. And ask other owners why they like their Miata.

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  Love my 6 sp manual Mazda 3 Hatchback - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By wxl - March 8 - 9:51 am

  I made up my mind on the Mazda 3 after one test drive. We chose the Pearl White i-Touring manual hatchback with Navigation and Tech Package. The 2.0 engine is strong enough to merge onto freeways. Ride is firm and comfortable. Road noise is on the low side for the compact car segment. Interior finish is nice and pleasant. The clutch and stick shift very smoothly. After a little over 1000 miles, our gas mileage is similar to the EPA rating. Very happy with the purchase.

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  Fun to drive - with a few problems - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By snoble2 - March 8 - 5:31 am

  I bought this car new in 2007 - the car has more options than entry level luxury vehicles (328i, g35, a4, etc) at half the price. I went with the Grand Touring trim since it packed so much bang for the buck. This car is fun to drive and carries Japanese reliability. It feels connected with the road (not like BMW, but more so than other Japanese models) Major issue with this trim level is that the tires wear out every 15k miles - OEM even sooner. the OEM tires are absolute garbage. Mechanic says car has negative camber causing uneven and quick wear on tires. Computer component failed at 48k miles and Mazda fixed even though warranty was done. (It took them a month to diagnose)

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  A Decent Choice - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazda Owner - March 8 - 12:43 am

  This car has been great. I have received a lot of comments from young and old on how nice the car looks. I bought the car with the convenience package and love the BSM and the Xenon headlights. I can see the road at night! The seating is comfortable and am pleased with the design and layout of the interior. However, the mpg is a bit disappointing- I average 23 mpg combined (probably because of the way I drive). The performance is ok, there isnt really much of a zoom-zoom, probably because its a 4 cyl. To get up hills at a decent speed, I have to operate at 3500 rpm. One good thing though, the car accelerates pretty quickly. I usually end up leaving cars behind. Its a good car overall.

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  Mazda fun - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By engtech - March 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought the MPV bucause it was the best value of all others in the class. Love the extras. Good ride and power. I have had a Mazda for 12 years and have had good luck with them all the way. It is nice to see a Japanese car without the high price.

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  MPG varies greatly with heavy foot - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By 2005 3i - March 4 - 11:23 am

  Love this car. Very comfortable. Precise steering, best handling car Ive ever owned. I have noticed a huge difference in MPG depending on how I drive. Have gotten 24-29 city and 28-35 highway. Every time I wash it, I fall in love again. Sporty car! Currently 9400 miles.

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  Great Little Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt - March 4 - 2:00 am

  I only have two tanks of gas through my car to date. Which is a little over 800 miles. I am getting about 36 miles to the gallon driving on mixed city highway roads. WOW that is great!

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  High Miles - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By trepz - March 4 - 1:40 am

  My 2006 Mazda now has over 140,000 miles and running strong. Nothing but routine maintenance. Slight trans slip in 4th gear if driven hard. Still handles beautifully.

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  Love it! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By michiganman25 - March 1 - 3:55 pm

  Bought my wagon in March 2010 with 100k on the odometer, now has 118k on it and going strong. The not so great: Just replaced shocks and struts, which was not cheap but now she drives like a new car. Ive also replaced a belt tensioner and a power steering line in the year ive had it. The back hatch has always been tricky to open, and i havent been thrilled with the paint quality, but it still looks beautiful when its cleaned up. The good: Runs like a champ, tons of cargo space, nice interior, handles great, awesome bose sound system, and lots of other great options. I get compliments on it all the time, it is one sexy wagon!

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  Aint she cute? and Sporty too! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Betty - March 1 - 2:03 am

  Bought this car about 1 1/2 yrs ago w/73k miles on it, little ol lady owned it, now has about 107k. Figured wed get good mpg since its small, about 28 avg. right now, better than 17 we replaced it with! Really wanted a manual transmission, that would have really made it even more fun to drive, and probably better mpg. Put synthetic oil in at about 80k miles after lots of research and believe that made a difference. We all enjoy the drive (ages 19-50), handles real good, tires can make BIG difference though! Four bangers seem to be a little noisy but after we replaced bearings due to accident it made quite a difference! Picks up & gos pretty good and overall Nice car!