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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  Excellent 7 seat SUV - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By gman_mi - August 8 - 10:01 am

  After a lot of research we decided to get the 2014 CX-9 Touring AWD with the Tech Package to replace our aging minivan. Some of the other vehicles we test drove were the Dodge Durango and Honda Pilot. The CX-9 had the best combination of interior space, looks, features, car-like driving experience and value for money. After a month of driving around we have been really satisfied with the vehicle. The vehicle is easy to drive and park which is unusual considering its large size. The Touring w/tech package offers a lot of near luxury features(Navigation, Moonroof, heated seats, leather, Bose speaker) but still keeps the sticker price reasonable for a large SUV.

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  Awesome, Fun and Cool - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By EmZeeZee - August 7 - 2:40 am

  I test drove a lot of vehicles, both sedans and SUVs, before I got behind the wheel of the CX-7. Once I drove this, I forgot all about the Rogue, Outlander, CRV and Rav4. I also discovered why they say "Zoom Zoom." I drove a Honda Civic for 10 years, so this was a big upgrade in evey way. The only thing I miss about the Civic is the gas mileage (I am averaging 21- 22 MPG in the CX-7). I went for the Sport FWD model as I did not need AWD, leather or navigation. The bad thing about the Sport model is the crappy stock stereo. I will be upgrading the speakers!

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  I Love This Car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By TheBrickYard - August 6 - 6:56 pm

  I love this car. Especially w/ the manual transmission. I got heated leather seats, 6 disc in-dash Bose stereo, sun/moonroof that is sweet. Ive got a 2.5 yr old, and a baby on the way. So I get the excellent sportiness, plus 4 doors, and a nice size trunk. The only poor thing about this car is the Goodyear Eagle RS-As that came on it. I wont complain about the size, but Ill never buy those tires again! Im at 25,000 miles right now and the tires are almost bald. I drive fast, but not THAT fast! And the worst all-season traction EVER! Other than that, I love my car, and its as much fun to ride in as to drive.

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  Great Job Mazda... - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda_Owner06 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I do have to admit that this car, exceeded my expectations. I came from a 2003 Honda Accord and the Accord does not compare to this Mazda. The driving, handling, styling and fun factor for this car has been done well by Mazda. Ive got 11,000 miles on this car, so I felt that now would be a decent time to put down a review. Among other compacts I would go with this vehicle. It also the best pick vehicle in its category. This rating is for a S-Grand Touring with Navigation model. Im also getting 25-28 MPG, which is better than expected. Plus the paint does not chip like Honda and unlike Honda, I have had no squeaks or rattles. The interiors fit/finish is well done.

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  2005 6Wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gary - August 6 - 6:36 am

  So far my Mazda6 Wagon has been a blast to drive. The sportshift auto keeps it interesting. Its been on three long trips (3 dogs-in back, bikes on roof, luggage on rear seats). Despite the seeming clutter of all that, it was surprisingly comfortable. Plenty of leg and headroom. On another trip, I had four bikes on the roof, all the gear in the back and 3 passengers beside myself. There was still plenty of room. The car is built solid...no rattles. The engine has plenty of power and is smooth (with the traction control turned off). The only problem, and its small, is the ticking noise (not the cams) just behind the passenger-side firewall. Its a solenoid that Mazda wont repair.

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  Mazda CX-9 GT AWD 2009 is Incredible - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By The Hawk - August 6 - 3:46 am

  We have owned a Lexus LX470 and Toyota Products for years and were quite impressed with quality and character of new Mazdas. Mazda has made the CX-9 both comfortable and fun to drive. The only flaw I see is the lack of AWD all the time and using a sport tire (ie will last at most 30k miles if lucky) vs a more all weather tire with a longer life.

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  great mileage, cramped and impractical cabin - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By clee15 - August 5 - 9:47 pm

  I drove a Protege5 for 10 years and I loved that car. I fully expected to love my new 2012 Mazda 3 but have been disappointed--no love yet. Yes, it gets awesome gas mileage -- but it is not nearly as spirited or fun to drive as the Protege5. Hugs the road well, but quite sluggish acceleration. If you have the 6 spd manual, plan to do a LOT of shifting very quickly. Disappointing driving experience compared to Protege5. Interior cabin is cramped due to enormous dash and console, and ceiling in rear is much lower than Protege so if you have a dog in the back, it better be a short one.

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  Regarding engine noise - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By skyinactiv - August 3 - 7:27 pm

  Had the car for about two months now. I reviewed all the comments here about engine noise. My family drives the car most of the time and they dont pay careful attention to weird sounds. The only comment I have now is the louder engine noise after cold start in the morning which gets better after about 1 minute. I sent an e-mail to Mazda about it but no response. My dealers response was " bring the car in we will check it out" . The problem is when I take it to the dealer it will not be cold start situation anymore. I will have to take the car out for a drive more often to listen to engine noise during normal use which others are claiming. Other than that everything seems to be okay so far.

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  Oh ya, Im hooked! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Paul - August 3 - 4:06 pm

  It has rained ever since I picked up the car. So far (227 miles), regardless of the condition of the road, the car has been responsive, sure-footed and extremely predictable. No leaks. FUN! It is comfortable. My back doesnt hurt after 70 miles of bumps and dips and I dont feel cramped with the top up. Top is extremely easy to put up and down while sitting in the drivers seat. There is a large blind spot with the top up however. The quality of the interior appears very good. No flaws in the finish. Shifter is short and precise. I have a grin permanently plastered on my face. :-).

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jeremy - August 2 - 1:06 pm

  I purchased the car in Mar. 09 with 30K on it, and wow, it drives like the day I bought it. Im getting around 29- 32 with about 80% city driving. I have not had ONE problem with this vehicle. It is a bit sluggish off the start but once you are in second gear its got a good pep. Im 511 and I am totally comfortable in the seats. If you are thinking of buying this car dont hesitate to do so. Its rock solid. Mazda has just gotten a customer for life!