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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  626 - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Wildfire - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Get little car with a lot of get up and go for a 4 banger and still preserves fuel economy. As a college student I appreciate its economical value as well as it handling and feel.

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  Love our new Mazda - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By tod - August 21 - 5:43 pm

  Have had the car for a couple of months. Very fun to drive, lots of power with the turbo. Very comfortable inside with plenty of room. Gas mileage for us has always been over 20mpg with the average being 22-24mpg with 70-80% highway. No real problems except when at highway speed transmission seems to be "confused" when in 5th-6th gear. Almost like it cannot decide which gear. According to others there is a new adjustment to fix the problem.

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  Best In Its Class - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By shawn08 - August 21 - 3:50 am

  Just purchased the Mazda Cx9 Touring in September. I have about a 1000 miles on the truck. I enjoy driving this truck, its way better on gas than the LR3 I had. The interior of the vehicle is well designed. I did not get the Grand Touring since cars with nav these days go for less when its time to trade in or sell. Got the entertainment center with the upgraded Bose stereo its amazing! Not sure what everyone is talking about but my car has a trip odometer maybe they dont know how to find it. Before I made this purchase I test drove quite a bit of trucks before making my decision. I am glad I went with the CX9.

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  WONDERFUL CAR EXCEPT FOR THE TIRES - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By AnneMS - August 20 - 4:13 pm

  My daughter recently hit a curb causing a flat which was changed after a call to roadside assistance. Because she was 150 miles from home, she needed to get a replacement tire. She went to a Mazda dealer, was told the tire would have to be ordered and would take five days to arrive. She was told if she needed a tire right away, she would have to buy two new tires!

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  Gets better N better - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By diehard080 - August 20 - 2:06 pm

  Yes its been 2 years since my 2010 was purchased as I traded my 2008 . This car has not failed to continue keeping me looking forward to my next drive . Its broken in properly as I polled the white tape off the paint myself with 2 miles on the odometer. I see people that have cars they complain about and usuall with a car this solid built 100% in Japan there 1 of 2 things going on here . #1 they work for Toyota or Honda and hate Mazdas becuase they rock the socks off those granny mobiles or you bought a Mazda with 10-15 demos thats been hammered into hell by the salespeople and non-buyers that just want to floof a new car and ruin the engine by doing so .These are top notch rides

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  Awesome little SUV - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By donovan280 - August 20 - 2:20 am

  This car is the complete package. Best looking of any SUV and you really do get alot for your money. I have the AWD, but even the FWD handles like a sports car, but rides like a sedan. Touring models come pretty well equipped. It is definitely a little slow off the line, but there is power there if you need it. The manual mode on the automatic works great, and its just like driving a stick without the clutch. If the gas mileage really is 28-30 real world, then this truly is the best all around vehicle. I did not notice much difference in the upgrade to the Bose, so I stuck with the base radio since I didnt want a sunroof anyway. I might say the Bose is only slightly better.

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  best econo car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kris - August 19 - 7:03 pm

  I love this car. I also looked at the Civic and Corolla, but they were bland compared to the 3. The interior is of good quality, not something you would normally find in an economy car. Good pricing for the amount of features.

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  Eye-catching, Great handling - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Mazda RX8 - August 19 - 4:00 pm

  The car draws positive comments and looks from everyone passing by. Many people ask what car it is, and say how much they like the look of the car. Handles like a dream even in high wind with the limited slip differential. Power to spare, incredible comfort. There is a great sound system, and fantastic safety features. The seats are amazingly comfortable, and a "cockpit" style dash presents all information so its easy to see. The digital speedometer is excellent for the quick glance - and necessary - its hard to tell how fast you may be going! Quiet ride. The back seats are a major asset - its a "family sports car"! Great car - you have to experience it to believe it.

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  Best value of R class or Pacifica - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By rb - August 19 - 4:50 am

  Got the Sport model with 4-speed auto and Popular Equipment package. Awesome styling. Very flexible and spacious interior. About time this kind of vehicle came to the U.S. Great value for for below $20k and over 20 mpg in town. The sliding rear doors make it real convenient to access the third row unlike similar vehicles such as Chrysler Pacifica or Mercedes R Class. Ideal for 4 people in good comfort with plenty of cargo, or 6 people in reasonable comfort. This is one cool Crossover. Mazda proactively recalled and fixed exhaust issue and gave $500 in return.

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  Great inexpensive car - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Phil K. - August 19 - 4:06 am

  If you are looking for an inexpensive car with lots of features for your money, then this is the car for you. Handling is good, but you have to watch it in the snow belt when the rear end would like to trade places with the front on snowy roads due to its light weight. Acceleration is adequate with the 2.0 engine. There is plenty of leg room up front for 6ft. tall drivers. Trunk space for a car this size is good. Fit and finish is exceptionally good.