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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  Sporty Performance AND Good Fuel Economy - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By hoveringfalcon - March 1 - 10:47 am

  The beauty of the SKYACTIV Mazda3 is that it achieves good gas mileage without making any sacrifices when it comes to agility. Id estimate my driving to be around 2:1 highway/city. I get on the highway for about 35 minutes going to work, and 35 minutes coming back. On my days off, my driving would mostly be considering "city driving"-- short bursts of movement between stoplights. I average 36 to 38 miles to the gallon with those driving conditions, which I find pretty darn impressive. If I was driving exclusively on the highway I have no doubts I could hit 40 mpg. All the while, if push comes to shove and Ive gotta get my Zoom-Zoom on, SKYACTIV doesnt disappoint.

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  mazda 6 good but lowsy interior - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By dead_catz - February 28 - 3:26 am

  First car, First of all it drove great and is fun to drive, i put a Cold air and magnaflow on her (2.3) sounded beautiful but the interior was a peice of trash, the LCD notoriously on mazda 6 went out great cool 150 bucks to replace... the mapbox above the radio sucked and the lid broke the 6 disc cd changer cds no longer cycle well... overall 90k miles no problems except for the trashy interior

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  Unbelievable - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Unbeilevable - February 28 - 1:33 am

  I almost bought the BMW 325. A friend bought this car; I was so impressed with it that I decided to buy the Mazda instead and I am not sorry. Automatic climate control, heated leather seats, xenon headlamps, auto rain sensors the list goes on all for $20,000.00 I love this car! I saved about $12,000. Average mph is 28-30 for me (had an X-Terra that got 15 mph so I am thrilled). Cannot say enough about this car.

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  Greatest Mini Van on Market for all - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By haasmancinci - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I worried about the small v6 engine and the reveiws, but I dont see the issue. Looks great! Drives Excellently! The leather seats are really comfortable. Im just back from a 17 hour 1100 mile trip and not once did my back feel it. In addition, I drove it in the mountains of Tennesee & Kentucky with little effort on the engine. It is NOT under powered at all. The interior style is very up scale compared to many of the "BEST" rated vans especially the Honda. With the CReports ratings at very high. Buy a ES MPV with no worries. You are smart to do so, and will get the best van on the road period.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By JAMOUL - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Its great i love it i suped it up I won over 40,000 dollars in races dang its a beautiful thing.

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  Zoom-Zoom in Red - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By ALH - February 27 - 2:00 am

  All I have to say is trying to get on the Freeway in Seattle, especially I-5, has never been so much fun. The dealership I got my RX-8. The staff was beautiful from Start to finish. Does this Red RX-8 ever show dirt on it. The paint concept is great or maybe once you are in it and going, you "Zoom- Zoom" the dirt particles right off. Oh did I mention I am happy about my RX-8; city to highway.............ZZZZZooooMMMMM

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  What Can I Say!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Senna 27 - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Owned the car for 36 days now and its been in the shop for 10 of them! They cant solve the engine problem, hesitation, poor acceleration, poor gas mileage. Defective air bag sensor, part back ordered. Cant drive car until fixed. Theyre not sure when that will be! So not impressed with it so far!

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  ya gotta be kidding me! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Riverguy - February 27 - 2:00 am

  O.K., we have only had it for 3 days but it has to be our favorite car of all time. Handles great, smooth, strong, comfortable and fun. If it turns out to be reliable, we will trade it in on the successor. We fight over who has to take the Denali.

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  mazda 5 - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By asneden - February 26 - 2:00 pm

  we bought this mazda 5 from don elliot dealership in wharton,texas . We had a yery good experience! I love this mazda especially the sliding doors they help with my son. If I get another vechile again it will be a mazda 5

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  Simply Too Much Fun - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By RW - February 26 - 6:33 am

  This is actually my second Miata (I had a 2003) and while I loved the 2nd generation, the improvements to the third are fantastic. The car is just a blast to drive - feels much more rigid and refined than the 2nd-gen, while maintaining the cars signature dynamics. The additional room (Im 61") was more than welcome, and more power is always a good thing as well. It splits commuting duty with a motorcycle - and is as close an equivalent to a four-wheel bike as youre going to find for this price. It is just impossible to have a bad day behind the wheel. Do NOT test drive unless you are completely prepared to buy, because theres a really good chance after a spin youll be signing papers.