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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  BUY THIS CAR!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By SpeedyJG - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Great engine. Beautiful handling. Nice ride. EXCELLENT for the price! I bought this to replace my Protege. VERY happy with this car.

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  One of the best SUVs out there - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Insane Driver - September 15 - 10:10 pm

  After looking around at a few different vehicles, I came across the CX-7. Although I was looking at things like CTSs and A4s, the CX-7 won me over. Has to be the most fun SUV to drive and be seen in because attention is what this SUV seems to attract. A lot of people say it looks like a Lexus and in galaxy gray, it really looks as if it cost $50,000 or more. I drive all highway and seem to be getting 27mpg with the cruise set at 70 and about 21 in town as long as you stay off the boost. The interior is extremely well built with almost Audi fit and finish levels. I cant say enough how much I enjoy driving this SUV, maybe me putting 300 miles on it in the first 3 days I got it says how much.

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  Great car for the $ - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By mazdaman - September 14 - 10:26 pm

  Love this car!! It is one of the most fun cars I have ever driven. Unbelieveable room in the driver seat. I am 64 and have more room then I did in my Blazer. Wish I had the compass and temp. Love the handling but the braking could be better.

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Doug E - September 13 - 10:03 am

  Considered the Accord/Civic and Acura TSX/TL but Acuras need premium unleaded and are pricey, the Hondas get one interior color choice (depending on the exterior color) and the dash is too funky. The 6i Sport had everything I was looking for at a price that Honda could not beat. Matching speedo/tach in red illumination, good interior color selection, handles like a go cart with decent mileage using regular unleaded.

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  NOT YOUR TYPICAL COMPACT SEDAN - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Oliman - September 13 - 8:03 am

  This car got me all excited about owning a "compact" car. Its like having a BMW or a Mercedes in terms of look and feel. I have the Mazda3 s 4-door automatic, it came with 8 airbags, 17-inch wheels, power moonroof, and a decent 160 hp from its 2.3 liter variable valve timed engine. From the moment I test drove the car, i fell in love with it, nothing comes close to its style, handling and upscale look in the compact car world. this car is very pretty inside-out. It actually gets plenty of attention whenever I fill up, or when I am at a parking lot, people cant beleive it costs much less than it actually looks. Overall, this car competes with EUROS in style and value.

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  The BEST Crossover! - 2011 Mazda CX-7
  By pamy1 - September 12 - 10:00 pm

  I love this crossover, compared to other competitors the Mazda CX-7 is #1! Fun to drive and even comes with great features. I have the sport with convenience package, which is by far the best package. I just cant live without the heated seats, interative bluetooth, back-up camera and the moonroof. There are two ways to fold the seats down, there is even a release button to put the back seats all the way down, and you can put all your grocerys in the trunk with each. My husband is 6 ft 5 and has plenty of room when hes driving, so there is definetly alot of head and leg room. I received so many compliments on this vehicle. The best car for your money!

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  1st Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By tan - September 12 - 11:06 am

  It was not my choice. I really wanted a charger. After driving it, I like the radio control on the steering wheel. It will save me on gas. The seats are comfortable, and the car can get up and go.

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  Open air driving excitement - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By my dream car - September 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my other car. Ive been wanting to own a miata since I first test drove one in 1995. However, I was a student with no income, so no car. Ive been driving a SUV for past 5 years. I got this miata for my birthday and it is FUN. I love the handling and open air driving experience. The design is very nice, reminiscent of the old Jag E- types.

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  great car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By scoupelx - September 12 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR OUT ON THE MARKET.MAZDA REALLY OUT DID THERE SELF THIS TIME. YOU GET YOUR MONEYS WORTH WITH THIS CAR AND LOTS OF FUN TO DRIVE.

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  Nice little ride - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By jondarron - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt even aware Mazda made the 3 when I was wandering around the car lot. I noticed it and was like "what is this". I test drove one the next day and bought it by the end of the week.