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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  2008 Mazda CX9 GT AWD - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Damian - April 22 - 1:33 am

  I chose this vehicle over the MDX, Q7, Acadia, Enclave, and Highlander. This is my first SUV/CUV. I love it. Excellent vehicle but there is always room for improvement. The suggested improvements below would put it way above its competitors

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  Love it! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By s - April 22 - 12:43 am

  I was looking for a convertible I could afford since I live in sunny San Diego and I was getting depressed going to work and always missing the sun. So - I tried everything from the Jeep to the MINI convertible and ended up trying the Miata - and that was it! It was so nice and fun to drive and so much bigger than the 2005 model. Looks like an old British race car and I get a ton of compliments!

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  Best Decision I could have made! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By TR - April 21 - 11:56 pm

  I got this car new in 02. Candy apple red with leather! I love it, love it, love it! It has been a great car. Always get looks and compliments from young guys b/c of the sweet wheels. Have 156K miles on it and am getting a new car now but only because I am getting tired of hauling stuff for other people ---fold down the seats and this car will a twin size bed, an armchair, 20 clowns and 1 elephant. Im getting a 2 seater so no one can ask me to help them move ever again!

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  Mazda CX-9 is smooooooth - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Maria - April 21 - 9:00 pm

  I compared the CX-9 to the Murano, Venza, CRX, and Edge. CX-9 was the smoothest, quietest ride. Great handling, and lots of storage. Third row seating in a pinch, which none of the others had.

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  Not worth it - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Matt - April 21 - 3:16 am

  Traded in a Mazda3 for this new CX-7. To begin with the car does have a cool look to it and got a few stares here and there. Heres the thing, Mazda recommends Super Unleaded to get the full potential of the turbo engine. My MPG after break-in averaged 19 mpg combined city/highway easy driving, which just plain stinks. It has a major turbo lag, for instance if you punch it from a dead stop it feels like you have a 2 cylinder car, then after 2-3 seconds it suddenly accelerates. New firmware for the cars computer did help a little, though. The car was fun to drive and a pain to get in and out of due to the door sills being way high. Traded this CX-7 after 8200 miles.

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  Best purchase i have ever made - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By bankaieggo - April 20 - 1:47 pm

  I traded in my 04 Mazda 3 5-dr for this. I test drove it, drove it home. Everyone at the dealership was mad because they didnt get a chance to drive it before it got sold. lol The clutch takes a little getting used to as it catches very early. Also ride is a little harsher than my 3, but i attribute that to 18" lower profile tires and better suspension. I take turns going twice what i did in my old car. Stock tires are only summers so make sure you get a set of winter tires(+seperate wheels, it will save you money in the long run) if you live anywhere that gets anything more than a flurry. The bluetooth is great, good stereo. Torque steer is not that bad. Overall, would buy it again.

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  Love this CX-9 - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By georgebake - April 20 - 12:11 pm

  I have had my CX9 for 15 months with no problems. Love the confort, handling, small turning radius, easy acess third row seating, blue tooth radio and even the GPS now that I am used to it. I will buy another CX9 next year. My wife love is and I cant believe how much I use the car for moving stuff and lots of people.

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  Some Car Award Givers missed it entirely - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda3s wins - April 20 - 10:50 am

  Before buying this vehicle, researched cars for 4 months. There werent any true sports sedans I could afford. This is one. In two years, the car has been on numerous long trips with some around town driving. Performance is extraordinary and comfort way above average for this price class. My only complaint is some road noise; however this was cured with Ziebart sound deadener and some more carpet in the trunk. After two years of "test drive", it wins on all accounts. It looks like Mazda has fixed some of my suggestions for 06.

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  Great Car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Yoscience32 - April 20 - 8:36 am

  This is a great vehicle. I got the s grand touring manual; it picks up very rapidly, although the shifter seems rubbery. In addition, the interior is flawless, as well as the exterior. The materials used inside are of good quality and the seats are comfortable. I have only had the car for three weeks, so I cannot speak of reliability. Fuel economy is not great. The leather is nice as well as the Bose stereo. The rims are great looking. I got the black exterior with black interior. I have received many thumbs up from strangers. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a fun and safe economy car.

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  Wish I wouldve bought one sooner! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By OC Brian - April 19 - 12:30 am

  Much cheaper than a therapist...Excellent value in an automobile. Surprisingly comfortable; went for 3 hour ride and didnt feel "beat up" as expected. 6 speed manual gearbox easy to shift but ratios could be spaced a little farther apart. Build quality superb: No squeaks and rattles; much quieter than the Corvette I used to own. I prefer the Miata to the Corvette hands down; much better value for the dollar. Biggest complaint: Had to purchase a used donut spare tire as car originally fitted with run-flat tires that have subsequently been replaced with "regular" tires. Overall an excellent value and the top raises and lowers in seconds.