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 Car For the Money - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By mung35 - June 4 - 9:00 am

  After having gone 1500 miles in the last month in this car, Ive come to know it fairly well. It has a lot of zip and performs great in all conditions. Awesome cornering and acceleration, great build quality and everything feels like it was made from premium materials. With that said, it has a few quirks. Clutch makes a strange noise when engaged below 1500 rpm. Also, fabric of the seats charges up your clothes and you so that the car shocks you everytime you reach for the door. Gas mileage isnt up to par with the Honda/Toyota counterparts; however those two lack the zip necessary to make a car fun. Being a previous Civic owner, I can vouch.

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  AWESOME! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By BADDOG - June 4 - 6:36 am

  My bride and I just bought this today, and what a roadster! Tons and tons better than the 1976 Triumph Spitfire I drove in high school. Handling and the top down experience are all above reproach. Plan to keep this car for a least 10 years plus and use it as a third car.

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  Performance and practical - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bill - June 3 - 2:23 am

  Had searched for a car with utility that didnt sacrifice performance and looked good.The 6s Sportwagon is a great do all car. Handles great, good performance from the 220 hp V6 and has a ton of room and nicely thought out convenience features. The quality of materials is excellent (although the interior door pull is a bit cheap feeling, hard plastic). I have the heated leather seats which are supportive with just the right amount of side bolsters. Nice, modern layout of gauges, quality and stylish. Will tell more after 12K miles as far as long term driving. Looked at Honda (Accord and new Civic), Nissan (Altima) as well as the Impala. This car stands out.

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  Best small car in its class. - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Reggie - June 2 - 6:33 pm

  This is a very fun car to drive. My wife and I was looking for a small car for our daughter to drive to school thats very safe. I was looking at the Honda Civic and the Chevy Cobalt only because it had OnStar in it. My daughter likes the Mazda3; I must say Im glad she did, cause I love this car too. I may buy one for me.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ryan - June 2 - 10:00 am

  Out of college was on a budget of 15k. Bought a 2006 Mazda 3 with 45k miles on it for 12k, 14k after financing and taxes. Bought the 2.3 version, and it has been an excellent car. Great pick up for a 4 cyl. Handling is amazing, easily equals the maxima i had to trade in. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired (i average about 25). leather is fake feeling, but hey, heated leather for a 14k car isnt bad. on board GPS is ok but outdated. Bose sound system is nice but not as good as i expected (again 14k). sun roof is a nice touch. lacks torque to put you back in your seat. if you are a looking for a great, reliable, go-kart like car to drive for under 16k, look for used mazda3.

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  Unique and fun to drive - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By New to Mazda - May 31 - 12:16 pm

  We have had our 5 since February and stumbled upon it accidentally after driving Hondas and Acuras forever! The CRV felt too big, the Acura RSX was too pricey, but the Mazda 5 was just right! Smooth ride, easy to maneuver, great sound system, good gas mileage and very comfortable. Havent had a minutes regret even when next to the CRV and Acura on the road. Thought it would pain my heart, but I LOVE this car. Way to go, Mazda!

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  Zoom Zoom is the real deal! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Geoff C. - May 30 - 4:50 pm

  Ive driven an SUV for the past 20 years. This car is unlike any of them. I traded in a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a car with better gas mileage and more space for my family. I spend more than 2 hours in my car commuting every day, and I love my drive time in this car. It is a dream to drive. The seats are terrific, firm and supportive. The interior is sharp and well done, not cheap and plastic like many American made models Ive driven. The third row seating is extremely easy to access and the amount of space to get in is more than any other car with a third row. I was skeptical about zoom zoom, but this car made me a believer. Its handling and feel are unlike any SUV. It rocks.

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  FUN TO DRIVE!!! - 2012 Mazda Mazda6
  By alainp - May 30 - 10:39 am

  Ive had so many cars and I can say for sure that: if youre looking for a mid-size sedan for a good price, fun to drive, comfortable and sporty looking, dont look any further, the Mazda6 is the answer!

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  Excellent Mid Size Crossover - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Bacardi - May 30 - 9:43 am

  Gas mileage is about 17. Although I would like it to be better, cant find another veh w/same features that can beat it. Safety features awesome and major reason I purchased this veh. AWD & braking abilities prevented an accident when I was cut off by large semi in a downpour! Great value of features for price. My 3 kids 14, 11, 9 all very comfortable in it and I can put all their sports gear in the back. Nav system is awesome with big screen. Love music system but wish I had gotten Sirius too. Love my car!

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  Simply love it! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By rfh3223 - May 29 - 7:04 pm

  Ive had Honda, Ford, Acura, and Hyundais, but I love my 6! I feel like James Bond in it, LOL! The exterior styling is extremely stylish. Just love, love, love this car in and out!