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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  Pure Adrenalin! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Walter from Texas - January 7 - 9:06 pm

  This is my 2nd review for this car. Its been great, the engine is smooth and responsive. The car remains a blast to drive. The 2.3 liter is responsive and economical. I am averaging around 25 mpg in mixed city and highway driving and 29.5 mpg on an 800 mile trip. You will not win any races at the stoplight against a Mustang GT, but on the highway is where this car really shines. I find myself looking for roads with alot of curves. This car takes corners like its on rails. I have also found myself, many times driving on triple digits, without realizing it. Comfort, speed, fun, economy and pure adrenalin, all rolled up into one.

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By slickcitystan - January 7 - 6:10 pm

  This car is an excellent example of automotive engineering at its best. It is fun to drive and drives like a much larger luxury car. It could use a little more horsepower, but the V6 and 6 speed AT performance is more than adequate. The braking is far better than any other car Ive owned and the handling is superb. My last car was a Chrysler 300M and as much as I loved driving that car, I dont miss it when driving the 6. The styling, exterior and interior are both very cool and classy. Highway cruising is effortless and there seems to be plenty of power to pass even when cruising at 80.

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  2002 MPV Anti-Mini-Van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By sunra - January 6 - 7:43 pm

  With the addition of the 3.0 liter 200 ft-lb 200 HP 5 speed drive train Mazda has effectively resolved the power versus performance concerns associated with the 2000-2001 models. Passing at highway speeds and performance on steep terrains is excellent. Handling is crisp and nimble. Call this the anti-mini-van.

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  My Best Mazda yet ! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By stevenewjersey - January 6 - 6:46 pm

  People consider me fussy in the cars I buy or lease. Since my wife drives a 2010 Mazda Tribute AWD Grand Touring, when it came time for me to select a new car, I traded my Mercedes roadster in on a CX5 AWD Grand Touring after considering a Hyundai Santa Fe and the Kia Sportage. I was specific at the dealer, wanting a white one, Tech Package, all weather floor mats, roof rack, cargo cover, rear bumper guard, etc. They didn’t have one but found one in another state and sent a driver to get it for me after I gave them $100 deposit. The next day all the paperwork was completed and they filled it with gas, prepped the vehicle and I took delivery. I’m absolutely impressed with the Bluetooth and how it just sucked in my entire phone addresses and how I can make or receive calls while driving. The Tom Tom Nav system is inferior to my portable Magellan and is the only disappointment. I’m impressed in the seat comfort, three level heated seats, dual climate control, high intensity headlights and responsiveness of the vehicle. It’s beautiful to look at and very stylish with the 19” wheels and black outlining of the wheel openings, dual exhaust with chrome tips as well as the blind spot monitoring system. The availability of having the optional manual shifter is a great extra feature as is the folding 40/20/40 rear seats that are easy to operate. I believe the daytime running lights are a great safety feature as well. All in all, I paid a little too much but am completely satisfied.

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  Top Choice...Again! - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By bg53 - January 5 - 7:18 am

  Just purchased a new 2012 CX-9 and traded in the 2008 model. Prior to the purchase I thoroughly researched all of the alternatives, just as I had done in 2008 and still came back to the Mazda. They fixed all of the little things that I had complaints with on the 2008 model (i.e. no trip computer, doors failed to lock automatically when in drive, and single entry into the center armrest). The Highlander was a close 2nd, but the extra space the CX-9 provides, along with the sporty drive made the choice clear. I just hope that the new one will be as reliable as the one traded (knock on wood).

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  Mazda 3 is a great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Aidan Doherty - January 4 - 6:53 pm

  Handles and performs much better than my last car, a Civic, and has much nicer interior styling also. A great value for the price.

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  Im Lovin It! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By DashaMilasha - January 4 - 3:03 pm

  Awesome car! Get excited every day i have to drive it! We got fully loaded with every possible option and even more! Looks great and its so much fun to drive! Very roomy inside, comfortably seats at least 5 adults and 2 kids! When everyone in a back entertained by watching DVDs, I kept entertained by Zoom-Zoom! Love it more every day!

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  I love my car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Marie E - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about this car. The only thing I find a little troublesome is the 360 degree turn being a little wide but that is not too bad of a problem.

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  Poor Sound - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By sweety30 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Drivers beware of the poor sound quality coming from the non-Bose stereo system. I am very displeased with the sound quality from those speakers. I recently purchased expensive speakers to put in the back to improve the sound. Can you believe it still does not perform to its optimal performance. I want a new radio. The sound in this car sucks. Check before choosing the non-Bose system. It also need a better driver armrest as well.

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  Great Pick-up Truck - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By Lionel2b - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Truck rides very smooth, not the usual bounce that you would expect driving a pick-up of this size. Plenty of power, which would account for the 16 MPG. Good quality overall, in and out. Built solid!!