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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  Best truck I own - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By C. Clay-Van FArm - July 12 - 11:50 am

  This truck is a very reliable truck it has a good suspension for hauling trailers around the farm it handles very well at highway speeds and the only thing I would do to it is to add a larger rear end in it so that the motor doesnt have to strain so much when we are pulling hay wagons out of the fields and this has a very good leaf springs in it because we have hauled a 1500 lb. Safe home from 100 miles away and it didnt break anything

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  excellent car so far at 3000 miles - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By John - July 11 - 8:26 pm

  Sporty yet sophisticated enough for that 25-35 age range. Great interior room in front seat, back seat, and trunk (in the hatchback). Gas mileage is good, I get about 32 hwy and 25 city with the 5 speed 4 cylinder hatchback. Loaded with safety features (side curtains included). 4 year 50k warranty instead of normal 3 year 36K.

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  Look who has stepped up their game! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By jimsrod - July 11 - 5:23 am

  Best in class! My wife has an Altima 3.5 SE CVT Coupe with all options. I wanted a car with all the same features but in a sedan that has more style than all the others in its class. The Mazda 6s GT does it all with style. I bought a 1st gen Mazda 6s in 2003, which was a decent car for the price. It wasnt better than others in its class back then. The new 6 is a far superior car. Mazda engineers really hit the mark with it. I was looking at the next step up in class (Maxima or G37) for style, tech pkg, refinement. The 6 matches them and for way less money. Test them all - Fusion, Malibu, Accord, Camry, Altima. Its awesome and performs like my 04 A6 2.7T I just sold ONLY BETTER

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  Motor to rotor - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By motor2rotor - July 10 - 5:40 pm

  Like a lot of other people, I was afraid of the rotary. It is so much different than anything on the road. That difference is what scared me, but that was till I drove one. I fell in love with this car in the first minute behind the wheel. It does have some dos and donts but what car doesnt. A pure sports car at this price is almost to good to be true. It is a high maintenance car so if you want to race stop light to stop light go buy a Honda! If you want a perfectly balanced extension of your thoughts to the road buy a RX8!

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  Lilttle Bit Of everything - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By CJ Boothe - July 10 - 3:50 am

  Ive had a Mazda Protege5 for 6 yrs with virtually no problems. Wanted a bigger, roomier, smoother car with all the nicies hence the Mazda5. Great interior room, very roomy rear captains sets, tight but usable 3rd row, leather heated seats, heated mirrors, moonroof, sport tip-tronic auto trans, fog lights, Incredible Xenon headlights, flawless bluetooth for handsfree phone calls, auto rain sensing wipers, Rear sliding doors, traction control and Dynamic Stability control now added. Excellent features all around in the GT version for 21 grand. After 6 wks mixed driving getting 28 mpg

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  Bought the Sport - great deal for the money - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By peter_davids - July 10 - 2:49 am

  I love the cars looks. I named my car "Big Red" after a former neighbor, a zaftig redhead. I love the great mileage - right now avg = 33.5, but Ive done better. I got the auto trans and the rear view camera and the fog lights - all of which I am happy with.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By mbelfatto - July 9 - 11:44 pm

  I have had my 2010 Mazda 3s for about 18 months now and overall Im quite satisfied with some draw backs. I decided to spend a little bit extra money and upgrade from the iTouring to the Sport sedan. I think that the Mazda interior is very stylish and great quality. There are a lot of amenities packed into that little tiny car. The car has great pick up especially when you stomp on the throttle in third gear, you can really feel the torque.

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  CX-9 AWD Grand Touring AWESOME! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By luv2nou2 - July 9 - 10:13 am

  So far everything is fantastic. Quality and fit and finish of the grand touring is amazing! 20" Wheels, Wood/metal interior trim and blue interior glow at night is amazing. Love the gauges and colors at night (like some futuristic automobile). Mazda did some nice stuff in this vehicle. Hands free voice activated phone and navi system. Two tone heated leather seating. Fuel economy not bad for this size vehicle (about 18 mpg). Sound system sounds terrific. So far a lot of heads turning and people asking if "Is that really a Mazda?" LOL

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  Easily the best small wagon - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Jello Anderson - July 9 - 7:03 am

  My white 5 is a manual with the 6 disc changer. This is a wonderful city car due to the excellent handling and the quick acceleration from 0-40, though at about 40 the acceleration slows considerably, making highway driving a bit boring. The gas mileage is a little disappointing, but still ranks considerably high. The sound system performs quite well without skips and sounds great. The rear cargo area is lit only by a side light, which makes a flashlight necessary to really find anything at night. The tires hydroplane very easily, but this almost never results in any fish-tailing. I have had a few minor problems with the headlights. Overall, this is a great, ultra-reliable car.

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  Zoom Zoom, indeed! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Michigan_guy - July 9 - 4:46 am

  Ive owned an 89 Toyota Tercel, an 02 Chevy Prism and now the Mazda. Love. It. Its got a lot longer gear ratio than most 4-cylinder cars and at highway speeds can very capably accelerate past everyone else whos not having as much fun in their car. The interior has an excellent design, the exterior looks fluid and lean and all of the mechanics seem above average on dependability and ergonomics. I might never buy a different car.