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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  Driving has never been so much fun!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jamie Nabozny - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have never had a better time driving then in my Mazda6. I also love the fact that the car turns heads. I looked at the Accord, Camry, and Altima and none were as fun to drive or as stylish as the Mazda6.

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  Zoom, Zoom, Zoom! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Maurie12 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Hi! I had a 98 Mazda Protege and got rid of that at 140k. I just bought the Mazda 6 (i) last week so I am still in the "honeymoon" stages, but hope to be continue to be there! Handles good, very fast and look good. Very smooth on the road.

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  Perfect sports sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By eran - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The fun to drive factor in the price range. looks better than Honda Accord or Toyota camry.

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  Mazda 6 is definitely a Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Dave H - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this vehicle for two weeks, but it is fantastic. Most fun car I have had to drive. Get the five speed.

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  70 international awards plus my review - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By TSA - October 9 - 10:00 am

  With the perfect blend between Japanese technology and european design, the Mazda 6 is one of the best buys around. Mazda does a great job of giving you a ton of car for the money. If you consider the fun to drive factor and ride and handling, Mazda is the clear cut winner.

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  The CX-9 is a Great Ride - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By LuvmyCX9 - October 9 - 3:36 am

  Bought my CX-9 this week. Did extensive search looking at the Acura MDX, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC90, Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Toyota Sienna. Reasons I picked the CX-9: 1) Good access to third row. Second row seats can slide forward, so you can access the third row without having to move a car seat. 2) Comparable to 2008 Accura MDX in features but costs a lot less, MDX more difficult to get to the third row and dash is very cluttered with different knobs. 3) Comparable to the 2008 Highlander but a better ride. Highlander still has a trucky feel. 4) Decided against the minivans because the new cross-over SUVs offer comparable features and space, without the minivan ride.

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  Great Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Daniel - October 8 - 10:23 pm

  We were looking at different cars for about 2 months. started with the Camry, Altima, Maxima, Fusion, Malibu, Jetta - and none of these cars were as fun to drive as the Mazda6. Blind spot monitoring works great the Bose sound system is very good, great responsive 4 cylinder ride is smooth but not soft. We tried the car in the snow-wet-dry and it was great,on winter tires. My only complaint is the stock Michelin tires. Ill get the new Yokohama Avid Envigors in the spring. Other than the tires I cant find anything wrong with this car. The brakes are fantastic, the trunk space is more than enough. The interior is a lot nicer and friendlier than any other car in its class. Enjoy the ride!!!

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  Great Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By DJ - October 8 - 4:40 pm

  Ordered an i model with auto transmission and loaded up with almost all the options and all the safety features (wanted the smaller 4 cylinder for maximum mileage). This has been a great car so far after one year and 17k miles. Very fun to drive and have had no problems at all. Were going to get either a Civic or Corolla, but after driving the 3 it was an easy decision. I have only one real complaint that others here have have also noted regarding intermittent and rather harsh upshifting when cold at low speeds, and sluggish downshifting at low speeds. Dealer said everything was fine (of course). Im overall very happy with this car.

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  Mazda cx-9 touring awd - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Chandra - October 8 - 12:23 pm

  I have purchased this car from Maxon Mazda in NJ,and i am really happy with the car. You would never be disappointed with this vehicle. Especially with its backup- camera, and bose audio system. It is a real fun-driving machine. The only disadvantage could be with the mileage otherwise i am extremely happy with the car and its dynamics.. Bye bye Toyota and Honda.

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  Best value in a 7 seater! - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By wartoni - October 8 - 6:23 am

  I did a HUGE amount of driving and trying of many cars (Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Merc GL450, Hyundai veracruz) and found this to me the best mix of style and value. Not wanting to drive a outwardly expensive car and still wanting sport we picked this. I love it more now than when I test drove it. Great car for a good price.