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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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Linz - July 31 - 10:00 am

  All I have to say is: ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM

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  Best Bang For The Buck - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By WestlakeG - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 6s for a month or so and still look forward to driving it with the same anticipation usually reserved for a new lover. Got it totally loaded up...all packages and plenty of options, and absolutely love the Blazing Copper Metallic skin. I believe its gonna be a long affair and shell be turning heads for quite a long time.

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  Oh So Sweet - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By RINO48 - July 31 - 8:36 am

  I have had this for a week and I absolutely love it. I have had more comments on this car than any other car I have ever owned. Even old girl friends are coming out of the woodwork.

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  An Amazing Compromise - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By GTRacer - July 31 - 1:26 am

  After 15+ years in front-wheel drive slushbox-equipped cars, I told my wife my next car would be RWD with manual transmission. She said fine, as long as it had four seats so I could continue to take the kids to school. I knew going in that the car was light on torque and thirsty for fuel. I didnt really mind because I was looking for a drivers car, not an econobox or quarter-mile dueler. The car is amazing to drive and I have yet to find its limits. I replaced the tires with BFG gForce KDWs so, with the amazing suspension I suspect the limits are high indeed. Launched properly it can go well enough but it really likes to turn and stop too. Comfort and accommodations are good too.

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  Love My 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Danny - July 30 - 5:00 pm

  Just picked up my Winning Blue 3 and I love it. I got it with The automatic tranny, Moonroof, 6 cd stereo, and the ABS-Airbag package.I paid 18,600 and thought it was a good deal. This car is loaded with standard extras that I couldnt get in other cars I looked at like the Vibe, Matrix, Corolla, and Civic. The tranny shifts sooooo smooth when it is in drive or if you use the manual shift that I have to look at the dash to see what gear Im in. Before I bought this car I did two months of research on this and the other cars I listed plus a few others and for the money, this is the car to have. Good pickup, Smooth tranny, Head-turning looks, great handling make this the car to have.

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  sweet! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By CHANCHO - July 29 - 9:06 pm

  What a fun car to drive! The engine has great acceleration from about 3500 rpms to redline. Everything feels really tight and is designed really well.

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  Crashworthy - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By nobodyspecia1 - July 29 - 3:28 pm

  Two months after my purchase and about 1000 miles, two kids ran a red light as I entered an intersection. It was night and the Cops were right behind them. The kids were going at least 40mph. My Mazda6 struck the left side of their car. The kids spun through the intersection, took out a light pole and ended up on the lawn of a lawyers office. Their car was demolished; they jumped out and ran. My Mazda6 coasted through the intersection. Neither I nor my passenger was hurt; air bags did not deploy. The front third of the Mazda6 was destroyed but the passenger compartment was untouched. I have a new Mazda6 on order. It is a great car.

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  Love the car, not the dealer - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By buff099 - July 29 - 10:57 am

  The CX9 is a great crossover. I like the V6 pick up, I like the design, Im ok with the gas mileage (could be better), but overall this is a very good SUV. Im unhappy with my dealer...and that doesnt take away from the car. Do not deal with Mazda in Lodi New Jersey out on Route 46. Salesman told me it had satellite radio...little did I know it wasnt in it, just satellite ready. So after shelling out 30K now I have to buy a radio...not kosher. They did not care one bit. So the guy lies to me and thats OK. Get yourself this SUV, just not from Mazda in Lodi.

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  not much - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By RemusRM - July 29 - 10:50 am

  I had my 09 and that was brutal for everyday car. A true sports car. Decided to upgrade to the 2010 and is way more livable. I love the car but it got toned down so much to the level of a 3 series BMW. Is quick but not as the 09. Handles better then the 09. Is quiet and really on spot steering. Way better then anything I have driven

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  Excellent vehicle for the money - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By oldbearcat - July 29 - 1:37 am

  I needed a replacement for my Honda CRV. After doing research and test driving the new CRV, RAV4, and the CX-5, I feel the Mazda is the best of the bunch. The CX-5 feels more athletic, handles better, and feels more comfortable to me. The Touring comes fairly loaded with features, and, mine has the Bose radio and sun roof package as well. Build quality seems excellent and equal to the Honda it replaced.