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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  CX-9 a Mixed Bag - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By jetascs - September 15 - 4:28 am

  We have had our CX-9 GT AWD now for six months and the best description I can give is a “mixed bag”. There is a lot of extras for the $ but.. After 6 months I’m wishing we would have spent a little more and made another choice. Issues include; poor mileage – I have a ’06 V-8 Yukon XL 4X4 that gets better mileage both in town and HWY. Poor Navigation. There is a lot of noise inside – wind noise, road noise, gas sloshing around in the fuel tank and after six months many new squeaks and rattles surfacing. The Bose sound is nice but too much noise to really enjoy it. Interior quality looks great but not quite refined yet. Interior leather looks great and appears to be holding up well.

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  Zoom-Zoom and Quality - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By texasjps - September 15 - 2:00 am

  We replaced our 2001 MPV with a 2003. The only reason we upgraded was to get the new 3.0L V6. The previous 2.5L V6 did OK in our Texas flatlands, but when we took it to the mountains in Colorado it was a strain to get up the slopes (especially loaded with luggage). Our 2001 was perfect other than the engine, and we expect the same with the 2003. This makes our 4th Mazda (2 626s and 2 MPVs) theyve all been rock-solid reliable and last many years and many miles, plus they are exciting to drive (even the minivan). Weve owned a Honda, Chevys, Chryslers, Mazdas, and Nissans. Mazdas and Nissans are all I will consider now.

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  Mazda Zoom Zoom - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By sar3000 - September 15 - 12:33 am

  This is my first new car in 20 years and its awesome. The styling blows away Honda and Toyota. So far after 6 months there have been NO issues except it requires a weekly washing. Everyone loves to ride in "zoom zoom".

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  Nice Car - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By ikerry1 - September 14 - 6:48 pm

  I like my Cx-5. It doesnt have the get up and go my old explorer had, but it has excellent room in the front and back seats and plenty of room in the back when you drop the seats. It has better gas mileage than the Explorer. I like everything about my Cx-5 except the Tom-Tom GPS. It is overpriced and looks like a cartoon. It works most of the time. I have owned my Cx-5 for 4 months now and am happy with my purchase, except the gps. It recently told me to update the maps because the information is 14 months old. I contacted my local dealer and now they want to charge me $280. for an update disk. The GPS cost $500 initially now they want more than half to update it. Good car, bad gps.

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  HORRIBLE!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By avalencia - September 14 - 3:12 pm

  My first car and I HATE it. Literally one thing after another kept breaking down and has had 2 recalls from Mazda since I have had it. I drove it about 20 times if even that because it was always in the shop. The last thing that went bad was the head gaskets and I need to sell the truck as is because to fix it, it was $1600. If you dont want to go broke, do NOT buy this p.o.s.

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  Disappointed in Ohio - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By bigmama4 - September 13 - 5:26 pm

  When I first bought my brand new Mazda 6 in 2003 I kept getting a burning smell in the car. The Mazda mechanic told me the smell would go away after 3 -5 thousand miles. He said it was something to do with the exhaust pipes. I can not remember how many times my brakes had to be changed and also just a month before my warranty expired I had to get rust fixed around my back wheel well. Of course they gave me a hard time but they fixed it twice because the first time looked terrible , I could have done better. Needless to say the rust came back with a fury it looks terrible,at least it is only in that one spot (strangely). Also the light cover on my front passenger door never stays on .

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  All this car needs is a blond with sunglasses - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Maureen Horansky - September 13 - 3:51 pm

  The Mazda Miata X5 Convertible is garage kept and outstanding condition. I am 76 years old and when convertibles such as Mercedes or BMW drive up beside me they want to know what brand my convertible is. They say "It is very sharp looking" I have had this happen more times than you can imagine. The car has heated seats, an amazing radio, can get-up fast and what I love about it is the fact that the convertible top DOES NOT GO IN THE TRUNK and it can be put up and down quite easily. I am very attached to my convertible but due to health issues I must say goodbye.

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  Safety Hazard - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By AndyM - September 13 - 3:53 am

  Less than 2 years old and the power steering failed with my wife and child in the car, rotors were replaced once as they were severely warped that affect stopping and are shuddering again, this is a piece of junk. Service costs are crazy and Mazda Customer Service is pointless - Ill never buy another Mazda. Im off to get a Ford or Chrysler

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  What a car! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By SOB - September 11 - 5:40 am

  I have to say that I really enjoy owning and driving this vehicle. Mind you most of my driving miles are roughly 60-70% highway miles and I have experienced excellent mpg. I have to add that my maintenance costs have been relatively low as well, the only major repair was scheduled maintenance for the timing belt interval, two brake jobs and 2 sets of tires. I do talk highly about this car and would recommend it to someone looking for a similar type vehicle. Other notable points that maybe trivial but are annoying is the "hey your seatbelt is not buckled" alarm when you are in an idle state. It does have a stiff ride and have noticed that road noise creeps in louder as the rubber gets thinner.

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  Excellent - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kami Crocker - September 10 - 2:43 pm

  I love my Mazda 3. I would buy another one any day. It is a very good car and handles well. I get a lot of complements on how pretty my car is. You really dont see many Mazda 3s on the road. That is also why I love my car.