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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  Fun 2 Drive - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Babynton - June 30 - 10:06 am

  This car has been the car of my dream ever since I was in high school. The wait was worth it. This car is so much fun to drive, especially with the top down.

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  My 3 - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By c - June 29 - 5:20 pm

  I love the handling. I can hang a turn that makes my wife nervous. I smile when she acknowledges how well the car performed. The one thing I have a problem with is the pesky reverse lock out Mazda put on the 5M. Every once in a while you can not get it R. I was about to take it and have them slap a new tranny in and then I read the manual. It states leave it in neutral and let the clutch out and re-try. It works and Im trying to "train" the sensor I hope, so it wont lock me out.

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  Great Sport Car, but gas hog. - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By Rotary_chick - June 27 - 11:56 pm

  Very fun and reliable sports car. I love my 2006 RX-8. It has overall been an extremely good car. The only thing I would rate it being bad on is the fuel. However, other than that I love it. I truly love that it has 4 seats, the seat right behind my drivers seat is designated for my beagle and he knows to stay put. I love the ease of getting him in & out of the car because of how the doors open. I can get him out before he tries to jump in the front. lol. I like driving it, it drives and handles real well. My significant other, has a 350z convertible which I also love driving, however, I feel my RX-8 handles better. The Z can pick up faster and beats my RX-8, but I enjoy the handling.

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  Mazda 6i , A Great Sports Sedan - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Chris D - June 27 - 2:30 am

  This is a great alternative to a Honda Accord EX (I own a 2001 Accord EX also). Whats not to like about this car? Build quality has been great. A 5 speed, 16V DOHC 4 cylinder, 4 wheel discs with ABS, Michelin Pilots, moon roof, Bose stereo, front, side and side curtain air bags. A very nice, fun to drive vehicle. Fuel economy HWY: 28 MPG City: 24 MPG.

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  Mazda CX9 is ZOOM ZOOM GOOD - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By jetsnut - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I love the way this SUV drives. The keyless entry is the ticket! Now I know why Motor trend named it "SUV of the Year" I have been in for Service at Schwartz Mazda and they even gave me a massage while I was waiting.

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  Important Things to Consider - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By BlueMazda3 - June 26 - 5:26 pm

  I LOVE this car.Its just fast enough, handles maneuvering like a Porsche, possesses features that will make you think you spent more, and looks absolutely commanding on the road. Ive owned the winning blue 5 door touring wagon for about a year now and here are just a few things that I didnt hear much about in other reviews: 1) If you live in an area with snow and hills, you WILL have a little trouble in the snow. There were about 3 days last winter when I just spun around. Consider winter tires in Dec/Jan, 2) Replacing the tires with original equipment tires will cost you about $225 PER tire...the cost for performance, handling, and looks. The tires are very wide and thin.

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  looks and drives great - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ferit Ulubatli - June 26 - 12:33 pm

  i owned my 2004 mazda6 S for about two months now and i really enjoy driving it. It looks great and gets all the attention. it is a 5 speed and shifter feels very good. I cant even compare it to a honda or toyata because Mazda did a great job and overcame the others. Luxury package and sports package is a must on the Mazda6. I recommend it to everyone. My "zoom zoom" is a 5 speed steel gray mazda6 S. How do you want your "zoom zoom"?

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  Huge upgrade from the 2016 model---LOVE MY 2017 - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By RL - June 26 - 1:32 am

  This is the best car I ever bought. Period. I said similar things about the 2016 CX-5, but They have completely re-designed the 2017 model. The interior upgrades are SO luxurious, the drive is ultra quiet, and Mazdas can definitely HANDLE the road. You will read some complaints about lack of power, but I find my CX-5 to be pretty peppy. I have driven the CR-V and the Rav-4 and they dont hold a candle to the CX-5. You owe it to yourself to get into one of these machines and give it a go!

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  Great little car! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By D R McClees - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Great little car. Lots of fun on the twisties. Not a Miata, but the next best thing!

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  Pro5-proof - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By prOwner - June 25 - 10:00 am

  After over a years worth of driving, including a bitterly cold winter, I can attest to the value of the 2002 Protege5. What initially sold me on this model was its driveability and it continues to demonstrate this day in and day out. But not far behind, is its reliability; Mazda has refined this model to eliminate problems and nuisances (although that back window could be bigger). Overall, an excellent value.