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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  I love this car! - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sher - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I had never considered a car to be fun before. This car is amazing. Having a bad day? Just climb in, drop the top and all is right with the world.

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  Great car! I recommend it. - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By pwrofjoe - March 11 - 8:44 pm

  I was caught between buying a Honda Civic, VW Jetta or the Mazda3. The Civic lacked substance.. it was simple, not sporty, lacked knobs and features. The VW fell in the same category as the Civic, it was just blah. Dont get me wrong, they are great cars, but their design lacks a statement. Its just another car parked at the grocery store. The Mazda3 has great design, modern and a nice body kit. The interior feels solid and luxurious. Some people like the the front grill and others dont. In all honesty, if you dont sport a turbo charger, a big block engine or some NA performance engine, you dont need to have an aggressive front grill. The Mazda3 is a fun car and should be smiling! Enjoy!

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  Some good advise to current owners - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By wlu - March 11 - 2:45 pm

  Here is my advise to those who still own a 2007 CX7. 1. Pay the $600 (or so) and have a mechanic open engine to clean any sludge that may have accumulated over the years. Make sure they check over the timing chain and VVT actuator. 2. Dont follow Mazdas service plan, perform oil changes every 3000 miles. My Mazda dealer switched to 5w-20 (instead of 5w-30) because it is more durable with the turbo. You might want to do the same. I loved the performance of the car the short 2 years I had it. Build quality is ridiculously cheap! Parts are crazy expensive! I traded our CX7 in yesterday for our first Ford (always owned Mazda until now). I wish you all good luck with this car.

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  I love my 6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By puff - March 11 - 8:56 am

  We purchased a Mazda3 then 2 months later was happy but wanted a larger vehicle so we got the 6. I previously owned a Ford Mustang with manual transmission. With a move to a busy city I needed something that didnt required pushing a clutch constantly. The 6 gave me the best of both worlds, manual and automatic transmission without the clutch!

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  Theyre still doing it. - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By JerryL - March 10 - 2:30 am

  This is my third Mazda in a row and each new one gets me to love them even more. Dependable, comfortable and great to look at. I dont understand why Mazda doesnt sell more cars in the US than they do now.

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  Anthonys Mazda6 review - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Anthony - March 10 - 2:20 am

  I drove my Mazda 6from St. Louis to San Diego and back and its just what I expected. It has a very smooth shifting 6 speed automatic transmission and nice acceleration; the interior seems to get a little uncomfortable after a long period of time; the 200 watt Bose sound is awesome and easy to use. It’s the most fun car I have ever driven. This is a great car for people who enjoy driving or like to make it fun. I was amazed at how this car grips the road. I tried to throw it around a little bit but it kept griping the road so that’s great. I highly recommend this car for all driving conditions.

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  Only 1 day, but a +++ so far - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By rsteph4 - March 9 - 9:06 pm

  2014 liquid silver iTouring with auto. Replaces 2006 Cadillac CTS and 2010 Mazda3 sedan. Love it so far. Looked at 4 cars total (Camry, Altima, Sonata, and Mazda6) and for us the M6 beat out the rest, hands down. Of course, its a personal tastes thing, but I think the M6 was top line for both exterior and interior looks. Drives great. Not quite as snappy as the old M3 6-speed was, but it is bigger and heavier with, basically, same engine. Still, itll kick you back in the seat just fine. This is still first impression stuff since car barely has 100 miles on it, so well see how things are 6-months down the road. Still, dont think you could go wrong with this car.

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  Love Mazda Style - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Texas Chick - March 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Miata. I loved the first one (a 95), but this SE is even better. Im constantly complimented on its looks and Ive been very impressed with the way it grips the curvy mountain roads here.

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  My Dream Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By James William Knox - March 9 - 10:00 am

  At 47 years of age I finally have a fun, sporty car! This car stands out and people notice. I can not count the stares, thumbs up, and beautiful car comments I have received. We spent a weekend out in the Hamptons back in June and to receive such compliments in an area where high end sport and luxury cars are so common was a big thrill. I LOVE MY ZOOM ZOOM

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  Fun car. - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tony Touch - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Im moving to Atlanta this fall for b- school so I needed to get a car. I started looking at the Mazda 3 when I read glowing reviews, and decided on buying one when my friend told me he could let me use his employee discount to get one. I love the european-styling of this car. People have mistaken it for the new BMW 3 Series, and I always notice drivers going the other way checking out the front end of this car. Its not as expensive as it looks. The flip side is that its not as fast as it looks. This car is a great value if you get it fully loaded. However, if youre just looking for a base model, you are probably better off in a Civic or Corolla.