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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  Nice Car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By C Powers - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy driving on curves with this vehicle, it really hugs the road. The seats are more comfortable than the Mazda Protege model. My Protege5 looks great and I get comments on it all the time.

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  Love this car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By BluZoom - September 21 - 7:16 pm

  Factory ordered Jan04; picked Strato Blue out of the book. What a looker! Will never find another paint this beautiful; even Mazda changed it after 2004, probably because it scratches so easily. Still turning heads after 75,000 miles though. Absolute fun to drive on tight back roads, but really tough on tires. Easy to spin even from a stop sign. Gas mileage with aftermarket roof rack is around 23-25 mpg mixed, but 30-33 mpg on long trips using cruise control. Good reliability; only three unscheduled trips to dealer that was the cars fault...dash cracked, CD player fried, and transmission programming issue. Most difficult is thinking of trading it off! Might just have to buy another one!

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  Retired Auto Engineers Review - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Lateralg - September 21 - 10:56 am

  I picked up my CX-9 GT Tuesday, 2/14/07. Some observations: * I drive with my left thumb & forefinger at 7:00 oclock on the wheel. I feel no significant torque steer during WOT start. * Door-closing sound of all doors is that of a mega-buck limo. * Brake "Pinch-out" control, something I dont remember reading in a review was way above average. Pinchout control is the ability to control deceleration during the last revolution of the wheel prior to stop. As a driver, were rarely aware of it, but if we look at our passengers head as we come to a complete stop, we see it. * SST is OK ... much better than PRNDL, but I dont like it as much as the Lincoln LS version.

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  Best small family vehicle - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By KK - September 21 - 1:43 am

  I cannot say enough about this van. We had a Town and Country for four years. We wanted something with better mpg. We were able to get a loaded Grand Touring for under 25K. I am 511 and my husband is 61. We have a 5 year old and a 3 year old and we all fit comfortably. It is just what we need - plenty of room for day to day errands like groceries and extra seats when needed. I would never go back to a full size minivan again. I have owned 6 cars previously and this is, BY FAR, the best purchase decision I ever made for a vehicle. We will save close to $900 per year on gas and with all the little extras like blue tooth, leather, dvd, it is fun too. Go get one!

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  No whining, please! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Spoolie - September 20 - 4:50 pm

  This car has better overall performance than the most famous 1960 Jaguar MkII 3.8L! Yes, I wore off the Toyo OEM tires in 18k. Solution - some GoodYear Assurance TripleTreds rated for 80k. Yes, dont go in the snow with Toyo. Solution - again TripleTred fixed that. Yes, easily banged up in the supermarket parking lot. Solution - Its only a $18k car, so dont worry about it. I have a few wrinkles on my face! Yes, chassis outruns the engine once in a while. Solution: get the cold air intake and freer exhaust system for $1k = 25+ more hp. Or get the manual trans. Yes, a little "piggy" in the city = 22 mpg. Solution: Get on the highway = 38 mpg.

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  Great Value and Performance - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Lance - September 19 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned more cars than I care to say, but I must say that this little wagon is great. I still cant get over the look of the thing, and the performance is better than most in its class with exception of the WRX. The fit and finnish is way above the norm compaired to the Hondas and Toyotas that we considered.

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  LOVE IT!! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By LoveMy6 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I had to buy a car back in February and at the time was unable to purchase the 6, despite it being the car I wanted. I went for the Protege5 and was very happy with it, but in the end the 6 won out and just a few days ago I traded in the Protege for my new 6i. I LOVE IT! Couldnt be happier! Roomy, quiet, fast, fun, reliable - what else could you ask for?! Ive been a loyal Mazda customer (owned an 89 and 94 626), but this is by far their greatest product to date!

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  Nicer than the rest - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By adriane - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Ive been looking for an suv for the past 3 months, and test drove the Toyota Highlander, Rav 4, Honda CRV, Jeep Liberty and went for a 2nd ride in the Mazda Tribute. By far, it has the smoothest ride, and more inside space.

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  So far so good - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greg Davey - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a 2004 last night. It doesnt appear to be much different than the 2003.

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  Just Purchase CX-5 - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By kudzu68 - September 18 - 4:14 pm

  Just purchased a CX-5 Touring 2 weeks ago. So far so good. It rides well. Im getting over 26MPG with city and freeway driving. The blue tooth/touch screen stereo system is great. Very intuitive. All the controls in the interior are intuitive. Overall Im very happy with my purchase. Some things to consider: 1. The headrests are very far forward and can be and uncomfortable neck position for some. 2. Blind Side Monitoring can take some getting used to. 3. Very new vehicle so there arent many accessories available yet.