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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  Transmission Issue - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Les - April 8 - 10:26 pm

  Fuel mileage is poor. We have taken 2 long trips,one West to Yellowstone, Glacier, Tetons and the Black Hills. 2nd was to East Coast Fall Colors trip At the toll booths one needs to accellerate quickly after paying in order to merge with the other cars and we found that during this hard accelleration the transmission would not up shift beyond 4th gear even with pedal fully released, the only way to up shift was to maive the lever into the manual position then force the up shift manually. We have taken the car in to Morries on 2 occasions but was not able to dispaly the problem to the service people. We soon start another long trip and have concerns about the transmission failing

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  Buy it - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By love it - April 8 - 9:56 am

  Of all the cars that I have driven over the years, this has been a great car. Its got good handling, performance and everything you look for in a good car, its a lot of bang for the buck. However there are little thing that are missing such as MP3 compatibility, heated seats, etc., but its the little things. Still its a good car. Love it.

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  The Best Mid-Size Sedan - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Matt - April 8 - 8:46 am

  The new redesigned Mazda6 exterior and interior and very nice. I bought the S Grand Touring. The 272hp is quite powerful. I have clocked the car going from 0-60 in 6.1 secs. According to Edmunds.com, "the Mazda 6 is more powerful and quicker than the Total Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Ford Fusion. For the price, it is actually the most powerful car you can drive. Love the blind spot monitoring system. The leather seats are very comfortable. It is nice to have heated seats in the winter. Love the Bose system. The car has wonderful steering and control. The 5 star crash test rating gives me a piece of mind. I love the headlights. Overall, I love the car. I recommend it.

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  Stylish & Stability - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Manbir - April 8 - 6:40 am

  I love my zoom zoom CX-7. Strong, sturdy, hold to the ground like a magnet during heavy downpour (yet to test on snow). Much more stable than other SUVs that I have driven in other segments. Its even fun to drive with all 5 passengers. Great looks with great interiors.

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  Good for first 4-5 years - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Nasar - April 8 - 3:03 am

  This is not a van you want to buy when you have other choices like Odyssey and Sienna. the plus point is it drives nice - more like a sedan. The first 4-5 years were almost trouble free with few niggles. From then on too many problems. Recently, it wont start and had to be towed and found out that the engine froze because there was no oil ! The oil is changed on time and there is no leak. How did the oil disappear in 3 months - is a mystery !!! in winters of Chicago, the sliding doors always get stuck and you cannot open it! If you are buying new one, sell it after three years. If you are buying old one, I will look elsewhere.

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  Sporty looking and fun to drive - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By M - April 7 - 2:13 pm

  Ive been wanting a Mazda3 since they first came out and finally bought a 2007. All I have to say is this car is everything that I thought it would be. The exterior is very sporty, the engine is fantastic (definitely has the Zoom Zoom thing going for it), and the interior is very sleek. Those that are looking for a fun, sporty, car to drive should definitely look into the Mazda3.

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  Bimmer on a Budget. - 2015 Mazda Mazda3
  By mimazdaman - April 7 - 12:54 pm

  Just turned in my 2012 Mazda 3 GT hatchback which I thought was a great car . . . practical but sporty. My few minor complaints have been addressed by this new model. Better styling, particularly up front. More power , especially when in sport mode. Six speed transmission. Really wanted the manual, but left that to my Miata. Back up camera. Shopped this car against a BMW 4 series Grand Coupe. Almost as much car at half the price!

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  Small yet roomy, Sporty yet functional - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By DebChar - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Wed been looking for a new car for a while. Was looking at the 2002 MPV, but couldnt afford the sticker for the ES. Wanted all the extras, so compromised the 2002 and got the ES 2001 new loaded with the extras I wanted at a price I could manage. (Anything was an improvement over my 4 Cylinder 4-door grandam.) Really needed something larger for a family of five, car seats and stroller. It does the trick nicely. The kids can pick and choose where they like to sit and I can separate them easily. I like the well in the back for groceries when the seat is up. Fun to drive. Not just another mini van.

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  Exceeded Expectations - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By DWW - April 7 - 7:33 am

  The mainstay of this car is how it handles and stops. It drives like more of a car than any of the competitors in this segment. If you are looking for something a little more roomy than car but dread the blah design of some cross overs or mini-vans, this is a great alternative. The turbo is responsive and acceleration is swift, but could be better. Upshifts under full throttle hold on a little too long past the powerband. If you have a heavy foot, you will pay at the pump. Driving this car in a fun manner will push mileage down close to 15 MPG. If you drive normal, however, the stated 18 MPG in the city is realistic. On the highway, it has returned about 23 MPG.

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  Buyers Remorse - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Kathy Smith - April 7 - 3:06 am

  Where to begin... Come on Mazda, where is the power? Its like riding on a skate board. The stereo is terrible, the ride is stiff and you feel every bump, the seats are uncomfortable. I could go on and on. I am very unhappy with this vehicle.