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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  Fun, But Missing Something - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By tlxxtl - August 2 - 2:27 am

  Ok, I read all of the reviews on all of the RAV4, CRV, Rogue and Escape and I purchased a CX-5 Why? MY wife liked it best, I loved the Escape but it had to much stuff! 15000 commands and I could not program a command, Hmmm. Rav4 just felt old and did the CRV. The Rogue simply was the victim of its own delays and timing, Nissan kept delaying shipments to sell off remaining 2013s so We could not drive and compare a 2014 to the CX-5. Back to the CX-5, 2014 GT runs like it was stolen with the peppy 2.5L and CVT, inside the reviewers got it mostly correct. The NAV is the best once you get past its slow speed. P.S. Forester Boring yet capable if you stay awake.

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  Honda and Toyota look out - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By colt933 - August 2 - 1:33 am

  We bought the P5 new for my wife. She drove a 94 Miata daily for years so this Mazda was a no-brainer. Still have the Miata. This is the most reliable car I have ever owned including 3 Hondas, except for maybe the Miata. The only items that have failed and needed replacement are the O2 sensor, starting battery, and a window regulator. I do all maintenance myself - which is minimal. Ive put synthetic oil in since the first oil change. At over 100k miles the brakes still have 40% life and the clutch is still strong. It doesnt need new shocks/struts either. We typically get 32-34mpg on the highway. It is starting to use some oil - but weve had it for 7 years!

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  What a great CUV - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Jb - August 2 - 1:00 am

  We bought this vehicle for my wife, she was looking for a spacious crossover to upgrade from her VW Passat for our 2 active boys. We looked at the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, and Mazda CX-7. The Edge was just boring to drive, the Murano was our second fav pick, but too pricey and significantly smaller. We were most surprised though about the difference between the CX-7 & the 9. The fit and finish of the 9 seemed significantly better than the 7. Both are fun to drive, the 7 has serious zoom-zoom, but for a bigger vehicle, the 9 does as well. For overall look and utility, the 9 was the hands down winner for us.

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  Impressive Car! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By JB - August 1 - 1:20 am

  Ive come back from a long trip. I drove over 800 miles in just two days on the highway. MPG is 29.8 (impressive), very reliable, strong, solid, quiet, powerful, fun to drive, nimble handling, fuel economy is amazing!!! (29.8 MPG, but, gas tank is a little bit small). Pretty big interior cargo space. I confidently recommend this Mazda 5 to everyone. Thanks Mazda.

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  Awesome car. - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Devin - July 30 - 4:00 am

  This is my first car, and as such I am simply glad to have one, but I have fallen in love with pretty much every aspect of the car. It has very good handling and a fairly peppy engine, although it is not a Corvette by any means. The aesthetics are very high quality and good looking both inside and out. Mine came with a 4 speaker audio system, but for a 4 speaker, the sound output is very high quality with rumbling bass and clear trebles. The only gripe I have is that power windows/door locks are only available in higher trim levels costing almost $3000 more. I have also had to replace the gas cap, but apparently this has been redesigned and will not get stuck as my old one did.

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  What a GREAT car!! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By cristina - July 29 - 3:56 pm

  I shopped around for over 2 months and drove the Jeep Liberty, Honda CRV, Toyota Highlander, Chevy Equinox, and Ford Edge and Escape to name a few. I am so happy with my Mazda SUV. It drives beautifully, its Japanese, the interior is beautiful the leather is very nice and the drive is better than any vehicle mentioned above. The drive is smooth and quiet and I was very worried to downgrade from my Mercedes GL 450 (spoiled) and thought that I would not find a nice but better priced vehicle.

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  First Mazda, or Japanese car for that matter. - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By chriskojali - July 29 - 1:38 pm

  Im a performance guy...I dont care about horsepower but driving dynamics mean everything to me. My last 10 cars have been several M3s, a couple Audis, and a GTI. The easy choice wouldve been another GTI and I would be quite content. But I took a chance on the Speed3 and Im ecstatic I did. This car has excellent handling and the monster torque steer (hard to handle under hard acceleration) is kind of endearing...you know you need to pay attention when you press the GO! pedal. Im not a fan of the interior, especially when compared to an Audi, but it works and is growing on me. The styling is a bit out there but its growing on me too. You wont see yourself coming down the road.

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  P5 is a good deal for your money - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By beastprincess - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Performance is good for a 130hp. A solid car. Interior Dash done well. Easy to use, see and looks appealing. An inexpensive car to buy and with the additions, you feel like you are in an expensive car. Overall, worth the money!

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  Fun! Fun! Fun! - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By carmagreader - July 28 - 6:03 pm

  This car is a blast to drive, period! Its light, responsive, quick, and boy, does it corner! I test drove 4 on 3 occasions trying to decide which model. I got the GT PRHT in silver w/ black leather. Not my first choice by far in the beginning, but became my favorite by the end. Personally, the tan interior which was my 1st choice, kept looking cheaper the more I saw it. The black looks sharp and richer although it gets hot fast. I replaced a Ford Expedition with this, and good riddance! Im done with big cars. If I need one, Ill rent it. I have so much fun driving the MX-5. Top up, down, tight, no room to move inside, noisy, bouncy, its all good! Its even a bit throaty on the exhaust!

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  2005 Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By TLE - July 28 - 4:50 pm

  Exterior of car is nice. Seals on all doors are inadequate, water enters the door wells when washed or it rains. Passenger door lock mechanism was incorrectly installed. Dashboard accessories are cheap looking. So far the car is running well. Only have 2300 miles. First time owner of a Mazda.