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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  2005 Mazda M3 - all around great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ben - April 3 - 1:03 am

  I just bought a new, off the lot, M3 from a local dealership. My motive to buy was to own a more economical vehicle - i was driving an F150. This vehicle handles great. I got the sport package which comes w/ 17" wheels - it really grips the road. It performs much better than my needs, and also cruises on the interstate very comfortably. The external styling is superb, w/ a noticable euro-style feel to it. The interior features are also great, although just a step up from adequate. It has a super sharp feel and look when sitting in the drivers seat - all primary and 2ndary controls are at easy reach and visible. Overall I am extreemly pleased with the purchase.

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  CX-7 best value CUV - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By erb13 - April 1 - 12:23 pm

  Bought the vehicle for my wife, as it had all the options she wanted and was the right size. Very versatile, excellent quality and one of the best handling vehicles of its type. After 2500 miles we are very satified with our selection, no problems to date. Mileage has averaged 21 mpg for mixed driving. Great vehicle for trips.

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  SUV Mazda did it! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Hearts7393 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  I am very happy with my SUV, I look at others but the Mazda always had my heart! Mazdas have always been my automaker of choice I have owned from the 323, 626 and now the SUV Tribute. I am always on the road and now I can rest a sure that the SUV will be able to handle any type of weather. I commuite to the office over 25 miles each way and the gas mileage is not bad!

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  Great all around car - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By tributefan - April 1 - 10:00 am

  First time in a truck/SUV. Added this car for the stuff I cant do in my accord (hauling stuff, outdoors stuff, etc). handles just like a car but the suspension isnt too soft and reminds you that you still are in a truck (sort of) Handles/takes corners better than my 02 accord. dont notice a difference Engine and tranny is very responsive and

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  Great Car! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By BTownCX9 - March 31 - 1:50 am

  We love our new CX-9. Handles well, has "Zoom-Zoom" and we can go to dinner with Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, AND baby all in the same car. I had to drop a friend off at the local Audi dealer to pick up his car from the repair shop, and all the salesmen in the lot came over to drool on my CX-9. They told me they thought it looked better than the Audi Q7 they were selling (Ill have to agree!). Not to mention it cost about $12,000 less for the same options. We love it - no complaints so far. Mazda hit a home run on this one.

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  Black Beauty - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By tonyryder - March 30 - 4:53 pm

  Owned 2 previous Mazdas before. We had a 2002 Protege 5 and a 2005 Mazda3 GT Sport(much better overall than the Protege). Trade in value is excellent, even for a 3 year old M3 with 80,000 km on it we received more than I was expecting. We looked at other mid-size sedans (Mercedes C-class, Lexus IS, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord etc) and I believe that Mazda is offering the best "bang for the buck". We have now driven the 2009 Mazda6 since April 2009 and we love the styling and the real sporty, solid feel and handling. Features like blind spot monitoring, keyless entry, heated/memory seats (Canada eh?), large trunk, roomy backseat and Bose sound all add to the overall value of this car.

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  Runs great in Salt Lake City you must test drive this SUV!! - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By utahdriver - March 30 - 11:36 am

  Getting 28 MPG in 50/50 mixed driving with winter fuel, handles great in snow and ice. I was set on Subaru Crosstrek, but not impressed with noisy CVT and had to really push throttle to get moving, freeway ride stiff and choppy. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Ride better but did not like CVT. Sorry no Fix Or Repair Daily Escape, look at consumer reviews and GM crossovers . Honda CRV did not like looks. CX 5 highway drive solid, smother ride, quieter, lots of options and space for the $. Did not get Technology Package. Engine/trans provides all the power needed for hills and accel for freeway. Driving at 70 MPG registers 32. $1,400 off list plus tossed in set of all weather floor mats

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  "New" remains after full year of use! - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By cec32372 - March 29 - 5:20 pm

  After an amazingly fast 1st year of ownership, this car still looks, feels & drives as new as the day I drove it home! Ride is so smooth yet sporty & nimble. Not one mech issue or interior rattle. So silent at idle u 4get its on! 4cyl leaves most cars behind at lights. Great in snow. Contrary to comments about paint scratching easy, brilliant silver paint still sparkles in direct sun with nary a scratch after very rough winter w/ lots of snow/ice sliding off the body. Still stare when I leave it b/c it looks so beautiful! VERY SOLID CAR: Was rear-ended HARD by SUV. No one hurt & bumper has barely visible damage save 4 slight indentation & very minor scratches. Still lovin my 6!

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  I like it - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rob Ovel - March 29 - 4:40 am

  I didnt fall in love with it until they pulled it up for me at the dealership. Got almost 31 mpg on a 5 hour drive to KC which shocked me. CEL came on, dealership reset w/o problem. Dashboard can easily be seen during day. I think people are driving with their headlights on which does dim the radio lights but you have to roll the knob on the dash up and it shows up, just as bright as at night. Turning radius is not the greatest. Kind of expecting one more turn of the wheel and then it stops. Very hollow sound on the roof during rain and driving through puddles. Interiors nice and I love being able to close a vent and not have air continue to blow out.

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  Love it - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By susaner1 - March 29 - 1:26 am

  Been driving this car for one year and love it. Great handling and feels like a sports car. Agree with some issues, like needing auto door locks and better mileage; but the NAV sys is great, you just have to be sure its set where you live. Have driven big SUVs before and will never go back. Dont use the third seat, but use the significant cargo space for 4 big dogs. Plenty of room and very reliable. Great sound system, cool keyless entry, and useful, easy to reach controls. Highly recommend the CX9!