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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  Greatest Deal Ever!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By sanfranchinaman - September 14 - 7:03 am

  Car is beautifully equipped with Value Edition that includes alloys, 50 series Michelins, 6-cd changer, ABS, traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, split fold down rear seat, power w/dl,dual tip exhaust, and a sporty look.

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  Great car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By tm999 - September 13 - 10:40 am

  I have over 70,000 miles on my Mazda6 S (manual trans) and Im completely satisfied with its performance and reliability up to this point. Other than the stock Michelin tires which were dreadful in the snow I have absolutely no complaints. Oil and brake pads are all that its needed for service so far. I average around 24mpg with 3.0 engine and manual transmission. If you like sporty ride (a little stiff for some), decent motor, great handling, nice interior, reasonable mileage and great reliability I highly recommend this car.

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  Great Little Car remember? - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By JOhn MacLennan - September 13 - 5:16 am

  Mazda3 Sports Wagon (canada)On the way to buy a Matrix tried the M3 and changed our minds immediately. Great get up, styling, many comments, great ride, body seems to dint easily, 5 speed fun to drive, adjustable seats and steering terrific on long drives, controls on wheel convienent, instrument panel best ever, just came back form 1000 mile trip with bikes and loaded, 7L per 100K not bad, Zoom zoom uses lots of gas, regular driving milage is about 35 mpg. Hard to keep clean inside and out. Idler pulley seized on interstate in Vermont, Fri. on Long weekend, got part the following Fri. Mazda shipped it by regular freight from MO. dealer very good did their best for me

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  Still enjoying my Protege ES - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By KimO - September 13 - 2:00 am

  My first new car was the Protege precedent 323 in 1988. When I needed a new car last year for commuting to work 26 miles each way, I turned to the Protege. I have not been disappointed after driving it for the past 1 year and 4 months, and putting 23K on it. It is really a fun car to drive and you get a lot for your money.

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  New Mazda 2008 - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By bigbear54 - September 13 - 12:10 am

  I traded my 2006 Sport for a 2008 Touring and I really appreciate the improvements Mazda has made. My gas milage was approximately 25 mpg on the 06, since driving my 08 for the past month I have been averaging approximately 31 mpg back and forth to work and around town. I havent made a trip on the expressway so I do not know what the mileage will be for a long roaqd trip, but I imagine it would be up around 33 to 34 not bad.

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  One great car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - September 12 - 9:16 pm

  My previous car was a 1992 Acura Integra which I really enjoyed. When I started looking for a new car I wanted a sporty 4 door at a good price. After driving the 3s I knew that it was the one for me. I bought a 2006 3s Touring with 5 speed manual in January and still think it is a great car. I love the 5 speed manual and the acceleration it has. I especially enjoy taking it out on the nearby windy roads. The car handles great. You definitely get the Zoom Zoom out of this one.

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  Great Surprise - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By karqueen - September 12 - 10:21 am

  I purchased my CX-5, 9,000 miles ago. Its the base model 6 speed manual. I love it, much more responsive than the automatic I test drove. The 6 speed and clutch are better than my old Honda Accord. I have a lead foot and avg. 30.5 MPG overall, and my brothers just hate me for that. I love the cloth material they used, the stock radio sounds very good. Great handling for for an SUV, a bit slow, but not that bad if you get the 6 speed manual. I get 415 miles between fill ups in the Los Angeles traffic.

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  Fantastic Car - 2016 Mazda CX-5
  By andrewba - September 12 - 7:22 am

  Replaced my 2013 Mazda CX-5 GT for the new 2016 CX-5 GT model. The latest model is a HUGE improvement over the old model. Interior feels high class with soft touch materials throughout the cabin. I got the Titanium Grey with White Leather interior and this combination is amazing, makes you feel like you are in a higher class vehicle. All the tech features such as lane departure and radar/lasers are a nice improvement and work great. The entertainment touch screen system is higher resolution and much faster and more intuitive to use. Also the wipers are dead silent in this car. The Bose speaker system is clear with high bass. Overall, its sound proofing is noticeable over the old model.

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  BEWARE MAZDA! Bad! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By bluzone2 - September 11 - 9:28 pm

  Cross shopped all the high-efficiency small AWDs. Mazda was a little more expensive but "appeared" to have more amenities. Appearances are deceiving. I bought a fully loaded GT CX-5 with everything but a NAV, based on reviews of the NAV. After 6500 miles that pretty sky blue paint has more white zits than a teenager, the leather is like paper, the "Bose" speakers sound like a discount house box speaker, and I cant get the fuel efficiency higher than 26.0 on interstate driving. Mazda, by way of your dealer, will not stand behind its product.

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  Love it, but it has issues - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Christin - September 11 - 5:36 pm

  Well, after 16,000 miles I just got my car back from a few days in the shop. It had to have 3 recalls done on it (which I never got anything about recalls), and had to have the actuator replaced. It made this awful noise when you started the car after it had been sitting for a while. The look of the car is great! I love how it drives, but HATE the gas mileage especially only using premium gas!! We have not had issues with it at all till now, so overall for me it is a good car. I do dislike that the only cupholders in the back seat are in the fold down armrest in the middle, so if you have 3 people back there, there are no cupholders.