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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  Very Surprised!!! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By tgaines14 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I must say that I am one of those guys who said that he would never own a minivan. Well, three kids later, and theres just not much that I could do about it. I researched the minivan market for quite some time, and ultimately chose this van. I have been very surprised with it. It has definitely exceeded all of my expectations. It is simply a great vehicle to drive.

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  My Mazda PR5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Sol - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this Pr5,as i liked the styling,and the look.It is almost nine months and have no complints,except one.The quiteness of the interior leaves a lot to be desired.Gas mileage is good,twenty five to the gallon.It handles and responds well.I have had a Mazda Millenia[lease]in 1997,and had very satisfactory experience,which led me to purchase this Pr5.

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  Love My CX-9 - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By pure_hp - November 24 - 8:26 am

  We test drove on the same day the following vehicles: Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Veracruz, and the CX-9. For the price, content and fun to drive factor, we couldnt go wrong with the CX-9. Its quick, agile, spacious and well built. Aside from poor fuel economy (still waiting to see if 17city/24hwy for FWD is really true), we have no complaints.

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  Totally love this car - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve - November 23 - 5:10 pm

  Last week I finally went ahead and purchased this car (5 door Grand Touring). I was a little worried about not having snow tires and being in the midst of winter but it actually is better than my previous ride. The wheels will spin when initially accelerating, but seems to grip the road well after that (I will get snow tires next year since I live in MI). The car is just so much fun to drive. It feels so much like a European car. I am still trying to determine the average MPG. Since I bought the car with 14 miles, the trip computer appears not to have enough data to make an accurate read.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By J3susLiv3sInM3 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite car ever, and i have loved it since the second i bought it. I love how it handles every turn so smoothly and i love just turning down the music and listening to the sound of the rotary motor just spinning away. It is so peaceful just to sit there listening to it i could almost fall asleep. This car IS a dream come true.

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  Almost Perfect - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By blunte - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Saw it, drove it, bought it. I test drove the 5spd, then the auto (just for grins). The auto was excellent, and the auto-manual mode was great for times when I wanted specific gear control. Car is gorgeous, especially in the super-metallic red. (Edmunds doesnt list the Auto, so I review here.)

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  Just purchased - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Oscbert - November 22 - 10:00 am

  Was checking out Subaru Impreza. Then dealer recommended me to test drive the Mazda 3. Loved it. Bought it. Been running smoothly. Lot faster then I expected. Gas mileage doesnt seem so great, but not bad. It came with afterstock Rims. Make it look really sporty get a lot of looks.

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  Good Mazda - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Budd Ditchendorf - November 21 - 3:53 pm

  We purchased this van with 62,000 miles on it in 2008 for a great price. Made me wonder if it was a lemon. We had to have a van and it was the right price especially compared to Toyotas and Hondas. This van has been a blessing! 25 ,000 miles later and it runs perfectly. Do all my own maintenance and the fluid levels are always spot on where they were before. Ours is decked out with all the modern options of 2003 and was way below the cost of comparable other vans. I would venture to say you must check this van out if you are in the market for a van. This seems to be a reliable used purchase flying below the radar thus a much more reasonable price.

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  Best CUV for your money - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Duayne - November 21 - 2:20 pm

  I test drove many and this car was the clear value leader (IF you can still get the generous discounts). Safety was a high-priority and the CX-9 has every safety device/feature available on vehicles under $50,000 - except Daytime Running Lights!? Excellent handling/steering. Design and features impress everyone from teens to middle-aged. To be sure, it rides a little rough on typical streets -- you will feel all the bumps -- but has the most comfortable car seats Ive ever sat in (and I dont have leather). Maybe the best thing is that its a big car, but doesnt look or drive like one. No car is perfect, but the minor annoyances on this one are more than made up by the outstanding ones.

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  Overall Best of the Bunch for this Class - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By KAC - November 20 - 11:53 pm

  Got the GT AWD with Nav and rear Entertainment. Traded a loaded 04 Quest SE. Looked hard at the 07 MDX and GMC Arcadia. MDX is nice but price, size, styling didnt work for me. Arcadia, great looking vehicle and very comfortable but felt under-powered and lame on test drives. The Mazda is tight, very responsive for a 4,500 lb. car. The Nav system is nice but the touch screen is, ah touchy. The ride in the GT is stiff, seriously thinking of putting on smaller tires to improve comfort factor although 20 inch wheels look great but bumps are pronounced. Keyless thing is cool but still learning how to work it.