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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  Simply Perfect - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dr. Drift - June 26 - 5:43 am

  I had a car similar to the Miata before I actually bought one and the difference is incredible. Nothing compares to this car! Its an incredible performer, its very easy to work on in your own driveway, and its reliability is outstanding. I didnt know much about working on cars before I bought my Miata; but, soon after, Im pretty handy and do a lot of maintenance and improvements myself. This car makes you want to learn about working on cars. The aftermarket support is great and provides pretty much every type of upgrade or accessory you could think of. I dont know if Ill ever own anything except Miatas. Well, when I have kids I might get a sedan, but the Miata will stay in the garage.

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  Zoom Zooming - 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By cynduhrella - June 25 - 2:47 am

  After losing my 1991 to flood damage I researched a replacement for two years. Decided on the 2012 PRHT .. Im in heaven.. The Bose Stereo Kicks .. Dont know why they stated other wise. The car runs smoother than a babies buttocks and handles better than expected. This was a Fantastic choice for an upgrade from an NA.. When the time comes, I will go & get another NA..as I do miss the retractable headlights & the simplicity of the the first Miatas made.

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  Zoom Zoom Indeed - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Chowoldfat - June 24 - 6:00 pm

  Only a month old and I love my CX-7! Coming from my old fullsize SUV, the CX-7 is a ball to drive and it turns heads. The CRV or Subaru may be slightly better vehicles, but who wants to be boring? If youre an aftermarket pimp, the CX-7 is sure to spawn tons of bolt-on goodies. Its too early to judge MPG on my CX-7 yet, but its no Prius.

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  Mazda6 Review - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Erik - June 24 - 1:26 pm

  Pros: Fun to drive, CD player is sick, good pickup, good value, looks hot Cons: not very spacious, fuel economy is only okay

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  I love it! - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By RedViper - June 24 - 12:23 pm

  So far Im very pleased with the purchase. Im still getting used to the advanced features. I guess I simply didnt know that a car could contain this much useful technology after driving a Hyundai Santa Fe for a few years.

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  The greatest vehicle EVER - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Alotaluv - June 23 - 11:13 am

  When I went shopping for a new automobile, I was convinced that an SUV was right for me. That was until I drove a MPV. When Mazda says it has the soul of a sports car, they mean it. With better fuel economy that SUVs of comparable size, pick up better than most sedans and enough room to fit a love seat in the back, the MPV is the GREATEST automobile I have EVER had the pleasure of purchasing.

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  Great Value --rides like a Mercedes - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By sixtrix - June 22 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I havent liked about this car-- is that for some reason it feels like there are bigger blind spots than in other cars Ive driven. But other than that I love it. Its fast, tight, quiet and sturdy feeling. Standard cd stereo sounds great.. definately comperable to a jetta or Passat-- but 10,000 cheaper

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  Sweet 16 - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Kara - June 22 - 10:00 am

  For my 16th birthday my father bought me an 02 Mazda brand new. Ive had good experience with this car but some bad including water leak above driver side door, they fixed this and it came back cause they caused another leak. I had to get all the interior padding carpet replaced cause the car was soaked. Also my radio nob fell off like the 2nd week i had it when i was turning it. Other thent that i love it just not yalls dealership i get it fixed at.

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  Happy Camper - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By david barber - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought for a fun car with room for a kid and my golf bag when needed. Got exactly what I wanted so far. Fuel mileage could be a little better - not getting what was stated. But love the car overall.

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  Overly Impressed! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jgoal55 - June 22 - 1:51 am

  I am really, really impressed so far. I switched over from an Infiniti G37 S because I wanted a bit more room with a new baby in the house. It also saved about $90 per month on car payments. I definitely miss the pick up on the G37 but in terms of technology (ease of use and device compatibility) and comfort, the CX-5 blows the G37 away. Few features that I miss are memory for the driver seat positions (not available) and power passenger seat (not available). But I can definitely live without those and overall the car is excellent. It handles well, tight steering, comfortable seats, surprisingly spacious for a crossover, and great gas mileage so far.