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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  Zoom Zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By MPC - July 6 - 12:26 am

  This crossover drives more like a sports car. The turbo makes it extremely quick. Could have a little less cabin noise.

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  Do Not Pay For The Tech Package with the Mazda CX 5 - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By wuffb - July 4 - 4:00 am

  I had a 2013 Mazda CX5 GT with Tech Package and the iPod integration unit / Bluetooth worked perfectly. I JUST bought a new 2015 with the 2.5 Engine and Tech Package. Dont buy this car with the Tech package! Mazda has known about problems with this system for over a year . . . nothing fixed yet. No time stated for firmware update. Pandora / iPod/ Bluetooth . . . sync up very sketchy. Go on Google . .. type in "Mazda CX5 iPod issues" and read all the posts and You tube Video. Dealer knows this system is not working right and will not inform customers. Mazda knows this system is not working right and hasnt fixed it . . . but you will pay for it!

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  a few years in - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By tbg - July 3 - 10:32 pm

  Bought our MPV ES in Oct 2008 with 46,000 on it. It currently has about 114,000 on it and doesnt seem to be much different from when we bought it. To date, it has required relatively infrequent and minor fixes: a minor ($300) fuel thing (forgotten what precisely) at 90k, a small water pump leak at 108k.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Mike - July 1 - 7:26 pm

  The first time I got this on a winding road I couldnt stop grinning. Just amazing handling. The price/fun ratio cant be beat.

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  06 MX-5 Grand Touring - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By TFK - July 1 - 10:50 am

  Had my 06 MX-5 for about 2 weeks now. I have enjoyed the car thus far. Seems solid and is fun to drive.

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  Good Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazdamigirl - June 29 - 4:35 pm

  I purchased a 2004 Mazda 6 I (automatic not manual) from a dealership with 40 K on it in 2009. Today I have put another 40 K on it and it runs well. Wheels do wear more on the front half, came fully loaded and has traction control and ABS. This is not handy when driving up steep, snow covered/mush hills in the winter. Other than that, found a crack in the windshield but has not leaked into car. Display for CD player is loosing pixels or dots so volume does not display fully sometimes. Other than that, good car, bad with gas due to V6 engine. Newer models have better mileage.

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  Love My 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By lovemy6 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The Ultimate Sports Sedan

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  1995 Mazda Miata - 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jeff Andrade - June 29 - 12:30 am

  I bought this car used (former lease) in 1997, and have few complaints. It is has excellent performance and handling, is economical and very fun to drive. The interior is sporty yet spartan, and fairly well-laid out. The exterior is a true classic. I keep up with the nominal maintenance schedule and made a few upgrades in brake system and suspension. There is a huge aftermarket of products for the enthusiast. This is an inexpensive, dependable and fun ride.

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  Love it, Hate it..... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By TNdude - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Exactly what we wanted, mid-size, V6, 4WD..drove great...lloks good...moonroof open, windows down, crank the stereo (upgrade),stomp the pedal fun!!! Bought it 10/2000 now has 48k. So far had to replace tires @25k, replace rotors & pads @38k, have to align it every other oil change, had a cracked throttle body replaced...it would not idle (under warranty). Anyone else have a horrible grind when braking on relative new pads & rotors?

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  decent van - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By jim224 - June 21 - 3:50 pm

  Original owner.93k miles. Has been fairly dependable except for lately. Check engine light was on for 4 items, two cylinder misfires,cooling fan relay,and gas cap. Cost to fix at dealer $590 for new plugs and starter coil. Use lightly now as second car. Rides&handles nice, mileage just okay for a van should be better. This is an underpowered vehicle with the smallest V6 in existence, a leftover from Fords engine inventory. For its size should get better mileage, but engine is forced to work too hard. Other items replaced were the rear hatch struts and battery, Transmission is okay but not the smoothest around. Good for hauling things. Would sell but minivans are very difficult to sell.