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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  Great New Model - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Phillip Sherwood - January 9 - 3:53 am

  More than satisfied with the makeover of the CX-9. Fun to drive. Handling is great. Just a quiet smooth ride. Very happy with this purchase.

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  Win Some, Lose Some - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By suzieraesmom - January 8 - 9:26 pm

  I bought my Mazda in 2003 when it first came out. I loved the feel, the sleek look, and the "zoom zoom" sound when I accelerated. Its now 6 years later, and I have enjoyed the car but will not buy another Mazda. There have been many recalls, and I went through the cooling/heating problems (i.e. fan kept running when engine was turned off, heater quit working once, etc.) I have never been satisfied with the heating/cooling. There is a huge kickback when the transmission shifts from 1st to 2nd gear. Throttle went out, oil pan replaced, new radiator, new water pump--you name it. I had a repair for $1,000 in January 2009.

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  Fun on a budget - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By J.L. Pruett - January 8 - 3:06 pm

  After five years of driving an F-150 I love driving and filling up our new Mazda 3. We wanted to replace the truck with an economy vehicle that is also fun to drive. So far we have no complaints.

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  After 3 months, its still fun to drive - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Thierry J.B. - January 8 - 2:16 pm

  Ive had my Mazda3 5-door for 3 months and still I love to drive it. If youre thinking about getting one and you love music, get it with the moonroof audio package.

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  Love This Car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Love This Car - January 8 - 10:16 am

  I never thought I would be buying a convertible roadster. This car is quite the attention getter.

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  LOVE this car! - 2009 Mazda CX-7
  By Shawn - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I have been a loyal Honda customer for 6 years and had the intention of purchasing a Honda CR-V. The Mazda CX-7 is so much fun to drive, has more room than the CR-V, and is very sleek. The handling is awesome and is just a fantastic car for our growing family, including pets. LOVE this car! When push came to shove, Honda wouldnt come close on the price OR the financing. I think I have been converted to a Mazda driver and may not ever go back to Honda. Everyone who has ridden in this car says it rides like a feather, especially in the back seat. It has a huge space in the rear and is just an all-around great car that is so much fun to drive! The Mazda CX-7 is my new favorite car!

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  You have to have one! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Trish Van Brocklin - January 8 - 8:13 am

  I bought this car for my son, who is turning 16 in a few months. Im considering buying one for me because it is so much fun to drive. The quality of the car is unbelievable. Test drive a Honda and Toyota then a Mazda, you will definitely be sold on the Mazda.

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  Love this car! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By EAG - January 7 - 11:30 pm

  I spent forever researching cars to buy and I test drove a few (the VW Rabbit, the Civic and the Toyota Matrix) before I was definite on the 3. The test drives clinched it. My mechanic of 15 years was also enthusiastic about the Mazda and now I know why. I am in love with my car. It is so sporty (looks and performance) and I couldnt be happier. I have the 5 speed and the shifting is so smooth, I would swear it was a pricier model/brand. I love to drive but I was looking for fuel economy too and I definitely picked a winner. The acceleration is excellent, but so is the fuel economy. 25-27 in the city, in heavy traffic, and 32-35 on the highway. Nice! You wont be disappointed at all. Im thinking of buying another for my husband.

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  LOVE this car - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Karen - January 7 - 2:13 pm

  I love my Mazda MX5. My husband bought it for my 40th Birthday. My husband is 66 and it is the only convertible on the market that he can actually drive and ride in. We bought an automatic with the manual shifting paddles on the steering wheel. He loves that and I love the automatic. The top is so easy to put up and down you can do it while sitting in the car. The trunk is HUGE, unlike most convertibles. The Mazda is so fun to drive, the wheels really stick when going around corners. While going 80mph the RPMs barely hit 3000. While driving the inside is quiet no wind noise or rattles. We love our Mazda MX5!

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  No regrets - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bob W. - January 7 - 12:23 pm

  After looking at many makes and models, we settled on the Mazda. The 300,000 + miles we got on our 1990,323 had some influence. So far, we have been pleased; no surprises. Controls, gauges, and comfort features were well thought out, and fit like a glove. Adequate power, but still good gas mileage. Seats four very comfortably. Glad we chose a model with steel wheels; not the custom wheels with thinner tires. If satellite radio not fully installed (only the control on dash installed) you might want to ask what it will cost to install the radio later. We didnt. Keep in mind this is a low profile car - watch speed bumps and high curbs. Overall, we have no regrets so far. Great car.