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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  watch out for electrical gremlins! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By nslimm - November 18 - 11:50 pm

  Bought new 06 GT 5 speed manual. I really enjoy driving this van and I get great mileage. But during cold weather the e-brake doesnt work all the time and the dealership has tried to fix this 6 times. They have now replaced the calipers on one side only. Also, the headlights flash on and off on their own. I live outside the city so it really is noticeable on the highway when the headlights turn off for two seconds or more. They cycle through 9 or 10 times on and off so it looks like I am warning of a police radar trap ahead! NOT FUNNY! My last trip through the mountains the headlights turned off 34 times over 300 miles.

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  A Very Nice Van/SUV/Wagon/Crossover - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Ward - November 17 - 9:56 pm

  I am not sure what to call this vehicle (I try to avoid van as much as possible. God help me, did I buy a van?). Whatever it is, it does many things well. I like the exterior design if the door handles just were not next to each other. Seating for 6, if you need it (small people are best for the third row), or lots of space for stuff if you dont. Its best feature, I believe, is value. Mazda has put in some nice standard features for a vehicle in this price range. Its worst feature is zoom, zoom. The vehicle needs more power from a stand still. Once it gets going, it is fine and even fun to drive. It handles very well.

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  Fun drive but.... - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By CT driver - November 15 - 5:36 pm

  I got this car after my Toyota was involved in an accident. This car is fun to drive and solid. Has decent acceleration and excellent braking steering, cornering. I like the flexibility of the hatchback and its look. The gas mileage is a disappointment only 25 mpg with combined driving (no lead foot). After my Toyota I note too much road noise and feel every seam in the road. Pricing and multiplicity of trim levels is somewhat dubious/confusing.

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  Great minivan - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By Jeff - November 15 - 11:36 am

  The MPV is everything I had expected in a minivan and the price was also very good. The only thing I would change on the vehicle would be the leg room. When you have a baby carrier in it you have the keep the front seats up closer to the steering wheel and this is hard on tall people. So you are not comfortable when you drive, especially long distances.

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  The Perfect car for us! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By roughntumble - November 13 - 5:20 am

  We were getting around in a compact car, but when we bought our own house and adopted a 90 pound dog, our compact wasnt working anymore. We are also outdoor people who love to go camping, so we needed a car with room for all our rig and our dog that could put up with some rough terrain. The Mazda5 was the perfect choice for us and we dont have any regrets. We paid $17,500 for it.

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  Best Looking/Great Drive - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By ZoomZoom - November 12 - 4:46 pm

  I just crossed 36000 miles on my CX-7 FWD GT. I got it with the tech package, so it is loaded. Have had all the recommended services done. As I write this, the gas cap problem occurred way back in June 2007. Otherwise, the car has been exceptionally fun to drive. Get about 21 mpg (what I expected) and drive 60/40 highway/city. No a/c to rear, which is a bummer for the kids. That would be my biggest gripe. Also, the tires lasted to 30k, and im on my 2nd set. Otherwise, this has been a great car for me and my family. The fun-to- drive factor is off the charts. I live driving down two-lane country roads with inclines and curves. The car just responds so incredibly well. Go for it!

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  Lots of plastic but was fun to drive - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Tdog - November 8 - 4:43 pm

  Lease in Jul 07 and turning in next week. As a Realtor, the keyless entry / staring were truly a blessing. The plastic in the rear compartment looked like a rabid dog chewed on it, the carpet on the back of the rear seats in like felt. The turbo combined with sport shifting made me the fastest and most nimble. As Realtor, the GPS poor, no updates, wouldnt allow input while moving. Backup camera saved a 2 year olds life the first week. Tires replaced at 24K, course I drove hard. credit card key is ridiculous expensive if you lose one (~$450). Could not put this thing in a slide, traction control was superb, I would try and the slippery when wet light came on and kept me straight

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  Very Reliable Car - 2001 Mazda 626
  By missy - November 8 - 2:33 am

  There is nothing fancy about this car but I have had no problems at all with it. Just keep the oil changed and this baby will run forever. It is very comfortable inside with lots of leg room. The leather seats still show very little signs of wear on them. The interior has really held up over the years. I am the only owner of this car but with proper maintenance I think it will run forever! The engine does jump a little which no one seems to be able to fix. But other than that it is great!

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  Ive had my Tribute for 6 years now - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Meredith - November 5 - 7:43 pm

  I came on here looking for how long Tributes last for but I cant find anyone with higher miles than mine. I currently have 124,000 miles and yes, Ive been needing to replace a few things, but they all seem like normal wear and tear. However, Im a little worried because of the high miles and cant afford costly repairs, but I LOVE my car. Ive been pricing used ones, haha, yes I am thinking about getting another one. Its due for a tie-rod replacement and I need to have the spark plugs replaced, which will all hopefully be done this weekend. Also, my ash/trash tray thing on the backseat drivers side door has fallen out, for no reason, but otherwise, cosmetically, its doing well.

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  The real zoom zoom! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By larryd1972 - November 5 - 10:06 am

  This car has very good driving characteristics. Fun to drive, great cornering abilities. Affordable and aggressive new body style. Everyday car or weekends, whatever - this car is a blast.