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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  Best Yet - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Ken - June 3 - 4:03 am

  Drove them all, including Lexus, Audi, Chevy and Buick, none had all the features and fun factor for the great price. Vehicle has been a pleasure to drive, city and highway, feels solid, no rattles, and interior quality is par with Lexus and Audi.

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  So far, so good! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By 99ZoomR - June 2 - 7:56 pm

  Ive only had my CX-9 for a little over a week, but so far Ive been very pleased with the performance and quality. Seems very well built, quiet, roomy, and my daughter is definitely enjoying the Rear Seating Entertainment System package (RSES).

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  Still A Great Car After 3+ Years - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By koblescar - June 2 - 2:16 am

  I was looking for a new sedan back in early 03 and the Mazda 6 was the only one nice enough for me. Great compromise between ride and handling, great power. Only one problem and was cleared up super fast. Now they make this car under 3 other nameplates it works so well and Toyota is trying to copy the design with their new Camry... Need a guy say more?

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  Amazing car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jordan - May 30 - 7:50 am

  I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a fun to drive, attractive, and over all great car. I have had mine for about about 6 months and I love it more everyday! The interior looks way better than any other cars in this class, and the exterior is really good looking, sporty is the word I would use. I get about 32 mpg. The handling is amazing! Just ignore the signs that say 35 around a corner, go 55! Overall, I am very, very happy with my purchase!

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  Great deal for the money! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By silspeed310 - May 29 - 11:53 pm

  Car is great all around. The only thing I would improve on the interior is to add a temp guage (**its a SPORTS CAR!!), the exterior is to get rid of the smiley face. I own one, I tolerate the smiley face, but it doesnt belong on a "SPORTS CAR". I dont understand what Mazda was thinking, I thought the point of business was to satisfy customers and increase sales, a smiley face on their sports car does the opposite. Overall though, the car is still the same as the 1st generation, awesome.

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  Best Compact SUV on the market - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Thomas - May 29 - 8:06 am

  I traded in a 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander for my Tribute S and I love it. While the gas mileage in the 3.0 V6 is not as good as my Mitsu was, the comfort, interior design, and smooth power delivery make up for it. The ground clearance and elevated seating positions make it great for highway driving. The S models come really well equipped and with anti-lock brakes and side impact airbags and side air curtains, I feel very safe.

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  ZOOOOOOOM!!! :) - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By paradude - May 29 - 7:50 am

  I needed more space than my Protege offered, so I traded it in on the 3wagon. WOW! What a car!

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  Performance for the money - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Robert - May 28 - 1:40 am

  The car has an athletic look, drives awesome, especially with the 5 speed manual. Handles quite well, and smooth and quiet on the highway. Quality is not quite there as with Honda or Toyota; thats because Ford is the parent company. I had a loose left side defroster vent, one of the badly designed wall nuts for the cargo net pulled through and broke off, cheap materials for headliner caused separation near where its supposed to be tucked in under front maplight housing. Havent figured how Im going to hide that yet. Headlight aim was off - just little things. All in one month, but I still love the car, I fixed all the things myself.

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  Best Crossover for the Money - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By HebrewDoc - May 28 - 1:13 am

  My choice of a crossover vehicle came down to a Subaru Tribeca or the CX-7. Clearly the Mazda looks 10X better, handles better, and costs less. Power is almost turbine-like, and the 6-speed transmission shifts very smoothly. The brakes on this vehicle are better than on any other car Ive owned. The Grand Touring interior is simply gorgeous.

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  A great car - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By redmuddler - May 27 - 2:50 pm

  We bought our MPV new and it has been a great car. I like the exterior design and size. Honda and Toyota went bigger in 2003 leaving Mazda with this smaller size which is more agile and I think a sleeker design. The driving experience with this Mazda is surprising: it really is almost sporty, in any event very responsive. My only beef with this vehicle is the shifter sort of gets in the way of the controls on the dash board. Other than that, the moter runs like a top with enough power. At 74k miles now, the transmission seems like it might be acting differently, but no actual problems. After 8 years though Im afraid my wife wants "something new" so I may look around. But a great car.