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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  Great car! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By TRENT - January 1 - 12:43 am

  Test drove other vehicles before i purchased the Protege. Civic, Neon, Corolla, Focus. Was hooked when i drove the Protege. Hugged the road and had plenty of pep. Great on long trips, will drive all day and all night

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  RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By TR - December 31 - 5:56 am

  Solid $25K car. Daily drive over rough roads is comfortable, yet still a blast to drive on any road. Also take it to the track once a month and this completely showroom car holds its own against cars with adjustable shocks and racing compound tires. You do have to keep the RPMs up above 4K, but the rotary has no problem doing this. Im glad Mazda put a 9000 RPM rev limiter on the car or Id have easily zoomed to past 10,000! With just some basic after-market upgrades & driver improvements, the car would be always at the top of the pack.

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  M6 Decent Wheels - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tommy M607 - December 30 - 10:23 pm

  Had the car for 15 months, 22K miles. Very comfortable, nice interior layout, good visibility, nice options for the price. Sporty handling but large turning radius. Engine idles a bit rough, smooth while driving, decent power, good gas mileage, average 28 MPG in mixed driving. Excellent brakes, trunk and fold down rear seats. Only problem- steering creaks when going slow-dealer said not a safety issue, greased fittings per tech bulletin, seems better.

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  The best car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steph - December 29 - 5:13 pm

  I love my Aurora Blue s touring hatch! I just bought it a couple days ago and feel that it is the best. It is so cute, sporty, luxurious and fun. Road noise is not an issue and its quieter with less wind noise than my fathers 10 year old avalon that cost more money. Its great on the highway too. The engine makes a satisfying sporty growl. When you press the unlock button twice, all doors plus the hatch open. This car beats all of the competition and is the best value for the money

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  Most convenient thing I ever heard of - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mark - December 29 - 2:26 am

  Mine is a Sport with a five speed, phantom blue mica, with added on cassette player. I couldnt want any other vehicle.

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  wife loves this car - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By russell over65 - December 28 - 3:36 am

  This is our 2nd mazda5 had a 2008gt traded for a 2010gt we both drive this car it is realy fun to drive. Great to park steering is unbelievable. Gas mileage is also very good. I highly recommend this vehicle to any age group. My wife is 65 and I am 69 great to haul grand kids around. Sliding side doors are great for parking lots.

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  Zoom Zoom - My third Mazda! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By dwaine1958 - December 27 - 1:41 pm

  Our Mazda 3SGT is equipped with the graphite mica color, has black leather seats, and is fully loaded with the tech package. Since the front grill and the car color are the same, the smiley face is subdued and not as obvious as most of the other colors. The car handles very well, has great road centering and quickly responds to steeering input. I find the sporty seats very comfortable but Im surprised they dont have any lumbar adjustment. The Bose sound system is great when turned load, but doesnt have any loudness setting that would give a more full sound at lower volume levels. The engine exhaust sounds very sporty during highway acceleration, but is quiet while cruising. The gas mileage is similar to the EPA estimates. Potential buyers of S sedan version need to look at this car as a sporty compact sedan and not as an economy car (if you just want an economy car buy the 3i). The 3SGT is a hybrid between a small performance sedan (like a BMW 3) and an economy car like a Corolla. Since its also priced in between those two vehicles, you get what you pay for Also, the initial quality is top notch. Since I only have around 3500 miles on the vehicle - long term reliability will need to be determined over time. The breaks are very good and road noise is subdued. These two qualities are often criticized in reviews of the vehicle, but I think the car is quiet while cruising down the road and stops quickly and easily. I am 5 feet 10 inches tall and my head is close to the roof, so taller folks may find the head room tight especially when purchased with the moon roof. Otherwise, the front seat legroom is excellent since the front seats slide back much more then they did in our old Corolla. Therefore the back seat legroom gets a little tight, but remember this a compact car, not a midsize. Overall, this is a wonderful car!

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  Awsome - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Liz - December 27 - 11:06 am

  This car is great. I have had it over two years. If you want great gas mileage get a car not a suv (especially one with a turbo). I get about 23 mph hwy. Never had a problem. The tires are poor but its just that brand. I have two young boys and interior has held up wonderfully.

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  waaay too much fun! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By cc - December 27 - 4:13 am

  I keep asking myself, how cool is this? Hard day at work? No prob. Hit the button, the roof opens and all the cares of the day float away in the breeze. Bad hair day? Great excuse. Mid life crisis? This is better than psychotherapy and botox combined! When I say my prayers at night I thank god for my little blue dream in the driveway - and I cant wait to wake up and drive! Thank you Mazda.

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  Go Miata! - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By miataboy2003 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The mazda miata is a great little sports car with great pick up and is the most fun to drive car on the road! the only thing I see wrong is the gas milage!