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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  Well-priced and fun Small CUV - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By benny_boy - September 3 - 7:07 pm

  Have had this car for 3000 miles in 3 months. Happy with my choice so far. I am 6-2" and I have two toddlers. My wife is already driving a minivan. So, i was looking for a car that can fit the whole family occasionally, yet compact enough to fit the short street curb between driveways in san francisco, versatile, two car seats, good looking, satisfying to drive, sit high, around $22,000 (out of the door), good mpg for my long commute and respected. I have found all these in my new cx-5. I was not considering mazda. But then, i got a chance to drive a mazda3 rental with a skyactiv engine. I re-discovered the driving experience I loved so much with my old BMW 3 series.

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  not very practicle - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By jammer - September 2 - 10:00 am

  i cant seem to get where i am going, the car keeps taking me down all these back roads and alternate routes. cant get the car off my mind ,i just want to keep driving, its also getting expensive on gas doing 500 miles a week,am now late for work most days, so the car is not very practicle if you want to do any thing but have fun driving

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  At a loss! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Gerry - September 1 - 5:16 am

  Im at a loss as to why a new car leaks oil on my driveway, why the door panels always look awful, why there is no sound insulation in the wheel wells, and why I can only get $19000 for it 9 months later. Sorry Mazda, You will never sell me another car!

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  High Mileage and Reliable - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Limric - August 30 - 4:06 pm

  I purchased my Protege5 as a new model after doing considerable research. I found it to have more features for the dollar than any of the competition. After 120,000 miles, it has been almost bullet proof. The only issue has been warping front brake rotors. Coming from an amateur racing backround I can say that it handles as well as cars costing 10s of thousands of dollars more and consistently get 34 mpg to boot. The only thing I wish it had more of is horsepower.

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  So Far so Good - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Timeout - August 29 - 10:00 am

  I have 1744 Miles on the RX-8 and it has just started to move in the last 300 miles.It needs to be turning over at least 3000 to get any performance and has no PUSH at low RPMS. The transmission is super in both automatic and manual and is fun to use. There have been absolutley no problems with the car mechnically!!! I had to learn to drive all over again after a 350HP TransAm but that is part of the fun and an very satisfied after driving it this far. The start stop is not a problem after you understand whats required.

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  A great car looking for a great engine - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By JimW - August 28 - 8:40 pm

  I love everything about the car-looks, handling EXCEPT the total, absolute, complete (get the picture) lack of torque. You really have to beat it with a stick to get it moving. I should have got a V8!

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  sweet car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By kevin morris - August 24 - 10:00 am

  great car..looks great fun to drive...only knock is needs a little more hp....love it though!

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  Verdict Still Out - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By John Prymak - August 21 - 10:00 pm

  Compared the Ford Edge, FX35, decided to go with an unknown being this is my first Mazda. Had for 10 months and 12,000 miles. Like the seats, interior, brakes, tranny, navi and sound system. Just the right size too. But still cant get used to the 4 cyl turbo and lag. Engine is very noisy when cold. Really miss a silky smooth V6 and this aint it. Mileage avg only 20. Lots of corners cut on int & ext plastic. No trip computer - surprised for a GT. You call that carpet on the inside, looks more like spray on. Overall pleased and would recommend.

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  it doesnt get any better in a 20K sedan - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By rightdm00 - August 21 - 7:10 am

  This car is has by far exceeded all my expectations. When you have to choose a family mover and performance is one of your primary needs this is the best car by far. The Camrys are no doubt built better, gets better gas mileage and on and on but none of them make you wanna get in and drive every day. With the 5 speed manual and the V6 the fun to drive factor far exceeds its competitors in the fun to drive factor.

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  2002 Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Chubart - August 20 - 8:50 am

  The main problem Ive had with this car are the trouble lights. It has been in two accidents and theyve never quite fixed the wiring.