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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  This my second one and I will get a thir - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By PhilPhil55 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  This a great car...more fun under 60 mph than any car I have ever driven which includes the Audi GT Coup...Porsche 944....BMW735iL...MB CLK320. The car can turn on a dime,keep its traction [except in very cold weather] and gets compliments anywhere I go.The price is a home run but the fun is too much to put into words.

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  Very Fun Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jerdawn282 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with this car so far. Great handling with good balance and sharp turn in. Ride is on the firm side, but soaks up bumps nicely and doesnt get upset by our bad SC roads. Im 63" and still have head room to spare and dont feel claustrophobic. Moved a desk and a bunch of boxes with no problems with the seat down. Car is solid, looks and feels more expensive than it is. I love the feel of the meaty steering wheel and seats are supportive. Maybe Im biased because I used to drive an eight year old Dodge Neon, and just about anything is better than that, but this is just a great car.

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  Check Engine Light - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Larry56 - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Mazda for 3 months. Aboutr 1 month ago the check engine light came on. I checked the gas cap and found it was loose. The light went out. About 3 weeks ago the light came back on. I took it to the mazda dealer and they said they fixed it. I got the car back and the light came on that night. I took it back to the dealer. They said it was a sensor and they had to order it. It sould be in next week. I hope this is the problem!

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  Smiley Face for a Reason - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Hanky-pooh - October 21 - 9:26 am

  1st off,Id like to applaude Mazda for having the balls to design a car that isnt a corporate cookie cutter boring mainstream offering to the 90% of boring humans that are the status-quo! I think the smiley-face grill is awesome and evokes a fun feeling to the car.Im from Chicago,but got a great deal from a dealer from Omaha and drove my Audi quattro to get it.On the way back with the 3,we literally drove thru a blizzard thru Des Moines and we passed many ditched suvs without a hitch!Also,after 7 hours the seats were incredible!If this car is even remotely reliable,Ill consider it the best purchase of all of my auto life...including several Benzs and Audis!Bravo.....go check it out..

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  Enjoying the zoom-zoom - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By jmason - October 21 - 6:13 am

  Weve had this car about 8 months (first 2008 out of the dealership) and have been very satisfied with it. Gas mileage is about what was estimated (actual- 22 city, 30 highway), which is good for a minivan. For a family of 4, each person gets their own seat with a huge trunk (rear seats down), with the option of ferrying a couple of friends around for short trips. For the price and value, I dont know why I dont see more on the road (although I see more in Canada). Only issue that I see so far is the front grille seems too low to the ground and I worry about hitting it on a concrete divider when parking in a public lot.

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  My Fun MX5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Stephen J. Miller - October 20 - 11:23 pm

  We have four cars. We own a 2003 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE, a 2006 Lexus GS300, a 2007 Lexus ES350 and the 2006 Mazda MX5. We bought this car recently as a "want" car, not a "need" car.At our stage of life, we wanted one car for pure fun. We looked at the Solstace and the Sky, but chose the Mazda based on writeups and past history of the superceded Miata. And, is it F U N ! We adore this car! I have been driving for 54 years, have owned 58 cars, and I have been a car afficiando since I was a little kid. I get all the car mags, so I have a very strong opinion about cars, and I and my wife Love this MX5! Sincerely, SZteve Miller

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  Great Car so far - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By grassshearking - October 19 - 11:03 pm

  I have about 500 miles on my 2013 CX9 AWD Grand Touring SUV. I wanted reliability, a good array of technical options, comfort, quite ride and seven seats. I looked over a variety of options - the GM suite of products (Enclave, Acadia, Traverse), Toyota Highlander, BMW X5 and Acura MDX. I added the CX9 to the list after seeing its consumer rated reliability index was a 92, higher than the Highlander. My decision came down to the Highlander and CX9. Did not trust the GM products, Acura MDX is too expensive, same with the X5. Compared to the Highlander Ltd, the CX9 GT has a better middle seat, better technical options, a better ride, and is a much better value. Paid $37k out the door for min

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  Turbo power! Excellent! Zoom Zoom! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Bruce - October 19 - 8:20 am

  My favorite feature is the turbo engine. Accelerating on the entrance ramp to merge onto the highway or turning the corner into traffic comes with such ease, and I feel like I barely have to hit the gas. This is something I grew so tired of with previous cars I owned...hitting the gas and feeling like I am going nowhere, and never going to get there. Passing semis and slow moving traffic is just so easy because once again I feel like I just zoom right past them. I guess it depends what youre used to, but the V4 turbo power blows away V6 engines I have driven previously. Additionally, this car handles well, and the height you drive at is great. I feel safe and in control. So much fun to drive!

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  Just got a Copper Red CX-9 Grand Touring - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By zoomzoomboy - October 18 - 9:40 pm

  Love this car for the value and ride. We stole this car for $100 above invoice armed with the Edmunds data. Bring it with you!! It really helps. We went to the dealer in Stamford and they treated us well. They were very friendly and we negotiated easily to get a great deal. I spoke with a John (?) who gave us a great test drive and wound up getting the car we wanted (copper red) in 2 days. We love the car and it has great room and safety features (we have four kids) so we are really happy and would buy a Mazda again no problem.

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  I love the Mazda 6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Susy - October 18 - 4:53 pm

  I love the Mazda 6; before this one i had a 1994 Mazda 626 and I also had a great experience. I would recommend everyone to get a Mazda. What I love the most about them is that they are economical when it comes to gas money. I also love the exterior of the cars. I hope that as the years go by they continue to improve the cars.