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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  great mini-suv - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By James W - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my second experience with purchasing a new car. The only bad experience I have had from beginning to the present is a pushy salesman from another Mazda company. We went elsewhere, found a nice and easy going guy and love our vehicle. It was well worth the money and besides average gas mileage, my wife and I plan on keeping this car as long as it runs.

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  Best In Class! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By Driver - August 4 - 11:06 am

  This is a fantastic vehicle. Im an engineer and very picky about what I drive. I drove all the competitors vehicles before buying. This is the bust CUV in its class. Mazda knows how to make great cars. Acceleration, ride, handling, interior space, standard features, and interior design are better than all the rest. Bose stereo sounds great and was a big selling point for me. Purchased new and just turned over 10k miles. I drive like its a race car and still get 18 MPG with AWD in the winter in MN. 22+ ave MPG highway at 75 mph. We also own a CX-7 and have had no trouble with either one. This is hands down the best auto Ive ever owned.

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  I love it! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By kc2007 - August 4 - 9:40 am

  I cant say enough about my Mazda3. I got everything I wanted in this car at a great price. I do agree with the prior comment about thin paint. Ive never had a car chip so much as this one. But I can live with that.

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  Oil Change Smell - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Nick Piyanto - August 4 - 8:43 am

  Great car, only thing every time I get an oil change, I get a horrible oil smell. I was told its because of the oil filter being so close to the engine pipe. This definitely should been a recall, since I am a great advertisement when my car is smoking right after an oil change during the hot summer months. It does eventually burn off after around 25-50 miles of driving. Makes the garage smell great after an oil change.

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  Dont believe all cons - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By aftrshck021 - August 4 - 3:43 am

  Most company reviews say if youre over 6 ft tall you will have no room in the 5. WRONG! I am 64" and have plenty of room to spare. With the steering wheel tilted up and the seat back I actually have to much room and still plenty of head room,I just wish the break pedal was slightly to the left more about an inch. I wear 14 wides. It doesnt get in the way it would just give more peace of mind of not getting caught on it. overall I recently just got it and my wife got a kia rondo. My Mazda is a lot more comfortable especially the headrests. being tall the angle of the kia headrests kills my neck

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  Mazda 6s Sedan blue - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tobias - August 4 - 1:20 am

  Compared to the Mazda MPV I used to drive, this is head and shoulders above that. The acceleration wont win you LeMans, but it is more than sufficient for daily driving needs. In order to get the side impact airbags that my parents so desperately desired, the purchase of the sports and entertainment package was necessary, including Bose sound system with in dash 6 CD changer mounted on and extremely sexy center panel, side skirts, moonroof, and spoiler. The only problem I have had are flat tires, which are extremely expensive to replace. I love the red glow of the instrument panel, and the ergonomics of the drivers side is just great.

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  Driving Is Fun Again - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By John - August 3 - 12:23 am

  I bought this car for two reasons: I drove a 1996 Protege that I treated me dearly and I recieve special pricing being a part of the Ford family. My only thought now every morning as I hop in my car is, "driving is fun again". I have never been more proud of a car, both in style and reliability. Theres nothing about this car I dont like.

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By RBOB24 - August 2 - 10:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE, THIS CAR HANDLES LIKE A SPORTS CAR. ITS QUICK OFF THE LINE AND ACCELERATES VERY SMOOTHLY. THE GAS MILEAGE IS GOOD, AND THE FIT AND FINISH IS SUPER.

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  A CAR TO DRIVE - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By YUNUS SAHIN - August 2 - 10:00 am

  THE car is beatiful forget all the things it has just the exterior look of the car draws the attention. interior with two diffrent colors is another nice piece of a rx8. not to talk to much this car is a car to drive

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  Mazdas continued rise to greatness!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By dpayton - August 2 - 10:00 am

  I was originally planning to purchase the new Mazda6 sedan, but when a local dealer got me behind the wheel of the Mazda3, I was hooked. Not only was this car sportier, but it handles better than the 6. It also offers a navigation system, and leather which is unheard of for this class of car (even the 6 didnt offer the navigation system). The engine loves to rev and is incredibly quiet. Ive caught myself almost red-lining the engine many times due to the quiet nature of the engine. The 3 also handles like a dream, taking corners with confidence and gives the driver the feeling of complete security even when pushing the car.