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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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Teddy - August 3 - 4:43 pm

  Handles like a real sports car. Has plenty of usable horsepower for the road. Steering is precise. In fact when I drive my other car or my wifes car it feels like something is wrong with the steering on those cars. Its just that the MX-5 is so precise you think where you want to go and it is there. Run Flat tires initially were a bit hard, but I either have gotten use to them after 300 miles or they are broken in. You find yourself wanting to drive this car all the time. Plenty of trunk space for a roadster and the Active Key system eliminates fumbling for your keys. Mazda has a hit. I considered the S2000, Porsche Boxter, SLK350 and the Z4. For my money the 06 MX-5 wins hands down.

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  Zooming along in Lefthandland - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lefthandman - August 3 - 11:36 am

  I bought my 2004 glacier silver metallic 5-door (V6, 5-speed manual) in December 04 and have put nearly 3,000 miles on it. This is my first Mazda (previous VW Golf owner) and Im really happy with the car so far - excellent handling and performance. Test drove several other Japanese makes and the Mazda drove and handled closest to a German or European automobile. Unlike some other reviewers who reported poor mileage, Ive been averaging a very decent 27.5 mpg (70 percent highway, 30 percent city driving). Major options on my car: side impact air bags, sunroof, Bose sound system. There is very little I dont like about it. This car is a sleeper! Zoom, zoom! :-)

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  Large SUV that Drives Like a Car! - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By 12thfan - August 2 - 11:12 pm

  I have had my Cx-9 Grand Touring since January and love everything about it. I even like driving to work! I test drove the 4 Runner and Explorer but didnt like either one. The 4 Runner felt rough like I was driving a truck and you definitely heard and felt the engine working. I also didnt like being on a truck axel. I loved the Exterior of the Explorer, but felt the steering was too loose. I looked at the CX-9 once we read all of the great reviews. When we test drove, it was my favorite by far and it was the best value- a winning combination. Usually my favorite is the most expensive one! The steering responds extremely well and the V6 is the perfect amount of pick up.

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  Family zoom-zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By batmick - August 2 - 1:46 pm

  We have the Sport model with auto transmission. This is the best family mover we have ever owned. Were two adults and two kids and it is just amazing how much room Mazda fit onto such a small footprint! The design is very versatile and convenient and I have no problem adjusting seating to my 64" body. Gas mileage has been around 25mpg so far. Getting kids and gear in and out is a breeze with the large sliders and hatch. Have not yet tried to fit another person in the third row but its nice to have the option. I cannot confirm any of the previous posts about insufficient power or too much noise. The ride is amazingly quiet and we have not yet found a hill we could not easily climb.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By jaron1 - August 2 - 11:51 am

  This is a great car considered lots of other vehicles before buying. I thought the some of these reviews were unfair about this car as most of the problems were due to driver error. And not keeping up on normal maintenance this is a fantastic car fun to drive lots of spunk and great ride quality. Its quite inside with plenty of room I would recomend this car to anyone

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  All in one package with sensible fun! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Renee - August 2 - 11:26 am

  Its a great drive, sometimes a little to much fun. Very fast -- the Zoom Zoom is so true! The mileage is good; it gets 300 or so miles to the tank. With the price of gas it could be better. I drive mostly highway on a daily basis and was hit from behind by a car going about 65 miles an hour. All I could think of was my cars condition. When I got out and looked I was in shock to see almost no evidence that I was even hit. The other cars air bags were all deployed but none of mine were. This is a strong built vehicle . i got back in and drove away like nothing even happened. The only problem with this car is the air conditioner, defroster and heat. None of them seem to get going in a timely matter.

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  Sweet Ride - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By GOBUCKS! - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I refused to be part of the Camry/Accord lemming stampede: Millenia provided me the perfect alternative/upgrade to them. You will not find a car that matches its fine- featured appointments, standard equipment, reputation for reliability, or performance at a better price. Check out Consumer Reports Used Car Buyer Guides and it is listed as a recommended buy. It just rocks!

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  canadians love their P5s!!!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By joshtoronto - July 31 - 10:00 am

  had this car for over 9 months now and im loving it! it looks really hot and its so much fun to drive. its been through one of our tough canadian winters now and it pulled through great! the abs, brakes and wheels have never let me down! a great buy and i recommend this sweet ride to anyone!

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  Brand New ES - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By jscott33 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my first new car and so far it has been great. Great acceleration and fun to drive with the 5-speed manual, light crisp clutch action and supprisingly great low end torque. Tight steering, nice grip, and excellent breaking with front and rear discs. Had to have the alarm adjusted, was a bit to sensitive. Easy adjustment took only a few minutes, knob located by steering column. I have previously owned an escort and a jeep wrangler.

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  Mazda3 Grand Touring Automatic - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Gerry - July 31 - 5:56 am

  Got the Grand touring model, in Grey Mica, for my 19 year old daughter; Only option was the Moonroof Package, which included the Bose Stereo, 6 CD. Everything else was included: leather, climate control, heated seats, stability & traction control, side & head airbags. For 20k I thought this was a great little car. Other cars being considered were the Scion tC & HB. The car is quick for a 4 cylinder & very much fun to drive. Handles great. After 3000 miles we are getting about 24 miles per gal but that is mostly local driving. Buy one!