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 bang for the buck - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Dave - February 24 - 6:43 pm

  Researched the CX-7 heavily. Upon reading the reviews and test driving this SUV, I was very impressed. The lease on the Murano SE was up, and I got the Touring AWD with Bose, leather, moonroof, & foglights. Compared to the Murano SE, the CX-7 is much quicker, faster and more responsive than the Murano. The Murano is much heavier, and you need to floor it because of the CVT. The same features on the Murano, will cost you at least $36k. I have received a lot of compliments on the CX-7 and many people are amazed at the improvements Mazda have made in a lot of their cars & SUVs. Overall this is my first Mazda, like the commercial says, "zoom zoom, zoom"!

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  Fun at a price (gas hungry) - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By MedicineMan - February 24 - 4:53 am

  This car is powered by the RENESIS rotary engine. Rotary engines by design use oil, which is not a problem if you dont mind checking the oil every 2-3 gas fill ups. I get 15-17 mpg in town with a smile on my face every time. This is a unique car with unique needs but well worth every quart of oil or minutes warming up the engine to prevent flooding. I have never had a problem with my car and I am at 12,000 miles.

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  Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By cbw wilson - February 23 - 8:30 pm

  I love it. The 2.3 has plenty of power and it handles great. I average around 29 miles per gallon in mixed driving with the air on. The trunk is large for a car this size and has plenty of room. Im 63" and have room and someone still can sit behind me. The only drawback is there is no 12 volt outlet. I have to use the cigarette lighter and it shuts off with the car.

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  My first one - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By 1st time buyer - February 23 - 4:50 am

  I purchased this MX-5 barely used with 11900 miles. I have had a blast with this car driving through the mountains and back roads. Handling is impeccable and crisp. Power is more that adequate and braking is fantastic. It is snug bit comfortable once in the cock pit. Shifting is sweet with its close ratio gears. Very smooth operation on both highway and back road driving. This is the first manual transmission Ive driven in aprox 20 years and it was like riding a bicycle. Mpg has been 34 highway and 27 city. It is noisy with the top up but drop the top and you forget about any noise except the exhaust growl. Great car.

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  Way more interesting than the others - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By lesliej - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Before buying this car I test drove EVERYTHING in similar classes- it took me a year to buy a new car. This was the most functional and fun to drive car of them all. The year that Ive had the car has confirmed my initial impression & Im very happy with my purchase. The suspension is tight which gives it a rougher ride than others but as a result it handles way better. Good drivers car with great visibility and manouverability. No mechanical problems.

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  Zippy 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tostadoesq - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my new car. It has all the features of a luxury car, yet it comes in a small package (easy to park)and at a reasonable price. The navigation is great, and the utility of the hatchback comes in handy.

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  too fast too furious - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sal bumpensaro - February 23 - 2:00 am

  awsome ride. awesome speed. out of the box performance that rivials all of the tricked out street racers. its got big rims, low profile tires, a fast engine and tons of features.

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  Susies6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By bikemanksks - February 23 - 2:00 am

  My wife picked this car out at an auto show because of its looks, but what a treat to drive. It seems there is the soul of a sports car in this thing! The engine is an absolute jewel, the gearbox delightful, the brakes linear and responsive and the handling excellent. The small steering wheel and quick steering are a nice touch. The interior is a pleasant mix of sport and comfort with great fit and finish - surprising considering this is considered a base model!

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  Mazda M5 - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Laura Bromme - February 22 - 6:56 pm

  Have owned the Audi TT convertible and this is equally comparable at half the price. Fun design which separates you from all the other Miatas.

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  Looks like it is going 100mph at a stop - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Rex8it - February 22 - 8:30 am

  This is a great car! The power of this car is amazing when the revs are high. Over all i havnt had it into service at all. I change the oil myself and have run octane boost through it once to clean it out and it has been nothing but reliable. The paint does seem to chip easy though which stinks since the look is my favorite part of the car. The gas mileage could be better.