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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  Mazda 6 - Best bang for the buck - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By SAVVY Mark - May 4 - 2:00 am

  After spending hours on the internet, reading my favorite automotive magazines, and a couple of test drives, It was clear that the Mazda 6 (fully loaded) fit most of my requirements. Those being: performance over 200hp, good handling, stylish looks (external & internal), comfortable interior (leather), quality sound system (Bose), smooth transmission (automatic), and price. Now if price was not a factor I would have chosen the 2003 Infinity G35 coupe. A much more refined and sporty car, but for $15-$20K more and about 40- 60hp more it just wasnt worth paying the difference.

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  Stylish and fun - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By CarlM2 - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I had a 99 Miata with a few options and was very impressed with the great handling, fun driving, and reliability it offered. To date the 99 has never seen the dealership again. Times changed and I could afford the exact Miata I wanted, a midnight blue with leather and sport suspension. It looks awesome. It feels a little more stable in bumpy turns thanks to some chasis bracing that was added this year. There is no power difference from 99 to 01 or 02 models. However, I love the car and its many positive traits. The only negative is the driving position needs to be improved.

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  Zooms past Hyundai - 2013 Mazda Mazda3
  By myzoomer - April 30 - 7:55 am

  Recently purchased after trading in Hyundai Veloster. Like night vs. day, this fun vehicle is far superior to the Veloster. Acceleration, Handling, Comfort, Bluetooth, etc. cant be beat. This is my third Mazda and it was a mistake to think that Hyundai could be anywhere near as good as a Mazda. Zoom Zoom

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  Excellent mechanically, terrible electronics. - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By kardell - April 30 - 5:21 am

  After six months and 6000 miles we still really like the vehicle. The AWD handles mountain roads and snow storms superbly. The manual control, of the auto transmission, is the best I have used, - smooth, no jerks, which is necessary for downshifting on icy, steep roads. The electronics, navigation and Bluetooth, are, at best, antiquated and inadequate. The HVAC works, but, when the cabin is hot, you must manually turn up the fan control to max. The Cruise switches are dangerous with Cancel and Resume being next to each other, and the Resume the easiest to hit. Mileage is as represented.

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  Friday afternoon car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Allen G - April 29 - 10:10 pm

  Purchased brand new. Looked great, sporty, fun to drive, typical great Mazda clutch. However, I feel my car was built on a Monday morning or Friday afternoon, I had nothing but problems with it in the year & a half I owned it. Pieces of trim falling off, just about every sensor/idiot light would come, check engine, air bag, etc. needing a trip to the dealership. One time it would not start and had to be towed to the dealership, luckily it was in my driveway at the time. I was very fortunate that the dealership/Mazda had a loaner car program, which I needed on several occasions, otherwise those expenses would have added up, but I still had to take time off for drop off/pickup.

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  Mazda3 i Leaves Little to be Desired - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ryan B - April 29 - 2:10 am

  Just recently purchased a brand new M3iT, and I must say, I have only one thing that wish was different with the car - a remote trunk release on the fob. Handling is amazing, with the independent rear end, and the variable power assist steering never has it been so fun to make to U-turns! The 2.0 is quick and responsive even when paired with the AT. The auto stick makes normal runs to the store much more enjoyable, and the trunk is very spacious whatever you may have (60/40 rear seat too). The front seats are adjustable in a few ways. The lumbar support, height, reclining, and the telescopic steering wheel makes sure your comfortable in any position.

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  Great little car! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By dsjones - April 28 - 10:34 pm

  I bought my car used. Have owned it for two years. It is fun to drive. Stiff suspension so expect it to feel every bump on the road. It feels as smooth as butter on smooth roads and the road noise isnt that bad. The A/C is strong in the warmer months as well as the heat for winter. I dont like the black interior. It is very hot, even in the winter. I have had to turn on my A/C in the winter to cool the car down. Not good car to drive in Maine winters when snow begins to accumulate. Too low, at least for me. I love my car but need to give it up for small SUV that can handle the deeper snow that I drive in. In general, you will not be disappointed if you own this car.

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  CX-7 - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By rsstls - April 28 - 11:00 am

  Recently purchased. Rides and handles very well. Recent gas mileage was 22.5 MPG which was better than expected. Pick up is excellent.

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  Mazda RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By James J. Smith - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Great style, great handling, poor low end torque, poor horsepower, needs a turbo.

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  Most Fun Car I Have Ever Driven. - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Chukurbaaz143 - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Fun to Drive and to look at! Great handling and superb design.