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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  Fun Hatchback & Save $$$ - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By ptchang - October 11 - 6:53 pm

  Very fun to drive; can whip around corners. Hatchback is very functional. Premium Bose audio sounds fantastic. Very happy I got the Grand Touring trim with all the little features. Best hatchback by Consumer Reports; better score than Audi A3 which costs about $10,000 more similarly equipped.

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  Best Car l have ever owned - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By bmystro - October 10 - 8:32 pm

  The Mazda 3 I have is hands down the best car I have ever owned. The design is great and with the connect system it makes driving on road trips so much better not having to mess with wires. The price is great and when you look at comparable features in cars like Mercedes and Audi this is just a awesome value. Proud to drive such a nice car!

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  Like Sports Car, but smoother, quieter - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By jody80918 - October 10 - 8:56 am

  The 2.3L is surprisingly peppy for the 3500 lb curb weight. Handles more like the sports car I traded in for it, just not as quick on takeoff, yet the ride is more like a luxury car, much quieter then the sports car was (still some road noise). Gas mileage could be improved. Electronic 4WD system seems capable after I ran it through mud & snow. Ground clearance is adequate to have some fun, but I would not risk damaging the sexy exterior look. I feel safe in this competent, comfortable, roomy compact SUV. Factory cargo space flooring materials could be upgraded, but serve the purpose.

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  I Love my car!!!!!!!!! - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By RDLundy - October 9 - 7:43 am

  Her name is Whitney and she is beauty! I have loved her from the first time I saw her! She is fun to drive and just my size! For years my sisters (All drive large cars) have questioned my decision not to buy another cars. 1. Theres no need! Whitney provides everything I want in a car. 2. Gas is too damn high! I get 27 miles to the gallon! 3. When we all get together, my car is left at home. Only two seats so not good for carpools or designated driving! 4. NO CAR PAYMENT FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS! Need I say more?

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  Lots of car in a manageable package! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By hthomas - October 8 - 3:06 pm

  Was looking for a fun-to-drive, economical car for daily use and after research, narrowed it down to the VW GTI or the Mazda 3. The VW was more powerful, but the Mazda3 GT 5-door won me over due to its premium features and content, pricing, an engine that doesnt require premium unleaded (unlike the VW), and its comfort and handling. I have had the car for over two months now, and I havent regretted my decision one bit. I love my Mazda, and I love the fact that I got so many premium, luxury-level features in a small, nimble and efficient vehicle. The blue accent lighting in the interior is a nice touch, and the fit and finish seems to be great. Im very happy with my purchase.

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  Great handling, subpar build quality - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jason P - October 8 - 9:26 am

  I was very excited to get my 2003 6i automatic. I opted for the 4cyl. because I felt that it would save me on gas and intial purchase price. I have been upset at the gas mileage however never getting better than 24.5 hwy and 23 city. The design team did an awesome job with this car and the handling is great for the price range. Interior build quality is terribly cheap and unexpected on certain things. At 4,000 miles shift gate metal "look" trim has nicked and scratched. Worse the cloth front seats are already fraying and the drivers side has started a small tear on the drivers bottom cushion just from getting in and out. I have not contacted the dealer about this but intend to.

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  Mazda CX-9 - NONE of the others compare. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Tom T. - October 8 - 2:56 am

  We test drove 8 other crossovers that appealed to us. It came down to the Acadia and the CX-9. Value, handling, comfort and pick-up were the deciding factor. None of the others could come close to the CX-9. This car is something else. Its primarily my wifes car but I drive it every chance I get. Ive been running a lot more errands, just to have an excuse to drive it. Thats how fun this car is to drive. Ive never had a car that turned so many heads, as well as gotten so many positive comments from perfect strangers. Handles like a sports-car, hauls like a minivan and looks like you paid $50k for it. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Hard To Let her Go - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By happygirl - October 7 - 5:30 pm

  November 2002, I purchased my 2002 Mazda Protege. I have had no problems. She stands at 86,700 miles. Interior great still looks like new. I love my car and it is the 2nd one I have purchased. I used to own a 1998 Mazda Protege manual drove her to 134,000 miles without changing the gear shift. June 2010, I was rear ended on the highway while my car was in motion. She ended up with 1,160 dollar worth of damage and still drives great. It is a bit nerve racking as the new cars seem to have lots of electrical problems. I thought about buying a new Mazda but a bit nervous with all the electrics. Cars are not made the way they use to be. So do I hold on to my baby?

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  Loves to eat transmissions - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Teed off in Milwauke - October 7 - 4:46 pm

  Bought with 53K on it and it has 94K as of 1/30/06. Guess what -- will be replacing the transmission again for the 3rd time. Piece of junk and will never buy another Mazda.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By dyna - October 6 - 5:50 pm

  Actually, this probably isnt a bad little car. The problem may be that Im comparing it to my previous car, a Saab 9-3, which cost the SAME amount of money to lease as the Mazda! I guess I didnt appreciate its turbo engine and excellent gas mileage while I had it. Im certainly feeling like Im getting less for the same price. The Mazdas a "cute" car, but not overly impressive for the price. Its slow on the uptake, but rides nicely once it gets going. The seats are comfy and it definitely is a fun car to drive. The dash, however, looks like what it is, cheap plastic. Frankly, Im having "leasers remorse". Unfortunately I have another 3 years in this car.