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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  Like it a lot.. - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By ray - October 12 - 7:20 am

  It was between the 09 Honda pilot and the cx9 and for the price the cx9 won out. I would have spent over $40k to get the features in the cx9. It is really fun to drive, smooth, comfortable and quiet. Brakes really Nice and after 4 months without it being cleaned, I have very minimal brake dust. Havent had any problems so far. I had a durango before the cx9 so it does sit quite a bit lower.

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  Lots of fun - Lots of features! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jim - October 11 - 9:26 pm

  We shopped for a functional travel car - we had an 03 Sonata. We looked at Toyota Matrix, Vibe, CR-V, etc. Then we discovered this 6 bucket seat gem - 6 disk changer, auto air, moonroof for under 20 grand! 27+ on our first road trip. What more could you want!

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  Fun Hatchback & Save $$$ - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By ptchang - October 11 - 6:53 pm

  Very fun to drive; can whip around corners. Hatchback is very functional. Premium Bose audio sounds fantastic. Very happy I got the Grand Touring trim with all the little features. Best hatchback by Consumer Reports; better score than Audi A3 which costs about $10,000 more similarly equipped.

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  Best Car l have ever owned - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By bmystro - October 10 - 8:32 pm

  The Mazda 3 I have is hands down the best car I have ever owned. The design is great and with the connect system it makes driving on road trips so much better not having to mess with wires. The price is great and when you look at comparable features in cars like Mercedes and Audi this is just a awesome value. Proud to drive such a nice car!

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  Like Sports Car, but smoother, quieter - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By jody80918 - October 10 - 8:56 am

  The 2.3L is surprisingly peppy for the 3500 lb curb weight. Handles more like the sports car I traded in for it, just not as quick on takeoff, yet the ride is more like a luxury car, much quieter then the sports car was (still some road noise). Gas mileage could be improved. Electronic 4WD system seems capable after I ran it through mud & snow. Ground clearance is adequate to have some fun, but I would not risk damaging the sexy exterior look. I feel safe in this competent, comfortable, roomy compact SUV. Factory cargo space flooring materials could be upgraded, but serve the purpose.

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  Lots of car in a manageable package! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By hthomas - October 8 - 3:06 pm

  Was looking for a fun-to-drive, economical car for daily use and after research, narrowed it down to the VW GTI or the Mazda 3. The VW was more powerful, but the Mazda3 GT 5-door won me over due to its premium features and content, pricing, an engine that doesnt require premium unleaded (unlike the VW), and its comfort and handling. I have had the car for over two months now, and I havent regretted my decision one bit. I love my Mazda, and I love the fact that I got so many premium, luxury-level features in a small, nimble and efficient vehicle. The blue accent lighting in the interior is a nice touch, and the fit and finish seems to be great. Im very happy with my purchase.

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  Mazda CX-9 - NONE of the others compare. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Tom T. - October 8 - 2:56 am

  We test drove 8 other crossovers that appealed to us. It came down to the Acadia and the CX-9. Value, handling, comfort and pick-up were the deciding factor. None of the others could come close to the CX-9. This car is something else. Its primarily my wifes car but I drive it every chance I get. Ive been running a lot more errands, just to have an excuse to drive it. Thats how fun this car is to drive. Ive never had a car that turned so many heads, as well as gotten so many positive comments from perfect strangers. Handles like a sports-car, hauls like a minivan and looks like you paid $50k for it. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Hard To Let her Go - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By happygirl - October 7 - 5:30 pm

  November 2002, I purchased my 2002 Mazda Protege. I have had no problems. She stands at 86,700 miles. Interior great still looks like new. I love my car and it is the 2nd one I have purchased. I used to own a 1998 Mazda Protege manual drove her to 134,000 miles without changing the gear shift. June 2010, I was rear ended on the highway while my car was in motion. She ended up with 1,160 dollar worth of damage and still drives great. It is a bit nerve racking as the new cars seem to have lots of electrical problems. I thought about buying a new Mazda but a bit nervous with all the electrics. Cars are not made the way they use to be. So do I hold on to my baby?

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  Excellent sports sedan! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By JKP - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Had the car for a month now, and love it! Handles beautifully, holds five adults and their luggage, gets up and goes when you need it to. Love the looks - this car turns heads! I wanted a sports sedan for less than the $35k Id have had to find for the BMW 3 series, and Mazda provided one. As my husband and I are planning a family in the next year, we needed a safe car that can hold a stroller and all the other kid paraphenalia but I refused to settle for a boring car. This car covers both the mommy aspect of my future and the "heck, yes, I love driving" aspect!

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  Great family vehicle - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By bsavkur - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased a new LX MPV. We were sold on the handling, reliability, quadruple 5-star safety rating, sporty look and all the cool features at a very reasonable price (22k with rebate). We bought one with power sliding doors, roof rack, 4-seasons package, fog lights, rear step plate, side airbags and traction control. Got it at invoice price and $ 2000 rebate. We were turned off by the attitude of Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna salespeople, who demanded MSRP or more. Mazda salespeople were much more polite and helpful. Mazda needs to market this minivan a lot more.