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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  So far - so good! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By justagirlthing - December 23 - 2:23 am

  Have had my new CX-7 Grand touring for about a month - love it so far. The only problems I have had is with the check engine light coming on, and according to the dealer it has been the fuel cap. It is a known issue to Mazda, but other than that - great power. Love the interior and have had many people ask about how I like the car. I have no complaints.

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  Maza vs. Subaru - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Matt - December 22 - 11:03 pm

  My wife drives the Mazda and I drive the Subaru. She loves it. Only issue so far - passenger window fell off the track. This vehicle comes with a 50,000 mile warranty. Dealer fixed it, no hassle. I raced my wife one time off the line with our 2000 Subaru Legacy GT Wagon (165hp). She won! but not by much =). Weve been very pleased with this car. Never bought Mazda before, happy we did. Would definitely buy Mazda again.

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  Competitive to germany car - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Kenneth - December 22 - 5:34 pm

  . I traded my mercedes benz r 350 2007 (owned 7 years) to cx9. I really love this car. Because the car is more quiet and better looking interior. Even I compare cx9 to glk 350 2013 (my sons car). My cx9 have better quality seat , bigger interior,cheaper price and more tach option.

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  New RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ninco - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. This is also my first RWD vehicle. I will tell you this, taking corners in this vehicle is effortless. FOr such a sporty suspions, the ride is quite comfortabe.

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  Rates a ten on the fun meter. - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By RR - December 22 - 6:30 am

  The get-up and go of this vehicle is fantastic. If you truly want that "sports car" experience and feel, buy the six-speed manual model. It handles the curves like no other car. The instrument cluster is easy to read and manipulate. The seating is quite comfortable and the head room is adequate for those 61" or under. If youre looking for practicality, buy a Mazda6. If you are looking for FUN, buy an RX-8.

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  Nice alternative to a full-sized minivan - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Chuck - December 21 - 12:33 am

  We were in the market for a new car that would work with two small children, and were cringing at the thought of buying a large minivan or an SUV. The Mazda5 is a nice alternative at a nice price. We bought the top of the line Grand Touring for less than the base models of a minivan. The car has adequate acceleration, nice handling, and plenty of room for two adults and two kids. The third row works for short trips with adults if needed. Im 6 2 and have tolerated short trips in the third row. There is plenty of headroom, but seats are really just for kids or small adults.

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  Classy - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Racer1978 - December 20 - 7:50 am

  I bought this car to replace my old 2002 Toyota Celica GT (engine went at 19,000mi). I had looked at other cars, namely the Audi A4 but decided against it due to high maintainence costs. Then I looked at this 2002 Mazda Protege ES which provided a BMW like driving experience along with an attractive, sporty interior/exterior. I have had this car almost 7 months; there have been no problems whatsoever. Which is suprising since I learned to drive standard on this car. You would think all the bucking, stalling and over revving would have damaged it, I guess not. The car is as strong as ever *knock on wood.* Great car for the money.

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  a - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By wife happy - December 20 - 2:50 am

  Ive had this car for a year, so far it is still a treat to drive. Its a great change from what is out there on the roads. For a family of four its a great midsize value. My wife loves it and has been more than pleased with it. Im impressed with Mazda, theyve done a good job with this vehicle.

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  very reliable - 1998 Mazda 626
  By DM - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 626 to be different than all my neighbors who were driving Camrys. Opted for the 5 speed manual. Never had any problems with this car for the first 100,000 miles. After that...just normal wear and tear. (fuel filter, brakes, plugs) Love the car and would consider buying the new "6" that just came out

• 

  very reliable - 1998 Mazda 626
  By dm - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 626 to be different than all my neighbors who were driving Camrys. Opted for the 5 speed manual. Never had any problems with this car for the first 100,000 miles. After that...just normal wear and tear. (fuel filter, brakes, plugs) Love the car and would consider buying the new "6" that just came out