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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  mazda ES protege - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By xteban - January 10 - 9:06 pm

  I just bought this car yesterday, I was a big Honda fan that was all I had, but after 3 times that my cars being stolen I had to make a change and really the Mazda is a great car, soft ride compare to my 2000 civic ex, I love all the little details of this car, its well worth buying this car!!!

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  Jans Mazda3 - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jan - January 10 - 7:20 am

  I love this car. It is a small car on the outside and a luxury car on the inside. Everything in it is comfortable. I got features that I thought only came in luxury models.

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  I LOVE it - Nothing Better - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By forjudges - January 9 - 6:03 am

  I purchased a 3s Touring 4 door manual sedan, with leather and sunroof in winning blue. I absolutely love it; it handles better than any other car I test drove (Corolla, Civic, Jetta). The interior styling is far above average, due to the use of higher quality plastics and attention to composition/arrangement of controls. The car feels very sporty, looks sporty, and drives it too. The harder than usual suspension might be too rough for some, but no doubt is crucial to its better handling. I have no doubt that given its competition and price range, it is the best car in its class - superior handling, styling, and performance; Ive heard it called the BMW of the compact class.

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  Loving my CX7 - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By 2007 Mazda - January 9 - 12:23 am

  I just recently purchased this 2007 used vehicle a few weeks ago. Reading the reviews are scary, but I havent experienced a problem as of yet. With my vehicle I purchased the extended warranty for four years, hopefully that will cover any future problems if they should arrive. Wow, my first Mazda & I pray I dont encounter these problems. I figured Id cross over after driving Honda all my life, I thought why not, and according to the reviews I made a bad decision, but I can only hope my vehicle is not apart of the problems everyone else is experiencing. So far so good & my fingers I crossed, cause I just love the lil vehicle as of now...

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  I LOVE this vehicle! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By libu1968 - January 8 - 7:23 pm

  This vehicle is almost as fun to drive as my Audi A4, but since its an SUV, it is way more practical for everyday life. The turbo charged engine gives me plenty of passing power. The interior is beautiful and all the controls are in easily accessible places. Plenty of storage capacity, and the one-touch fold down rear seats are a real time saver. I HIGHLY recommend this vehicle to anybody who needs the functionality of an SUV, but doesnt want to have to give up the speed and handling of a sports sedan. Also, it has really held its value; I was upside-down when I purchased it, but after only 2-1/2 years I would be able to make a small profit if I sold it to a private party. WOW! :)

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  An easy transition to an SUV! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By winkfamily - January 7 - 8:30 pm

  I love my Mazda. I traded my 01 Honda Civic for my 07 Mazda-- going to the family car. I wanted something with room but, would still drive like a car.Overall, I am very happy with my purchase and feel like I got my moneys worth. High safety ratings, looks great, inside is well designed and roomy, you will get lots of compliments! :)

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  Love my baby!! - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By loveliladi - January 7 - 6:02 pm

  I purchased a 2008 CX7 in Oct 2012. 3 days after purchasing it I too had white smoke coming from the exhaust. I returned it to the dealership and they fixed it with no questions asked. Other than that, like everyone else, the gas consumption is a little low but it also depends on how you drive. If your always driving like a bat out of hell then of course your gas consumption will be less than someone takes their time or goes a slow, steady speed. The interion is comfortable (sometimes I feel like Im in a cockpit in a spaceship lol). The back is very roomy and everyone says they love it back there. This is my first SUV so I ma love, love, loving sitting higher. Great purchase so far.

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  Happy 6 owner - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By iowegian - January 6 - 11:30 pm

  Ive had this car 3 1/2 years and I dont know how I could be happier. Its fun to drive, economical (I get rated 25/32 mpg), + 18 gal tank, 425+ miles/tank easy on road trip. A very comfortable road car, and has a very large trunk for midsize class. Havent had any problems, other than stock Michelin tires were not good in snow, but were quiet and good summer tires. Mine is 5 speed manual and 4 cyl. Sometimes wish it had a 6th gear for over 75 mph to lower rpms, but the engine is so quiet at speed Ive had to tell my sister to shift into 5th on highway because the engine doesnt "tell" you it should be shifted, like on other cars. Heat and air are very powerful.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By jazb4 - January 6 - 8:10 pm

  Ive had my Mazda 5 for 2 weeks. Gas mileage is awesome compared to my gas guzzling SUV. Im averaging 24 in the city and a recent drive to Los Angeles from San Diego was about 30mpgs. I couldnt be happier. This is not a luxury vehicle by any means, but if you like practical, this is the car. If youre tall or bigger you might feel its too small. Getting my kids in and out is easy with the sliding doors on each side. I havent had any issues with power. It gets up hills without any problems and merges on to freeways fine. So far this car is great for the price! I hope to get reliability over the years as its too early to tell. Also would like to know how it does in crash tests.

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  Awesome Roadster - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jsabowabo - January 6 - 8:10 pm

  This is my first roadster and let me say it is awesome. This car is just a blast to drive. I never considered the Solstice because its a GM product and I couldnt get over its "look at me" flashy design. The engine in the MX-5 is a gem, as is the transmission. I couldnt imagine buying this car with an auto. The handling is amazing, as is the top operation. This certainly isnt the fastest car Ive owned, but with this car you dont need to be breaking the speed limit to have fun. It really is like driving an oversize go-cart, which is why I bought it. On top of that its pretty practical for a Roadster, with a usable trunk and plenty of interior storage.