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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  Kudos to Mazda - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mike - January 12 - 12:43 pm

  The first word that comes to mind is fun!! I mean most SUV are fun to drive off road but rarely can you find 1 that handles so sporty on pavement.

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  Smokin Value Edition - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By litchik28 - January 11 - 8:36 pm

  Have it in Copper Red Mica - absolutely stunning, with responsive steering, acceleration and braking to match. Value edition has ABS, leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lights, wheel locks, satellite radio capability and auxiliary jack for an iPod. I also chose the 6-CD changer/moonroof package, cargo net and all-season mats. This car is funkier and hotter than the Civic and is much more fun to drive.

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  What a wise decision. - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By elcesarmaneja - January 11 - 11:05 am

  This is a car with the best of both world from the SUV and the Mini van. All compacted on a sporty car. The suspension is rigid enough to give extraordinary maneuverability without sacrificing comfort. The traction control make it very dependable, even taking off on a wet pavement on a tight turn (I tested that many times in Florida rains) The car has an incredible throttle that pair with many smaller fast cars. I am in my late 30s but every once in a while I enjoy a quick star form a stop point. I carried today my girls bike, my boys trike and stroller and a couple of dinning chairs an I still had room in the back.

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  Great Car - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By petera - January 10 - 10:16 pm

  We bought this car to replace a Honda Accord which we were sorry to see go but needed AWD. To cut a long story short we tried a number of cars we tried a number of smaller crossovers including a CX-7, and then my wife sat in a CX-9 they had on the lot. 1 hour later we owned it. It was just head and shoulders over anything else we had looked at in terms of quality, performance and out and out coolness. Interior is stunning, well thought out and comfortable. Leg room is generous as is room for cargo. Car is easy to drive and feels a lot smaller than it really is. While it wont break any records on the 1/4 mile it is plenty powerful enough for most situations.

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  Similar to 626 touring sedan i4 turbo - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By smokerz - January 10 - 9:26 pm

  I dont get physically beat up on trips. Handles like a sports car. The ride is a little firm but seats are comfortable. Took a trip from Detroit to Clarion, Pa with air on and cruise set at 72 mph. City mpg 19.9 and Hwy 23.9 a pleasant surprise. The ipod inte kit works fine although most people will not like its featureless design to opearate. I just make my playlists and listen to the music. No text is visible.

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  Love my Mazda Tribute Hybrid - 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
  By al - January 10 - 11:13 am

  We purchased our mazda when gas was still under 4.00 a gallon. Love the mileage, 36 mpg. Fun car to drive. Overall very satisfied.

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  RX-8 - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By cody87hoke - January 9 - 7:30 pm

  I love my car, I just got it 4 weeks ago after I got out of airborne, and its awesome. The interior is really sport, the Bose sound system is awesome in it, its pretty quick for such a small motor, for the money you cant beat it.

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  2014 Mazda CX-5 Touring - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By cbrianflynn - January 9 - 5:13 pm

  After test driving all of the competitors (Ford, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Subaru, Hyundai), I settled on a 2014 CX-5 Touring to replace a 2001 VW Jetta Wagon. I was tempted by the Sport model, but the larger engine in the Touring and GT is much peppier for passing. Ive had the vehicle now for about 3 months and do not regret my decision. The performance is more than adequate, handling is pretty good and gas mileage has been better than my VW and more than acceptable. I drive long distances a couple of times a week and have enjoyed the cruise control. Overall, its a solid and fun care to drive, with plenty of room for hauling kids, gear, etc. Perfect for a small family.

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  An affordable car with personality! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jad0110 - January 9 - 1:06 pm

  This car was bought new in July 03 and I have only put 37k on it. The biggest problem I have with it is that it handles so well, and is so confidence inspiring that you will burn through a set of tires in no time! Though the Mazda3 is bigger, more powerful, better handling, and more refined, the newer 3 seems to have lost some of the MP5s spunky character. This is a car that begs to be thrown into corners - one of the more engaging drives this side of a BMW 3 series. I am 67" and my wife is 5; we can both get comfortable in this car - this one doesnt have a sunroof, which cuts in on headroom a bit.

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  Dig this car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By olevet - January 9 - 10:00 am

  It took me more than a year of research and days of test driving competitors to come to the conclusion my new 2003 Mazda Protege5 was the best choice among the econo vehicles -- great handling, rock solid construction (still made in Japan), features galore and just a heck of a lot of fun to drive. Doing my new car shop via the Internet (feature story on Edwards web site), got my new Vivid Yellow rotege5 “out the door” with a standards along with roof rack, bumper guard, ABS/side airbags, tinted windows and wheel locks for $15,000 and some change. A no hassle negotiation ending with a great deal and a lot of car for few bucks!