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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  Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By C hris - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Excellent fun to drive vehicle with a lot of punch for a Sedan under 25K. It took me nearly a year to finally decide what type of car I wanted to purchase, and I have loved every minute with my 6.

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  Awesome - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By stat721 - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I have driven a lot of cars and for 27000 dollars you cannot find a better car anywhere. The slick sporty look and the awesome handling only enhances the overall performance of the car. The car is great for every type of driving and would take it over a beemer any day.

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  Mazda3 5 door - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By fox - January 21 - 2:43 am

  The car has had zero problems in 50K miles. It is fun to drive and not a mushmobile like the competition. Great performance for the price! Smooth and quiet engine with a wide torque band. Standard transmission shifts great, precise and easy.

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  Great Small SUV! Very Useful and Fun to Drive!! - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By comet18 - January 20 - 10:04 pm

  Bottom Line Up Front: I bought my 2014 Soul Red Metallic Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring at the end of May and couldnt be happier with it! It looks great, drives wonderfully and is exceeding the advertised MPG ratings. We looked at the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Subaru Outback and Forester as well as the Mazda CX-5. Test drove them all several times. Comparing the safety ratings, fuel economy, cargo capacity, etc. the cars all come out fairly similarly. In my opinion, the main differentials were looks and driving style. The CX-5 is sleeker and much more fun to drive. It felt much more nimble and agile than the others and now its in my garage.

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  Only One Zoom - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By lennye - January 20 - 8:37 pm

  Though advertised as zoom-zoom, due to its weight is about 600 pounds heavier than my previous 2007 Mazda 3 sedan, I was only able to "zoom" but well aware of its speed is slower than the other 2 CUVs that Ive looked at, Outback and CR-V. The CR-V has the softest ride but subjectively I cannot deal w/ it on a daily basis. However, the interior design and features are the best. The Outback appears to be lower and I like the backup camera view located on the rear-view mirror, but I do not need AWD or its mileage penalty. The CX-5 is a good compromise and its my 4th Mazda. Other than slow, I like the weighted and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Love the price too w/ all the features.

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  Perfect for us! - 2013 Mazda Mazda5
  By constantinea - January 20 - 4:24 pm

  When my wife and I decided to replace our 2003 Jeep Liberty, we set some stringent criteria. We wanted a car that could seat our baby, our 4-yo, and an adult or two on occasion, when relatives visit. However, it also needed to be small enough to maneuver easily in and out of parking spaces in suburban malls or NYC, get at least 20-miles per gallon mixed, and be fun to drive even on windy roads. Its outside had to look appealing, and its inside had to handle abuse from the kids well. Finally, it had to cost less than $30,000 with all extras. Frankly, we did not think such a car existed...until we found the Mazda 5. Our Mazda has turned out to be everything we hoped it would be.

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  Excellent minivan - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By TDB - January 20 - 7:00 am

  Purchased this 04 about a month ago. Have put 2000 miles on with a recent 1000 mile trip. Good comfort for all 5 passengers. Averaged 23.5 mpg fully loaded with roof cargo carrier in place. This was at speeds between 70-75 mph in some headwinds on the return trip. A more refined van than our Grand Caravan; it does have a little less interior space. Excellent drivetrain and much better ride and interior noise levels. The fold into the floor rear seat is great.

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  BEST SPORTS CAR - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By CATHY - January 19 - 9:46 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive. Red Exterior with Tan Interior (leather) combination is fabulous. At red lights people always remark how Great Looking the car is. (I do keep it in fantastic condition) Anyway, if you want a roadster with a low sticker price THIS IS THE ONE. You wont regret it.

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  Lousy Gas Mileage - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By barbeehd - January 19 - 2:33 pm

  I traded my 2002 tribute, V6 for this car and am disappointed in the MPG. It is worse than my 2002 and is a 4 cyl. Its nice looking but I wanted better MPG than I am getting. I may trade it in sooner than later.

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  25K miles update - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By mokosh - January 18 - 4:42 pm

  After 25K miles of ownership I would still give it 3 out of 5 for comfort. Had a computer recall update, (high idling rpm) now its much better (visit your local dealer and let them update the computer and youll see the engine difference.) Still too low, new model is 3 higher. Good for commuting, sucks for long trips. Good mpg. Many useless buttons on a cd player. Rear seats dont have enough leg room. Still reliable. Sitting position not as high as other models. Just understand me right, suspension is perfect on a race track, but not very good on a daily basis - the way too firm. Good for the price, however I would take a look on corolla or civic if you prefer more comfortable ride.