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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  Most Driving Fun. Period. - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By r09 - January 13 - 11:06 am

  This car is in a league of its own. The steering wheel responds to the slightest of inputs. Its agility is amazing. Its cornering ability is amazing. Its lane change ability is amazing. Its value is amazing. It is the most nimble car I have driven, and it is the most fun-to-drive car I have ever driven - and I am a car collector.

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  Fun car to drive - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By vwgolf_1999 - January 13 - 6:20 am

  Bought a 2013 Mazda 3 iTouring Hatchback after the 2014s were released, so got a good deal on the car. I really like the way this car drives - it handles so nicely. The iTouring (which is the base hatchback model) has good features - automatic dual-zone climate control and advanced keyless entry (which Ive gotten to really like). Road noise is higher than Id ideally like, but similar to other cars in the class. Gas mileage (after ~600 miles, so still running in) has averaged ~32mpg (mostly city and hilly driving). Overall - Im very happy with this car.

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  95 Miata M - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By k - January 10 - 1:50 pm

  Love this car! Bought it in 98 with 32K miles and have put another 50K on it myself. I have not had a single problem with this car, save an airbag recall last year. The only other maintanece has been new brakes and tires at 70K (should have had new tires earlier), a new battery last week (82K), and oil changes. It is a blast to drive - corners like nobodys business. The looks are great-timeless and classy. I drive it hard and still get 28 mpg.

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  Worth my Money - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joe - January 10 - 1:33 am

  I enjoy driving this car. I commute 80 miles a day in it, and it definitely feels sporty. I replaced a Celica with this car, and I dont feel like I drive a mommy mobile. This car is not for the people who want cushy ride. I actually enjoy having a car with quirks. EXCEPT the weird clutch feel; thats annoying in stop-and-go. This is the car that Saab used to make, and its a well rounded vehicle. Im not crazy about the Bose stereo or the middling fuel economy. The tires are a very weird size which make replacement fairly expensive. I enjoy the rather peaky nature of the V6, it keeps me alert and focused. I cant be a lazy driver

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  Good van with a very good price - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By kenh - January 6 - 10:00 am

  The MPV is smaller than I expected. I had a small wheelbase 95 Voyager, and this seems like it has less room. From my point of view is built more for Asian and European roads than American. I personally like the smaller size and firmer ride. If youÂ’re expecting a roomy, cushy American highway cruiser, this is not it. Handles well, acceptable acceleration, and relatively quiet. So far, no reliability problems of any kind.

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  The good, bad, and ugly, i.e. the truth after ~20k - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By takumi1 - January 5 - 8:00 pm

  Finally, an honest review of the good and the bad. Not sure why people leave such biased reviews - all cars have faults. Id buy the same car again, but lets look at a few things to keep in mind when you test drive. First the good. A beautiful car from any angle - the best in the segment.Terrific gas mileage. Great handling. Comfortable, with a very nice interior if youre not into lots of clutter. Fun to drive. Roomy. Good price. Now some hard truths. Mediocre acceleration from stop. Poor rear visibility. Poor infotainment system, badly positioned, with a laggy voice response system. Massive wind noise. USB difficult to get to Tiny cheap useless sun visors.

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  Mazda CX9: The Perfect Family Hauler - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By newmazdafan - January 4 - 5:46 pm

  I love this vehicle! Its sporty, roomy and handles incredibly well on slick streets. I drove it on a rain- soaked highway at 70 MPH, and the CX9 was completely sure footed. My previous cars have been a Ford Mustang, a Suburu Impreza, an Infiniti G35, and a Honda mini-van...and the CX- 9 combines all the best attributes from those cars. It is really, really fun to drive...is a very high quality build...and all the kids and their stuff fit inside. The only downside is the poor gas mileage. I do a combination of highway and surface street driving, and Im only getting 15 MPG.

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  A fun car if you know how to drive it. - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By tw_direwolf - January 4 - 4:34 am

  Ive had my 2005 RX8 Grand Touring for just over a year. The worst ive had to do put it in the shop for was because someone (previous owner) bypassed a fuse and shorted a brake light out. Have already been informed of some problems i currently have and know how to fix them. Even with the known problems the car still runs great, gets decent fuel economy ,16-21 mpg, and is extremely fun to drive. I wouldnt trade it for anything. Do plan on doing an RX7 FD Twin Turbo engine swap to it when i get to around 110k miles and rebuild its stock engine (miatas are fun with rotary engines too.)

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  Awesome Fun Car! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By chris - January 3 - 1:36 pm

  This is an awesome fun sports car for the enthusiast or the first timer like my girl friend who learned to drive this sporty short-throw 6 speed in about 1/2 an hour. The heated leather seats in the GT model are unbelievable! Top down, windows up, heater on and a sunny day is ALL you need for Fun Fun Fun or should I say Zoom Zoom Zoom. I can now see why this is the worlds most popular selling sports car convertible!

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  Not too many issues... - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By rmcclimond - December 31 - 3:58 pm

  I bought my car in 2007, with 6 mile on the odometer. Had only a couple of issues until now. My husband was driving the car, had to break hard, then as accelerating, between 3rd and 4th, heard a loud boom, pulled over to check. Didnt see anything, now the vehicle wont engage when put into reverse. Guess well hit the mechanic on Monday.