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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  A Great Value! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cameron - December 1 - 2:03 am

  For the money, this car was a great purchase. I added a spoiler and tinted the windows, and I have a nice little sports car for less than 19k. Its attractive, fun, roomy, and very practical. I only wish the gas mileage would be a little higher, but I guess Mazda didnt want to compromise the horsepower. Im surprised they didnt add a remote trunk opener to the keyless entry, a minor annoyance, but the other positives like 17" alloys, steering wheel radio controls, outside temp, moonroof, and fog lamps more than make up for anything its lacking. Mazda did a VERY good job designing this car, and its an unbeatable buy. Id highly recommend this car to anyone!

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  A overall great suv. - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By sportsphil - December 1 - 1:57 am

  Well lets start with the fact that i went from a 2006 BMW x5 to my 2014 cx9. The X5 was great for what it was. The CX9 is better for what i wanted. The CX9 is much comfier. It is adequately fast and adequately nimble. The X5 was way faster, more nimble and could break alot better. But its ride was extremely uncomfortable owing to all the sportiness of the vehicle. I enjoy the cheaper gas and the better mileage in the cx9. I enjoy the quiet comfy ride that is light years beyond my x5. The navigation in the CX9 does realtime traffic (with no subscription)... which i didnt expect or maybe that was something the dealer got for me since i got it as an add on. 4000 miles, so far so good

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  PR5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Pat - November 30 - 7:10 pm

  This thing really handles well for a inexpensive car. Power is a little less than what I hoped for, but it has potential (cold air intake, cat back exhaust) to be a zippy little toy.

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  Redefining the Economy Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By takeaphoto - November 30 - 5:13 pm

  After close to two years on the car hunt, I finally settled upon purchasing a used Mazda3. I discovered a great deal on a five-door model about 200 miles from home and had to get it. I love everything about my Mazda3 hatchback. It has a remarkably sleek look that doesnt appear to busy in styling. The five-door model has plenty of room for all my tennis gear, as well as my friends and their stuff. The interior is very well designed and ergonomic. The glove box and console are very useful in terms of storage and convenience. The 17" alloy wheels look incredible, and I cant help but wonder how anybody could choose another economy car. It is fun to drive and quite reliable. Great mpg, too!

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  Wasnt on my radar screen - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Scott - November 30 - 9:16 am

  I was looking for a Honda, as Ive had several over the years. I stopped by this dealership because he was a friend of mind. Frankly, I had forgotten he sold Mazdas (hes primarily a VW and Audi dealer). To be neighborly, I took a test drive and loved the way it drove. He had a silver one in his show room and I thought it looked great and had much better features than the cars I was looking at (Civic, Fit, etc.). I like the peppier engine and how sporty it is.

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  2008 mazda cx9 Grand touring awd - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By tcm - November 27 - 11:03 pm

  Dont do it. This car was fine for the first 18,000 miles. But now it has all kinds of electrical problems. TCS light, BCM light, engine coolant light all flash on and off. First time was told it was brake booster, 2nd time same thing, they replaced BCM module, 3rd time, there still working on it. Horn stopped working, since been fixed but now has been beeping for no reason. Doors wouldnt lock or unlock. Faulty wiring. Keeps getting worse.

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  Really Great - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Dan - November 27 - 6:36 pm

  No problems in 21000 miles. Acceleration, conering, turning radius, all really good. A very easy handling vehicle with good vision. Mileage, 20 city, 27 interstate at 70 mph. Other than noisy tires I love it.

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  never buy a tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Angel Pereira - November 27 - 12:50 pm

  I had just bought my 2002 tribute 4 weeks ago and it started losing power and this past Saturday it cot on firer totaled the vehicle luckly everyone got out ok had pregnant daughter 4 year old grandson and would of had my 9 month old granddaughter thank god her mother got off work early that day now stuck with no money no transportion and lots of head aches come to fined out its a manufactory defect

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  Most fun I have ever had driving 500 mi. - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By Tryce - November 26 - 8:50 pm

  Been waiting for this car since it came out in 04. Reliability issues always made me stay away and it seems Mazda has fixed most of those, so I decided to take the dive when I found one for a great deal in the color and model I wanted. Black R3. Best car I have ever driven, and I have driven a BMW M3. Dont get me wrong, it is nowhere as fast but the handling is superb. When you are on a curve that is posted for 35 and you are going 70 with no hint of body roll, that is awesome handling. I do not encourage breaking the law, btw. Low end torque bad, but once you get into the high rpm in 3rd gear, it feels like a turbo kicks in. Awesome car, not sure on reliability yet, though.

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  Would not buy again - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Halfaford - November 26 - 12:30 pm

  Replaced the turbo after 16,000 miles & brake rotors cut down at 17,000. All covered under warranty but still shouldnt happen. Gas mileage is TERRIBLE. As long as the turbo doesnt kick in (which w/the 4 cyl. it always does) Im getting 12.5 MPG. This is NOT a car for aggressive drivers! Doesnt handle well on corners, lots of roll. With Premium gas only, I spend $400+ a month just driving to work. (6 days at 70 MPD)Trading it in after a year!