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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  Great with a big exception - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By mtzjack - December 18 - 8:59 pm

  I ought a 2015 CX-5 Grand Touring AWD with the technology package. Its been a great comfortable car, but the tech package is worthless and there are lots of issues with it. Google "Mazda CX-5petition" for details. The TomTom GPS would have been great about 6-7 years ago. Including it on a 2015 vehicle should be an embarrassment to both TomTom and Mazda. The system doesnt sync properly with iTunes, always playing the first song when starting. Bluetooth has issues.

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  Dont overlook Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zak - December 18 - 9:03 am

  Grip, a fist full. Punch this car in the mouth and it takes it. I drive hard. It takes it as well as any honda or toyota. Yes I did have a cracked pre-cat to fix at 4000 miles but nothing is perfect. these things happen. The warranty took care of it. When you get a new car, drive her hard. Get the kinks out. Im extremely pleased. 9000 miles so far.

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  Review - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bri - December 18 - 12:23 am

  2009 iTouring w/Bose/moonroof, and Conv Package. I have had the car so far for a few months. So far I really like it. No major problems at all.

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  Mazda 6 - So Nice we got it Twice!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Paul C. from Seattle - December 17 - 3:40 pm

  Wife was happy with her 2007 silver glacier M6 i 5 Dr Touring HB so shortly after got a 2007 redfire metallic M6 s SVE sedan for myself. The sedans V6 is very smooth, drives and handles great. The M6 hugs the road very well and is fun to drive and quiet, overall its a poor mans sports sedan. Best car owned with regards to driving experience. To improve my M6 sedans looks, found on the internet and added a factory like pre-painted rear wing spoiler for 1/3 the cost of what Mazda charges. Looking to add fog lights.

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  Best AWD Crossover - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By greenmtneer - December 17 - 1:30 pm

  After extensive research and test driving, we selected the CX-9. Based upon reviews, and experience with friends cars, we narrowed it down to the Highlander and the CX-9. Previously we had a Ford Explorer, and opted to not consider Ford due to the problems we had with that vehicle. GM and Honda were eliminated due to the price point (Toyota and Mazda clearly offer more value.) In the end, the Mazda won out due to its handling, and its interior space. We test drove the CX-9 and Highlander back to back, and the difference in handling curves was remarkable. We also checked out the Audi Q7. We felt that the Mazda compared favorably to the Audi in all aspects, and is priced $20k less.

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  Almost 30,000 and still smiling - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By eldermp - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. It is among the most stylish cars on the road and has a zoom-zoom identity that is well deserved. I chose the white. This car is the perfect balance of practicality with enough spirit and energy to let me know that I am not deprived of anything, yet the price is right!

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  i love my mazda pr5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By EDLUST - December 15 - 10:00 am

  THE MOST PRACTICAL,ECONOMICAL CAR I HAVE OWNED. VERY USEFUL INTERIOR SPACE, ADEQUATE ACCELLERATION AND COMFORT BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. PLEASENT TO LOOK AT AND A PLEASURE TO DRIVE. A BIG IMPROVEMENT OVER MY PAST TOYOTA COROLLA THAT WAS A FINE DEPENDABLE CAR ALSO. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION VERY QUIET AND SMOOTH

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  Great Car, Great Price - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Luv my Protege - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I didnt know much about Mazdas until i test drove the Protege. My wife and I loved the car! It felt solid on the road, and the brakes were very smooth. The engine needs a little more snap, but the gas mileage is great. I would certainly suggest one of these cars to a friend.

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  Really pleased with the Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By linds263 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I really like the new Tribute, it is roomy and comfortable, it has a little wind noise but other than that it is wonderful

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  Just as much fun to drive as my Harley - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Harley Dude - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Found this little dream by chance and i have to say next to my Harley Davidson this is the best purchase i have ever made for transpertaion. You will never be sorry that you purschased this little Hot Rod. I am 56 years young and have a lot of trucks and this one handles like a Mazda RX8 in some ways. Love it and would buy a new again