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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  Lovin my new ride! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jen - May 11 - 11:46 pm

  I just love this car! It is a super sweet ride to have with two small kids. I have to agree with the editorial review on all points, there are tiny drawbacks, but this car still rocks.

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  A good reliable van! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Doug - May 7 - 4:23 am

  Bought this van used in 2004 with 34k miles. Has been a great van. Two problems worth mentioning: The transmission has a rough shift from time to time. And I had some engine work done 2 years ago. Now I have 116k on it and no other complaints. Thinking of selling it due to my plan to take a long road trip this summer. Not sure. I would highly recommend this van. Handles like a car-better then any others I have driven. Has held its value rather well.

• 

  Cruisin Hawaiian style - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By HawaiiRX8 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive. Sprots package with auto trans. Lots of positive comments reagarding styling. Unusual layout of interior gauges and switches, but workable. Car is rock steady at speed and highly maneuverable and responsive. Air contioner is a bit anemic and could be colder as well as quieter. Ride is firm and reassuring, but not uncomfortable. Gas mileage is fair(18mpg), but could be better.

• 

  Excellent Crossover - terrible Nav - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By PO - May 3 - 8:53 pm

  Got the CX-9 10 months ago and we are very happy with the car. Performance is great with more than enough power and fantastic handling for a vehicle this size. Incredibly smooth, sporty ride. It drives like a performance sedan. 20" wheels provide an athletic look in a relatively unique vehicle. Build Quality and fit/finish are solid. Interior styling is tasteful, and traditionally modern. AWD worked great in the 2 blizzards in DC this winter. Seats are comfortable on short trips and long hauls. I guess mileage is not great, but not a lot worse than the minivan it replaced - you have to pay for the driving performance somewhere. Its a great CUV. Kids like it too.

• 

  Awesome car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By me - April 30 - 1:16 pm

  This is just a terrific car. Reliability has been very good except for shocks and battery been replaced at 24k (Puerto Rico roads are awful), otherwise excellent. Power is impressive for a 4 cyl engine, and ride comfort is acceptable despite having 17s on 50 series tires. Handling is awesome, it just sticks like glue. In the end, the best compact you can buy today

• 

  Love to drive it but its junk - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By binkey - April 30 - 9:50 am

  I have had the transmission replaxed after 30,000 miles and the keyless entry replaced & thank the lord it was under warranty as well as the transmission. At 25,000 miles I needed new tires even though I rotated them as needed as well as all maintenance thru the dealer. I have always owned GM products & got atleast 40,000 on my tires so what is the deal with that? $800 a bit early. The last straw was a headlight that went out and it was a board that was $850. My milage at this time was 36,500. Too bad for a car I love to drive but will never buy another one & am looking to trade for a GM model. That will be the last foreign car I buy!!

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  So far, so good - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By mary_228 - April 28 - 1:20 am

  I"m writing my review after the thrill of new car ownership has faded. Im happy with the car in general, but there have been a few problems. The brakes are still extremely squeaky even after 7500 miles. The dealer changed the front brake pads but this had no effect. Secondly, there is still a noticeable catalytic converter smell if you go to the back of the vehicle after turning it off in the garage. The dealer claims there is a break in period for this. How long, I wonder?? There is no area for a purse if you choose to use the driver side cup holder. Finally, the car handles badly in snow. The small incline to my garage is impossible to manage with even the smallest amount of snow.

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  Good Car Overall - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By BayAreaMZ6 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Instead of doing what most people do and purchase and Accord or Camry, I decided to be a little different. The Mazda6 I purchased came fully loaded. I must admit, after 2000 miles, I am pretty satisfied with the car.

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  fun and power!! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By DONALD - April 22 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute is the fourth SUV Ive owned. I had the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Subaru Outback an a jeep cherokee. The Tribute out does them all. As fun to drive as the Outback with more towing capacity and power. The v-6 makes this a hands down better suv that the subaru and was 3,oo less. The tribute also has more reliability than the jeep or subaru, the grand cherokee was in the shop 6 times in one year. Never had problems with Mazda and a better warranty! Hands down the best SUV Ive owned.

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  Zoom Zoom = Fun Fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By qlas - April 22 - 5:10 am

  Ive only had this car about 1 month. Actually my wife has had it so long. She picked it out because this car has so many sensible features inside a sporty exterior. Its fun to drive. It has the capacity of our Forester, but it looks good. The stereo and sun roof are sweet too.