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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  Great Car and Fun to Drive - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Matt K - December 26 - 10:00 am

  After munch review, comparisions and time I finally deceided on this car. What a great car to own and drive. Unlike the boring Honda Accord and lack luster Toyota Solara. The Mazda 6 was the car of choice. Great performance and a lot of fun to drive. Mazda has integrated some great technology into this car. You will not go wrong owning this car.

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  Do not pass this car up! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By ComputerKev - December 26 - 6:06 am

  My Wife an I purchased this car back in May 2009, after reviewing and test driving cars from BWM, VW, Toyota, Honda, Chevy, Ford, and Subaru, the Mazda 3 blows all of these other hatchbacks out of the water! First you will find none of the cars listed above that have all the features that you can get in the Mazda 3, the 4 Cylinder motor drive like a powerful 6, and the car feels and handles better than any other car in its class. If you are looking for a Fun to Drive, fuel efficient, Sports Car with family seating and storage look no farther than the Mazda 3. I promise after one test drive of this car you will be unable to get it out of your mind.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ray Larson - December 26 - 4:40 am

  This my sixteen year old daughters car. It is every thing they say about it!

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  05 GT wagon - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By payson - December 26 - 2:53 am

  Traded in our 00 Sienna van. My husband and I both enjoy driving it. Sporty, fun to drive, good cargo room for family. Nice alternative to an SUV.

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  Sad to see her go - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ryan - December 25 - 10:13 pm

  Never before had I had an emotional attachment to a vehicle. The Miata is not particularly fast, but fast enough with power to spare in 6th gear at 80mph, tops out (rev limited) somewhere beyond that. Power curve on the engine starts pulling at about 3000 rpm and doesnt stop til well over 6000 - engineers call it "jerk" (dA/dT for the nerds), such that you feel it pushing you into the seat in every gear. Mazda put VVT for wider torque the 2000+ cars, and IMHO, messed up the jerk curve. In 5 years of pushing the traction limits, I had only one mechanical problem; an electronic switch in the transmission was fixed under warranty. Traded the car in for a 4WD, I miss driving the Miata.

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  My 5th Miata - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By brianmc2014 - December 24 - 2:36 pm

  I currently own a 2006 Miata Sport and it is my 5th one. I bought first year model they came out and they are unbeatable for the money.All the ones Ive had average close to 30mpg and I have spent $0 dollars on any of them. Theyre the most reliable and dependable cars Ive ever owned. Ive had the Honda S2000 and its expensive to upkeep..preminum gas,tires are staggered so you cant rotate and insurance is outrageous.. the shear fun factor alone this these Miatas is priceless.ive owned every convertible on the market ( or pretty close) and I always come back to the Miata.Only issue Ive ever had with these cars is the rain drains clogging up and water standing in the passenger floorboard

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  Awesome Car! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Edge - December 24 - 6:13 am

  I traded in my 2003 Expedition and wanted something a little smaller with better handling/ride, but still needed the 3rd row seats. Looked at the Explorer, Pilot and Acadia but the CX-9 was in a different league when I test drove it. Im very impressed with the CX-9 and feel I made the right decision.

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  Best car for the price - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By montanac - December 23 - 6:19 pm

  I see a lot of picky reviews. I wanted a car as cheap as I could get it. I was unwilling to sacrifice gas mileage, cosmetics, reliability, and a sporty ride. Thats hard to find in these price ranges. This car provides. Would I like the ride of the Mazda 6 better? yes..oh but different price range. This car smacks the competition for someone looking at new for under $17k.

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  The Total small SUV Package? - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By jmr1061 - December 22 - 2:45 pm

  The 2014 really addressed what was the biggest problem with the 2013, and thats the power. The increase in power along with a couple of new electronic features for 2014 really makes one wonder if this isnt the complete package when it comes to small SUVs. There are a couple of other SUVs on the market that may be slightly more comfortable, or have a more user friendly electronic interface, but the 2014 Mazda CX-5 seems to have it all at the price. Interior materials, along with design, fit and finish are of a very high standard. The vehicle is extremely spacious for its exterior dimensions. It has very efficient use of space for both passengers and cargo, and its looks are great!

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  "good value" " atractive design" - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Don - December 22 - 7:20 am

  Cx9 best value for the cost..very good in snow here in Colorado... very responsive handling. Driver position very comfortable. Xenon head lights useful on mountain roads at night. Third row seat and storage area a big benefit along with sun-roof and side warning system. Excellent sound system and navigation... best value for the price in this category.