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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  Fantastic Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By akovett - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. I had read the great reviews it had received and stopped in at the local dealer to get some info. The new sport wagon caught my eye first (driven mini-vans for 18 yrs) but it was the 5Dr Sport Sedan that got my attention. After the test drive I did not need to look anywhere else. The car looks great in Volcanic Red. It is unique enought that I dont see myself coming and going all the time. It handles and rides great. I am 63" and fit comfortable. I took my daughter back to school and everything I had brought home last spring (in the van) fit in the car for one trip. I love this car.

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  My favorite vehicle - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By ccwinslow - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Drove it 700 miles in heavy, fast-moving Labor Day weekend traffic and it performed beautifully. Road- hugging, extremely responsive, excellent braking. The car feels solid. Seats are very comfortable. The A/C worked well, controls are different but are easy to learn/find. Theres plenty of cargo room for luggage and dogs. I love the dual- position barrier net! Best of all, as I passed a sleek Z4 and my 15- year-old daughter in the front passenger seat turned to admire it, she noticed that the Z4s passengers were pointing and staring at OUR car!

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  Zoom-Zoom It Is - 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By fastlane123 - August 9 - 4:32 am

  Ive owned a 2004 Nissan 350Z Grand Touring model and from the experience of driving that car for 6 years, I can definitely say that this 2012 Mazdaspeed3 is nearly as excellent as the Z when it comes to cornering at high speed and 0-60 mph time; simply a superb machine. The best time Ive ever gotten from this car when going from 0-60 mph was 5.4 sec at San Antonio Raceway, Texas. As a hatchback, 5 doors and contains 5 seats, by performance, it is not too far off from my Nissan 350Z with the time of 5.1 sec. I am very impressed how the turbo makes no lag and shows consistency throughout every hard push of the gas pedal. Just dont take my opinion alone, drive one for yourself & youll see.

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  Rotor head; GT 6mt - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By timqua - August 9 - 1:43 am

  I bought this car January 2005, getting a 2004 model which saved me 1k. It is a joy to drive based on shifting, cornering, speed at mid to high range RPMs, responsiveness and agility. Gas mileage is poor and range is sad. I filled the 15 gallon tank about every 1.5 weeks, until I parked it and use it only for joyrides. I replace about 1/8 quart of oil every other tank fill-up. Engine flashes were all performed without difficulty, I experience rough idling and occasionally idles to a stop if not allowed to warm well before driving. A rear taillight was replaced for condensation. Ive had zero mechanical or engine problems in 4 years. Truly a joy to drive.

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  Solid Near Luxury Contender - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Byeh - August 8 - 12:57 pm

