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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  Excellent Deal - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By redleg65 - November 10 - 1:40 am

  Ok, I purchased a 09 with 503 miles on it: Used. I guess a guy bought it for a month and traded it, so I ended up with great deal for 19k out the door. Besides price the car is basically a Mazda 3 with a very nice body style. Having owned a Mustang GT, Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Maxima, G35 in recent years, this vehicle tops bang for the buck. Style is key since laser radar is everywhere now a days, but cruising in this is awesome. Smooth and you get plenty of looks, just dont race anyone unless you buy the higher end model. Interior is tight, drives on rails: reminds me of my G35. Reliability seems to be good, 95% of it is made in Japan.

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  bang for the buck! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By racer-x - November 9 - 10:00 am

  After being totally frustrated by Toyota dealers in our search for a reasonably priced corolla, we saw an ad for a 2003 Pro-5 for $12,500 (sticker $17,200). Thinking it was bogus we checked it out. This car was loaded and it was for real. If the looks werent enough the test drive sold us. We are buying another one after we sell our truck!

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  Living with a rotor... - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Will Dover - November 9 - 7:50 am

  A wonderful car - for a 2nd car. Fun to drive and reasonably practical (fits 2 kids in the back without complaining). Gas mileage a real nuisance, though.

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  Sports car handling with a pratical side - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By KF - November 9 - 1:20 am

  If youre looking for something with great visual appeal and thats more fun-to-drive than any other mid-sized sedan in this segment, this is your car. Best of all, the hatchback design looks great while offering more cargo space than any other vehicle in this class. Ive driven this vehicle over 10,000 miles since new and have had no mechanical problems (though the roof liner sagged slightly on drivers side, but was replaced at no charge). Really a drivers car; some might find the seating a bit tight, esp. in the back (compared to other sedans), but not a problem for me. I still look for any excuse to drive this car!

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  MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By jjdsng - November 8 - 7:16 am

  Good fun and dependable with lots of features and great family use, and lots of fun driving it

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  A real sports sedan - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jon - November 8 - 6:33 am

  After driving a variety of Ford Tauruses, I bought the 6s (auto) after I test drove a lot of other cars. A few other cars have a slight edge (Nissan Altima and Honda Accord; similar models) with 0-60, but the overall handling, comfort, styling, and feel of the 6 blows the competition out of the water. The 6 is simply amazing to drive. It grips the road like a real sports car, and has the room of a sedan. The interior, comfort, exterior design, sound system, and general layout are all excellent. The tiptronic shift on the 6-speed automatic is a great compromise for someone who likes manual cars, but does a lot of city driving. Highly recommended, especially for younger (20s) drivers.

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  Amazing for the Price - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By greyhoundtx - November 7 - 10:45 pm

  For the price of the car, the 2014 Mazda 3 is a fantastic vehicle. Exterior looks more expensive than it is. Its unique but doesnt stick out like a sore thumb. Interior is great, although I wish the radio/audio controls didnt look like it was put into the car aftermarket. Performance wise its also great. A little more road noise than some other cars in this same category that I test drove, but I found this to be the most fun. Sometimes I find that the acceleration is a tiny bit lagged, but its not bad. All in all, fantastic car for what you pay. And the gas mileage is GREAT.

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  A Great Package! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ed - November 7 - 9:53 pm

  Recently bought the 2006 BMW 325 and was racking too many miles on it so I decided to get a little run around car. The goal was to get something fun to drive, cheap and good on gas. I test drove the new Civic, Mazda3 and the Corolla and the Mazda won hands down in style (Civic came close), handling and acceleration. It is by no means a cheap compact car. It has a solid feel and great build quality. The controls are very nicely laid out and the interior and exterior looks great and very sporty. I called this baby a Japanese version of the BMW 3 series. I am very pleased with it and glad that I got this over the Civic and the Corolla. And the warranty is better with 4 years/50K.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Emilio Jones - November 7 - 2:53 pm

  Ive only had the car for 2 weeks, and I like the car a lot. One thing I would point out is the small trunk on the sedan and high back-end spoiler. Maybe I was spoiled my a mid-size car. Outside of that, Im incredibly happy with my purchase. For the price, you cant get anything fully loaded and with the size engine. The Civic is close, but do you want to be like everyone else? Tremendous value! I was looking at the Mazda 6, but you can get basically the same car for $10K less, much better value.

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  Nice little SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By surfsuv - November 7 - 1:13 am

  I leased the CX7 to get me and my surfboard to the beach on the weekends. It also does the Costco and Home Depot runs. Since the car was for utility only it is basically stripped. I added a Pioneer in-dash nav unit with an iPod connection to control it through the nav unit. Works great looks ok too. Since the car is stripped, it does not have the outside temp. Should be standard like other Ford products. The car is fun to drive compared with other SUVs. It feels very car like and sporty. Has decent speed but, if you push it hard, it will kill the gas mileage. I have about 12,000 miles and have had no issues with it. So far, it has only needed oil changes. Tires look like they will go to 25k