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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  Stay Away from Mazda CX7 - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By mike8183 - June 2 - 5:23 am

  Im one of the too many very unhappy CX7 owners. Simply go to the Mazda CX7 forum on Edmunds and hear all the owner nightmare stories directly.

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  Built really well.... - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By realitycheck1 - June 2 - 12:12 am

  Interior quality of this car is a step above the competition. Smooth engine, decent acceleration and decent fuel economy. I average 28MPG between highway and city usage. Very reliable. Very roomy and above average handling. Very safe. I was broadsided in it and it held up very well. I find Mazdas in general are certainly a cut or two above its competition. The stock speakers were a little weak, and I find the stock Xenon headlamps are not as powerful as they should be and are very expensive to replace. But this is a very satisfying car.

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  2004 Classic Red Miata - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jaxrolo - June 1 - 7:46 pm

  Previously I had a 2000 Miata which was very nice. Got in a wreck so Had to buy this 2004. WOW this car is great!!! Very nice ride. great handling.

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  Giving It A Whirl! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Well See... - May 31 - 5:53 pm

  I just bought my Mazda 6 this weekend. Ill give an update in a few months : ) So far, Im loving it!

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  Great bang for your buck! - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By missourimazda - May 31 - 9:38 am

  I have owned my Mazda 3 i Touring Sedan for almost 2 months now and I absolutely love it. It is fun and comfortable to drive, gets good gas mileage, and does very well in the Midwestern snow. Some people may not like the tight suspension. Personally, I love it. It gives the car a sporty feel, I think. For what I spent, I got great power and lots of features like cruise control, power windows, traction control, etc.

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  Bought it - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By kat - May 31 - 2:31 am

  Got it home, car broke down in 30 mins. Very disappointed. Overall, the ride was nice, i liked it. But having it break down that fast was a deal breaker.

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  Mazda5 Review - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By kivo - May 30 - 4:43 pm

  Havent put much mileage on it, but so far I love this car. It handles great, and my mileage is good considering I have a scooter lift in the back with the scooter. Thats quite a bit of weight.

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  Great Handling. Poor gas mileage. - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By kevin - May 30 - 8:06 am

  The car looks OK from the exterior. The interior, solid handling and options sold me. Car is loaded with great options (back up camera, bluetooth, satellite radio, 6-CD changer, nice leather, AWD, steering wheel mounted controls) all for just under 30K. Better handling and less $$ than the Acura RDX which I also considered. I live in a relatively hilly area and so far I am averaging less than 16 MPG in city driving after my first 3 tanks of gas. I hope this improves as the car breaks in.

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  Best Sporty 3-row CUV - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By ceric - May 30 - 6:46 am

  I compared Highlander before CX9. The 3rd row of Highlander is a joke. CX9 is the best deal in a feature-packed package with sporty handling. In short, CX9 drives like a BMW X5 at 1/2 price with more room.

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  Pure Fun - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Bob - May 29 - 5:20 pm

  This car is pure fun. Most bang for the buck. With the suspension package, traction control, and stability control cornering is superb and virtually no nose dive when braking. Ride is suprisingly smooth for such a short wheelbase and suspension package. The MX5 fits like a glove and everything is in its proper place except for the cup holders in the console which I have found to be a good place to stash gasoline receipts. The Copper Red Mica with tan leather has drawn nothing but compliments. Gas mileage is impressive returning 30 mpg in the first 600 miles of which only 200 has been highway driving. The convertible top is a marvel, just unlatch it and heave it over your shoulder.