  We recently picked up a 2016 signature and this car is nearly perfect for our needs. We already own a 2014 Mazda3 and bought this to replace a 2009 RX350. We cross shopped this car with the 2016 RX350. While the fit and finish on the new RX is undeniably excellent, the major problems with it are 1) the infotainment system requires extraordinary precision/attention and thus is extremely distracting/dangerous to use while driving and 2) the rear cargo area has a higher load floor and less cargo space than the 2nd or 3rd gen RXs. MSRP on the signature model I got is $45,215 and I paid $43,800 excluding taxes, fees, and registration. A comparably equipped RX350 would retail for $10K more easy. Ill be the first to say that the CX-9 loses out if youre looking for the most utilitarian vehicle with maximum cargo capacity. Its smaller interior volume (mostly due to height) mean it doesnt have the biggest cargo capacity (some 30 cubes less than the Pilot). That said, the super long wheel base and overall length provide solid leg room in all three rows and the interior is more than comfortable for adults. It just wont be as airy as some when it comes to headroom. But what it lacks in utilitarianism it makes up for in spades through superior driving dynamics, solid execution of tech, and premium design. I find this Signature trim far more luxurious than the top trims of any of its direct competitors and even more attractive than MDX or QX60. To me the ideal buyer of the Signature trim of this vehicle is someone that wants a 3 row near luxury SUV but doesnt want to pay luxury prices or, as was my case, simply found the alternatives unappealing. We recently completed a 937 mile round trim from SF to LA and average 24.2 mpg with radar cruise set to 74 mph most of the way. Per Mazda, when pushed hard, the turbo 4 will underperform EPA ratings but when driven conservatively, it outperforms those same ratings. That note is consistent with our observed mpg. Onto the pros and cons: Cons: Front side air vents point too far out and dont direct airflow towards front passengers effectively. Very narrow 2nd row middle seat (outboard seatbelt buckles are almost blocked by a rear facing Britax convertible car seat) No ventilated front seats (would have been nice given hot CA summers) No panoramic moon roof No live traffic integration in the nav app. Live traffic is viewed in a separate view and is only shown on a macro map. No Android Auto or Apple Car Play Pros: Power out of the turbo 4 is very competent. Anyone who balks at the 227 hp rating on regular octane clearly hasnt test driven it or experienced the 310 lb ft of torque that comes on at 2000 rpm. Nappa leather seats are super comfortable Deep cargo loading area with 3rd row folded Heads up display very crisp and bright with a ton of info (lane departure, lane keep, radar cruise, nav with lane guidance, tach, speed, gear, blind spot monitoring). Radar cruise maintains distance and accounts for lane changes and merging traffic decently well. It can be heavy on the brakes when coming up on slowing traffic. That said, the system anticipates cars moving faster than you that merge close to you and wont brake in those situations. Lane departure and keep assist only intervene when necessary and only correct enough to guide you back. Smart City Braking not overly aggressive as some reviewers have indicated (braking earlier avoids unexpected intervention and also conserves brake life). Ive never had it activate on me. Blind spot actually beeps when a car is detected and you have your signal on (most competitors only have side mirror indicator lights) Styling is the most attractive/luxurious in segment Infotainment system and controls are very intuitive with low learning curve Suspension absorbs road imperfections well yet offers minimal body roll in corners Very quiet ride on par with RX350 and MDX Fully independent rear HVAC zone works very well and even includes upper and lower air ducts/flow control and auto setting Ambient lighting (flood up front, front door pulls, all door pockets, center console) adds a luxurious ambiance. LED headlights are bright and have a very even distribution and clean cutoff. Auto high beams are also incredibly precise, turning off automatically even when theres only one car way off in the distance on either side of a split freeway.

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  cheap thrills - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Isenbergh - August 6 - 4:23 pm

  I was looking for a small wagon, but what sold me on this car was how much more fun it was to drive than its competitors (Subaru, Scion, Toyota). Steering, braking, throttle response and shifting remind me of a good sports car. I replaced the stock tires with Toyo TS-1 ultra performance ones and the handling got even better. Otherwise the car seems solid but unspectacular: engine is smooth, linear and quick, but no scorcher; ride is quite firm; seats are sturdy & supportive, but plain; fit, finish & ergonomic design are very good. Audio and AC good for economy class. Rear seats tight but serviceable. Cargo area adequate for a big dog. Highway mileage 35 at 65mph. Nice dash.

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  In it for the looks - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Florida - August 6 - 3:20 am

  I wanted to own a great looking sports car at least once before I was too old and would look silly in one. I had been a committed Accord owner for 20 years (cannot say enough about their great reliability.) But I love the way the RX 8 looks and I get compliments on it. It is fun to drive, but that blast off that I got on acceleration, which really sold me on this car, was lost after taking it to the dealer in response to some recall notice a couple years ago. They adjusted something and it was never the same. Anytime I go to the dealer for odd noises, the only thing they do is say its my fault because I used regular grade gas. Car was recently idling with loud vibration. Coils! only 28K mi

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  RX-8: Get one - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Stercus - August 5 - 9:46 pm

  Owning rotary requires some minor effort on the owners part, but the pay-off is worth it. This car drives like it is on rails. It does lack torque, but the top end performance is there once you wind it up. The rev limiter doesnt kick in until 9.5k so there is plenty of room to do just that.

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  2002 Mazda Mellinia S - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By vijaykumar - August 5 - 9:33 pm

  I bought the car new in 2002 & still have it with 75000.00 miles. It is a wonderful car with beautiful a design. I have had no problems at all with this car . Although newer cars have a lot more gadgets , I am satisfied with what i have . It has a good power & the gas mile is OK for the amount of driving i do.Because of this car I will definitely consider a Mazda if I decide to buy another vehicle although a hatch would make more sense.

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  great car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By tony s nazir - August 5 - 2:00 am

  look good and handling is excelent. good price for car.