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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  way to rusty - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By nannyp - September 18 - 1:56 am

  Overall my Mazda performs well, but body rust is a BIG problem. I only have 100,000 KM on it but it started to rust the 3rd year I had it. I had a special rust coating applied at the time of purchase but the dealership will not honor it until there are holes in the body. For that reason I will not buy another Mazda.

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  First Mazda - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By GetReal - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Drove the Honda CR-V, nice drive train but too small. The Subaru Forester has the best interior quality but needs another gear. The Mitsubishi Outlander tested fine except for the (cheap) Goodyear tires which gave every Outlander the shakes,the interior quality and design is a nightmare, other than that loved the power-train. The Ford Edge is way over priced and the Chevy Equinox is expensive and plain ugly. None pleased me for the money until we tested the CX-7 which has the looks, drive-train with the turbo and 6 speed is very smooth and feels like a strong six. The interior is nice and the exterior is very nice also. The Mazda for the money was best, finally after three years of looking

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  So far I like it - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By wilmeland - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Have only owned this vehicle a little more than a month. Initially was a little concerned that it might be a little underpowered, but that is not the case. Transmission and engine combination seem to get the most in terms of performance and MPG. Handles nicely. Only concern may be the stock tires. They ride ok & no issues so far, but when I replace, would probably look at something with a little wider foot print. Interior nicely laid out and comfortable for up to 4 adults. Stock stereo is decent with a little reduction in bass and treble settings. Back seat legroom is the only area where its a little tight, but acceptable. All in all, fun to drive and a lot of bang for the buck.

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  Zoom to the Front - 2011 Mazda Mazda3
  By NateM - September 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my first brand new car and after a year of researching cars I couldnt help but go with the Mazda. I owned a 90 MX-6 that had 261k on it when I sold it. This car gets compliments at gas stations and in drive-thrus. The gauge cluster invites you into a cockpit that tells you this car wants driven. Handling is world class, power is peppy, and people are amazed when I tell them I have the 6 spd Manual. Love love this car.

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  Decent car - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By M6 - September 17 - 1:50 am

  I bought this car used and when I took it for a check up there were no problems after two years of use. There was slight battery corrosion after a few months but it was easy to fix. The interior is awful, there are so many cup holders but cups wont fit in most. There are also a lot of compartments that even a CD holder wont fit in. This car is great on the highway but guzzles gas in the city.

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  ZOOM, ZOOM, DOOM!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By norx84me - September 17 - 1:02 am

  Thinking of buying this car? Im stranded AGAIN after losing power on a major interstate & having to drift to a stop on the shoulder. I knew what was wrong because Id been through this before: the "glass bottles" sound rattling under the hood, the jerky take-off & the oil light that just couldnt be corrected. Yes...once again, the rotary engine was dead. This is the THIRD ENGINE IN 1.5 YEARS!!!! Engines are on back order from MAZDA til February, 11. Wanna hear the real horror? I traded my HONDA for this terrible piece of machinery!! Will I ever forgive my bad judgement in buying this car? With all the GREAT alternatives out there, why would you consider Mazda? Take it from me, DONT!!

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  Can fun cost this little? - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Miata Driver - September 16 - 10:16 pm

  This car is as fun as driving gets for those who want handling over power. The top is incredibly easy to opperate, steering is great, shifting is beautiful, and handling is superb. The car has bulletproof reliability and drives as solid as you can get. Its lower performance limits make this an incomparibly fun city vehicle, and it loves to be driven like its hated!

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  I love this car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By EthelJ - September 16 - 7:50 pm

  I love this car. It is so much more than I expected it to be. It handles very nicely, easy to drive and it looks great. I have had no problems with it, it is very reliable and I love the features. I love the style, the closest to the Lexus SUV, that I could afford, and I am so glad I got this.

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  Great Crossover car - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By pchan - September 16 - 3:06 am

  We just picked up a silver GT, AWD with Tech Pkg for $29k plus tax, title and doc fee in Chicagoland area. We were looking for a GT, 2WD with Tech Pkg and no dealership carries one. The lead time is around 6-8 weeks from Japan, so we paid a little more for a top of the line. No regrets. My wife loves this new Mazda CX-5 a lot. We were comparing with Honda CR-V and CX-5. Technology and a product design wise, CX-5 is ahead of CR-V. The CR-V drives like a Odyssey, not much zoom zoom.

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  Mazda 3 Review - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Andrew Marino - September 15 - 10:26 pm

  Hot looking car. Extremely fun to drive. Outstanding gas mileage. Great performance from the engine. Comfortable in the front, a little tight in the back. Good storage space for a compact. I get compliments on the outside appearance of the car as well as the interior. Best purchase Ive ever made.