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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  Its still a great car. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Kiwi - March 2 - 6:46 am

  I bought the V6 when it first came out. I loved the styling of the car, especially compared to the Camry & Accord. It handles much better than those two as well, tighter, stiffer. I think its looks are holding up very well. Yes, there were a few teething problems with it. Squeaking/knocking noise when turning slowly at full lock(lower control arm issues). Rattle that comes & goes from the headliner. The very annoying shifting issues from 1st-2nd, 2nd-3rd(this was a defective throttle body problem that cost me $600 last year).

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  Very Impressed...! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By triton189 - March 1 - 1:10 pm

  I just purchased this vehicle and I am very impressed. I am in sales so I have a had a lot cars over my 20 plus years. I also sell parts to the auto mfgs so I know a little bit about build quality, etc. The build quality on this car is very good. But what really shines besides the exterior design of the car is the engine. I have taken two trips with the car and one I got 40.5 MPG the other 37.5. Both trips I had the air on and speed was approx 70. Although, the 37.5 trip I was going a little faster. The car also does not feel like a mid size sedan and it feels like a small sports car when driving. So far the only thing I dont care for are the seats as they seem very hard.

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  Very happy so far - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By riproy - March 1 - 6:33 am

  The GT 5-speed is a great vehicle - very flexible interior, comfortable, sporty, and very stylish. It handles very well, parks easily due to a short turning radius, and it has plenty of speed for the economy vehicle that it is. Love the little extras like rain-sensing wipers, the jackknife key, and the fold out tray in the second row. Quiet motor. Lots of headroom though i am quite tall. Love this car!

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  Just a fun car to drive! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Rick - March 1 - 2:06 am

  I have had the car for over a year now and it is just as much fun to drive today and the very first time I stepped into the vehicle. It handles great and rides very nice for a small car. You can hold a conversation with your co-pilot even at 80 mph!

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  Fun to drive, but not enough power - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By NRutkowski - February 29 - 6:00 pm

  The car handles well and is fun to drive around corners. The problem is the lack of real power. Be prepared to downshift several gears to get any usable power. Gas mileage is another big concern. I am getting an average of 18-20 MPG, and I drive mostly on the highway. Everything inside the car in positioned well and within reach (though the digital speedo does take some getting used to). Overall, it is a great car with the lack of passing power and fuel consumption being the only real concerns.

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  It Truly is Zoom-Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bradfield1379 - February 29 - 1:46 pm

  After coming out of a Ford Explorer and into a sports car, I was amazed at the agility and response of the 6. I also have had the privilege of driving a 2004 Ford Mustang over the past year and actually enjoy the Mazda6 even more. The handling is superb, gripping the road even during hard cornering, and it will get up and go when you need to pass. The 160 hp in-line 4 feels more powerful than it sounds and doesnt disappoint. Zoom-Zoom is an appropriate slogan for this well rounded machine.

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  Bad idea just saying - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Amber - February 29 - 3:52 am

  I bought one that has 80,000 sounds great right. Nope 6 months after having it turbo charger went out. Cost a pretty penny. Then because i drove on it to far the whole engine needed replaced. After 3 months in the shop i finally got my car back. Now when i drive the wheel alignment? sounds annoying. And makes werid jurk pulls while accelerating. I love this car but the problems that it comes with is disappointing. Wish you any luck with this car.

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  Unmatched In Its Class! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Diehard080 - February 28 - 8:20 am

  I traded my 2008 Mazda3 GT for this 2010 Mazda3 GT and the improvements are obvious and immediately noticeable. Better transmission, Handling, Build, road noise/manners, just everything. Initially hardcore Mazda3 people like me almost hated this car just based on LOOKS ONLY. That passed and now its beautiful as I realize its as close to a perfectly built car as exists in ANY class for ANY price. The competition is laughable in specs and build and heres 1 reason why- Totoya Corlla-built- Canada/Indiana/USA,Honda Civic-built- Indiana/USA, Nissan Sentra-built- Mexico?, Thats one BIG reason but this car belongs in comparison to Lexus Is250, BMW3, MBZ-C, Its even better than those for the money.

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  New MX-5 Miata 2016, great car inside out. - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sid J - February 27 - 9:10 pm

  It has been a day after I purchased 2016 MX-5 Sports manual. Driving had never been this much fun. Engine note, gear shift, acceleration , breaking, interior space is great. I am 62 and I still have 2 inches above my head with roof down. I like small storage spaces here and there. Interior craftsmanship is extraordinary. As a driver, it requires extra efforts to restrain yourself from having too much fun, unless you dont mind the cost of frequent tire and break change.

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  Fun to Drive, Excellent Value - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Vicki - February 27 - 7:53 pm

  This a fun car to drive, easy to park. I like to be able to haul "stuff" and people. It works well with my teenager on trips, also easy for my mom to get in and out of. I am a fan of the captian seats and negotiated leather seats in my deal for ease of maintenance. Have taken 2 road trips, the seats could be a little more cushy driving for 12+hours and do not leave the AC in the rotating interior air position or the AC will "freeze up" and not work. You have to then let it "unfreeze." If I had read the owners manual more closely, it is in there. I cant see spending 25-30K on a vehicle, though not perfect, I think this is a great deal. I hope it lasts for many years to come.