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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  The affordable practical sports car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By DavidS - August 25 - 11:43 pm

  Handling compares favorably with the RX-7 I used to have. Heater is incredibly fast. Get leather with heated seats and you will never touch cloth again. Makes my 80 mile daily commute very pleasant. Some say its small, but I prefer a tighter, sportscar-like cabin. Most Americans like to sit in a cave when they drive, I guess.

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  great little cuv cx5 - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By tdhun7 - August 23 - 2:59 pm

  I bought my mazda cx5 2014 GT/Tech package a month ago and im loving it, Fun to drive, performance wise, more than enough power to handle any terrain,and it handles absolutely great...only issue that i have is road noise and cup holder is awkward...but they were just minor issues...

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  Very happy. Exceeding MPG estimates. - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rick in NC - August 22 - 10:50 pm

  So glad after 5 months I chose this car. I got the i touring 2.5L auto, with the convenience package. The only thing that made me hesitant was the gas mileage. I am consistently averaging 28 mpg per tank. I dont do any stop and go driving, but not much highway either. I got over 32 mpg on one long trip. Mileage suffers about 10- 15% if you go over 70 mpg. All the other positives the editors discuss hold true. Roomy, comfortable, GREAT handling. Blindspot monitoring option is very helpful. No regrets what so ever. I was looking at the Altima, Altima Hybrid, Camry and Accord and am glad I chose the Mazda6!

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  High Quality on a Budget - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By MTWnSTL - August 21 - 9:03 pm

  I just traded in my 2000 Eclipse GT V6 (loaded) for a brand new 2008 Mazda 3 Grand Touring (even more fully loaded). The dealership checked every box, including navigation, sunroof, and the Bose multi-changer cd. The fit and finish in this car is hard to beat in the class and price range. Everything about this car is high quality. So far, in my first 500 miles, I havent found anything to dislike. I was worried about "trading down" from a sports car, but I think Ive really come out on the winning end with performance, economy, and an upscale interior with all of the amenities one could want.

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  Great Car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By aiseop - August 21 - 8:05 am

  I bought it new and had to let it go when my son was born. Owned it for 56K miles. Never had any problems with it. I commuted from NJ to CT every three days and the car was very comfortable, excelled well on I-95 and the Merrit Pkwy, and had great fuel economy. No complaints. Would have kept it forever, however, the rear seats, once my son moved beyond the infant car-seat stage, became too small. Great for a couple or if you have older children in front-facing booster seats. Miss the car!

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  Undervalued and Awesome - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By 2010mazda3 - August 21 - 6:00 am

  I purchased my Mazda 3 two months ago over the Honda Civic. The gas mileage is a little lower but the power difference is amazing. The car feels like it should be valued at about $10000 more than the sticker. So far I love it.

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  GREAT car with a hidden bug - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By pcat007 - August 20 - 5:46 am

  Ive owned the 5 for more than 3 years, and the whole family (2 adults+2 young kids) loves it. I was looking for something spacious, minivan or larger wagon, with manual transmission. My previous car was a VW Eurovan with manual transmission, but the manual transmission is gone for current models. When I heard about the 5, it was an easy decision. I like everything about the car, except that if I dont drive it for a week, the battery is empty. The Mazda dealer couldnt find the bug, but replaced the battery a few times at no cost. Also, I expected better mileage and the AC is not great for people in the 3rd row. Other than that, fun to drive, lots of space, and inexpensive to maintain.

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  Why arent more cars built like this? - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By OwnDaRoad - August 20 - 1:16 am

  I have had my Miata for 21,000 miles without a major problem, other than routine maintenance. I have been asking other car companies to put this formula together, but only Mazda wants to do it. Even if you already have a truck/van/SUV that you are happy with, I would strongly recommend this car. The fuel and maintenance savings alone of using this for regular trips would almost pay for one of the most dependable machines Ive ever owned.

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  Happy Driver - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By D Trumps - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I originally bought this car for my wife but due to my long commute, i started driving it a year ago. I look forward to my drive. The car is comfortable and handles well. I have gotten as much as 33 mpg and find this incredible for a midsized which is as good as a compact but with more room and style. 67,000 miles on the car and only a few minor complaints. I replaced the Michelins with 45,000 miles on it and have yet to replace the battery. My first and last 12 miles each day are down and up a mountain pass and really show off this sedans strong suit. Keep it in the sweet spot and smile. I am disappointed that the current 6 is not sport oriented.

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  First Mazda - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By BruceG - August 19 - 10:00 am

  The first Mazda owned in this family. The main purpose of the purchase is for gas mileage. Been averaging 32 miles to the gallon to date w/ 2.0 in mostly open driving. Compared to the SUV we traded, I hardly think about gas stations. The mileage range is about the same on half the amount of fuel. The car is responsive and has been a pleasure with 4,000 miles in a few short months. Im 6 3 and have had no issues finding a comfortable driving position nor issues with the comfort of vehicle. The transmission makes the car feel peppy and fun to drive. Trunk space is good for a car this size. So far only one small issue, a loose rear stabilizer bar at 3000, fixed quickly and without hassle.