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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  Overall good choice - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By badlands17 - November 23 - 5:33 pm

  Traded in a 11 Ford Escape Limited AWD for the 14 Mazda CX-5 GT in Sep, 2013 so this is after 4 mo of use. Overall, a good vehicle. Pickup is good, comparable to the V6in the Escape. Mileage is better, though not as good as some on here indicate. In town averaging 23-24 mpg. However, in winter cold, mileage has dropped to 20-21 mpg. Use of remote start in bitter cold for 10 minutes, mileage drops to 18-19. Sound system is good, but not as good as the system in the 11 Escape. Some on here have complained about the Bluetooth connection. I have been using Pandora and the system works fine. Unlike satellite radio (ie Sirius), Pandora is coming through your cellphone first, then to the onboard

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  Good for the Money - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sarah - November 23 - 3:50 am

  My 2007 Mazda 3 (manual transmission) is a fun and peppy little car. I have had several problems with this car, though. First, this car is horrible in the snow, and in the rain, too. I have feared for my life many times in this car. Second, although the Bose stereo system sounds great, the CD player has never worked properly. When I brought it to the attention of the dealership while the car was still under warranty, they said they couldnt see any problems with it. Now, the CD player does not work at all and they wont fix it. Also, the stereo buttons randomly fell off. Finally, Ive had sporadic problems with the car not starting on the first try if it has been sitting in the rain.

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  My First Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By bullrunlover - November 20 - 11:35 pm

  As this being my first vehicle, it was a good choice, especially with TCS (Traction Control System), Ive had it for almost a whole year and mine has 68,500 miles. The only problem Ive had with it was the A/C, which doesnt blow very well, and a terrible creaking noise coming from the engine area when I rev it or turn on the A/C. The brakes are amazing, they have to go through pretty bad situations in my area due to bad drivers. The build quality of the interior is pretty bad, the fuse door and some of the unnecessary bits and pieces have came off and Ive had to put them back on while driving, which can be dangerous. But overall, this car has been one that Id keep until its inherited.

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  A Great Five Months - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Hippyhart - November 20 - 8:06 am

  I bought this car in September 2004, and after five months, I still smile when I see it. As my first new car, I was pleased with the price, options, and Mazdas warranty. Other reviews Ive read mention tight seating in the back, but Ive yet to hear a complaint. Coming from a hatchback, one of my top priorities was ample trunk space -- the Mazda 6 trunk is huge! The exterior styling is beautiful -- I think its the best looking car in its class.

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  Fun to drive (with lots of repairs) - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By gam4 - November 18 - 4:26 pm

  Everything that I have read that can go wrong with this particular model, has gone wrong with mine. EGR valve, intake manifold gaskets tie-rods, cad. converter, door ashtray falls out, doors stick, etc...Just put a grand into it at 153K. It runs great now, and I do still love to drive it, but with gas prices going up, and the 15MPG it actually gets, I am looking for something more economical!

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  Fantastic Performance, but... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Stuart - November 16 - 8:50 am

  ...only fun for short hops. Im 65", and I found out within a few days that the hard plastic of the center console really irritates my lower right leg on trips longer than an hour. The test drive didnt reveal that because I was having to much fun zoom-zooming, which the car does very nicely. Acceleration, handling, braking are all top-notch, and the 6-speed AT is like butter, except when you kick it down around 30 MPH -- downshifts too abruptly. Interior build quality is kind of low-brow, with cheap plastic in abundance, and the cloth seating is already showing wear after only five months. Would not buy again, now that Ive lived with it, mainly because of driving position.

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  Better than the competition - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By JimB - November 16 - 6:23 am

  Being an engineer, did all the research, looking for the most value and fun without going the the price of the European performance compacts. Ive had the car now for a year and a half and, surprisingly, age has made my M3 a better car. Starting off the car can have harsh ride qualities. With age, the ride has mellowed (w/o losing the fun) and the engine performance is still zippy.

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  Better than Honda - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By kalkoala - November 15 - 7:46 am

  I had owned one of the first 2006 redesigned Honda Civic Coupes - a car I instantly fell in love with. But I soon fell out of love with my Civic EX and decided to trade the car in. I have to say I didnt have the same passion when I first got my Mazda 3 but nearly a year later I am sold on Mazda. The Mazda has great handling and suspension. And for the price the build quality is an incredible value - Mazda has to be losing money on this. The power is definitely better than the Honda or Toyota. I do think the design is kind of boring. Oh the 2.0 should come standard with more than 4 gears

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  Will I buy it again? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By greendoctor - November 14 - 8:33 pm

  It was the most beautiful in its class when it came out. In fact its one of the most beautiful still. But will I buy it again? Ive been trading-in my cars every 3 years just before the warranty expires, since 1991. I have never bought a domestic {for obvious reasons} nor have I bought the same model of the same manufacture, twice. In other wards, no one has impressed me that much to get me to return. The Mazda 3sport, is no exception. For my taste; It is underpowered. I need at least a 100hp for every liter. I also do not need an engine bigger than 1.8L. The customer service {just like all of the previous manufacturers, at least 6 anyway}, is indifferent, at best.

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  pretty good so far - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By abqrich - November 14 - 4:22 am

  Driving this car is a pleasure. Great engine and transmission. Had it for one year with no problems. 38mpg on 5k road trip. Not good on bad roads. Noisy at highway speeds. Dorky console.