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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  The bad side - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By BERNARDO MARTINEZ - February 3 - 10:10 am

  After five years I have had many problems with my car i.e., headliner at rear window coming off on both sides, driver side visor broke, stereo has problems push CD changer and the A/M radio comes on, push change song on CD and CD ejects, lots of strange thing like that. The biggest problem is the transmission shifts really really hard like it slams into gear. Took it to a dealer they told me not a thing is wrong with it. One more thing the fan has a recall because it stays on long after car is off.

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  mazda electrical/misc troublemaker - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By dsuranksy - February 2 - 10:58 pm

  I purchased an 07 hatchback in 08 with 12 k miles on it. Car has had repeated air bag lights. Taken to dealer numerous times, paided alot for diagnosis, dealer cant ever seem to repair. All goes well for a day or two, the light comes back on! Warranty is long gone, pretty much stuck with it..Seems to go thru tires, all four have to be replaced every 20k with alignment (michelin tires). Stay away from Mazda, never had these problems with Honda or Toyota.

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  Zoom-zoom! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Rob Parker - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Overall, the car performs as promised. Quick accelation, excellent handling, and supurb AC (especially for rear seat passengers). Stylish and fast. Great for a small family of 4. Only negative is fumes from exhaust - nasty!

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  Love my 3! - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By slickmz3 - February 2 - 4:10 am

  Loved my 2011 i Touring sedan so much that I recently traded in for a 2013 Grand i Touring hatch. Didnt think it could get any better, but it did! Really love having the extra room in the hatch and the Skyactiv engine, which is going to save me about $600 bucks this year on gas. I largely agree with other consumer reviews. It is definitely a firmer ride, but handles amazingly and very is responsive (the catch phrase is zoom zoom zoom for a reason!). I actually like the construction of the cockpit-style dash, but it does take up some room leaving the overall interior on the small side. This car is one of the sportier small compacts on the market, and it is a real pleasure to drive.

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  First Roadster - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Rick - February 1 - 9:36 am

  Have driven the sport model for 2 months now. Opted for the 6 speed automatic since I commute in traffic and I didnt want to go back to shifting. The automatic is great with the clutchless shifter and the steering wheel paddles. This car handles like a go kart and has very quick acceleration even with the automatic. Down shifts are easy either with the pedal or the shifter. Top works easily and stows neatly. Fit and finish are excellent. This car is really fun to drive on day trips but long hauls would not be for me. It really makes my commute fun instead of drudgery.

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  Great Car - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Sondra - January 31 - 1:13 pm

  Except for new tires this almost 4 year old SUV has been wonderful.

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  CX-7 a flop - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By big daddy - January 30 - 3:40 am

  The cx-7 is the worst front wheel drive vehicle I have ever owned.The standard equipment Turanza tires had to be replaced at first snowfall! It oversteers terribly and the check engine light has a mind of its own(No its not the gas cap,either)! Would not suggest to anyone living North of the Mason-Dixon!

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  SAYYYWEEETTTT!!!! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By STERN1 - January 29 - 12:33 pm

  I purchased this brand new, loaded. I drove 500mi a week to and from work..this car is AWESOME!! It was red mica w/ black leather. I just sold this car to a family member and REGRET doing so. Only complaint is i was on my 3rd set of tires (low profile).. other than that NO problems.. I was averaging 29-32mpg with regular gas.. S Grand Touring(loaded)is the way to go.. Bi-xenion headlights DO make a difference.. especially in fog and with deer... Kids are comfy in backseat, big adults may not be as comfortable.. Great economical and reliable car.. Mazda got it right with this one!!! LOVED IT!!!

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  AXELA - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul - January 29 - 5:40 am

  I have had my 3S just over a month. I love it. It is the best sub-compact car I have looked at, priced, and driven. It handles like a BMW 3- series minus the rear drive. I see them all around town, but it never fails, people still stare at my car. It is very sexy, and great to drive.

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  2002 Mazda Millenia - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By jwanzer - January 29 - 4:43 am

  I do not like this car and i do not recamend it unless you have a lot of money. This is my first car and i got it for my 16th birthday. I have spend around $2000 getting repairs done on it and I have only had it for about a year and half. It is terrible on gas. Since i have got the car i have has to replace the timing belt, change the radiator, all the spark plugs, the thermostat, the cords too the spark plugs and more. It coast way to much to get fixed and the check engine light has be on constantly, no matter what i get done it will not go off. Although it is a nice car I do not reccomend it to anyone. Also something is still wrong with the car and it wont even run now.