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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  Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Patrick, Charleston - February 20 - 12:43 am

  Researched Lexus, Toyota, VW, Nissan, Ford and Saturn but none compared to the price, drivability and style of the CX-9. Actually brings back the fun in driving. Bose sound system is the best car stereo I’ve ever heard. Lots and I mean lots of room especially in the second row seating. At 61" I actually have room to extend my legs. Third row folds down perfectly for more cargo space. Safety features are endless. Lots of comments on the outside appearance but when they open the doors and look in, they are amazed. Like others, it lacks a few of the items that should be standard, compass and fuel computer

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  Phenomenal Handling - Sport Room for 4 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By BaldEagle - February 19 - 7:20 pm

  I have a Velocity Red, Auto w/ Sports pkg., own just over 1 week. During this time I have driven over 650 miles. This included a weekend trip to the beach. The ride is fantastic; acceleration good, comfortable and a responsive ride that is phenomenal. Zoom-Zoom! Head turning to say the least. The interior is comfortable and the cockpit seating is a plus. The kids love the car and there is room for all four of us. Storage space is fine for this type of car. Standard front air bags, side curtain air bags, along w/ side air bags for the front seats. ABS braking and with the sport package added stability control w/ traction control. State Farm considers it a 4 door sedan for insurance purpose.

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  Built for the Sierras - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By QwikLee - February 19 - 12:20 am

  My wife and I live about an hour from the Sierra Nevada mountains on the California side. Whenever we want to take a Sunday drive, we hop in the Miata and spend a wonderful day winding through the foothills and mountains with the top down. What a way to enjoy the outdoors!

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  just cant get enough - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By murfslk230 - February 18 - 2:10 am

  Traded in 2000 Contour SVT and this Mazda blows it away! Zippy, quick turn-in, and extremely predictable, even in Minnesota winter driving. The Mazda3 has incredible value for this class - for under $20k it offers niceties like heated seats, nav system, rain-sensing wipers, tire-pressure monitor, electroluminescent gauges, automatic climate control and xenon headlights. No other car in the compact class offers that kind of value. The exterior offers 17 inch 5-spoke wheels with brake-assist and EBD.

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  Best car in its class - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By cdubbg - February 17 - 11:25 pm

  I just bought a CX-5 Touring with the bose/moonroof upgrade and love it! I spent months researching and couldnt seem to find a crossover that had everything on my wishlist and still managed to have good gas mileage. It was love at first sight when I found this car! If I had to be picky, I would love to get a little more bass from the car stereo, and the seats could be just a little bit more comfortable but this car really is the total package at an affordable price.

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  So far, so good! - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By bog72 - February 17 - 10:06 pm

  Just traded a 2006 Mazda 3 iTouring hatch with the 2.3L engine and 5spd Auto Trans. I loved that car, but a pothole created irreparable problems in the front suspension. Decided to go with the 2.0 in my new iTouring, sacrificing quickness in handling and acceleration for comfort of higher-profile tires and and fuel economy. Im not disappointed - this is a very solid car, and quite roomy. Seats are exceptionally comfortable, and seating position is perfect. The higher profile tires that come on the 16" wheels are more forgiving in the sea of potholes we have in DC.

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  First Major Problem Occurs - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Traveling Consultant - February 17 - 2:20 pm

  This is 4th review. I still like my CX-7 despite, the fuel sensor light defect still arises when I punch it getting into the flow of traffic from entrance ramps. At 87,000 miles I had the a/c compressor unit go out while traveling and was forced to find a dealership out of state. Because my local dealer monitored the repair process, I was able to avoid being over-charged $700.00 for new unit. The suspect dealership made right the overcharges when I presented them retail charge pricing from the manufacturer. I do enjoy the sports car like driving demeanor, but think the ac system should have lasted much longer. I now have 91,000 miles and have put purchased my third set of tires.

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  Japanese Beemer - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Robert Moore - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a reliable small car. Gas mileage is 30-33 mpg. No repairs to date. Oil and filter change every 3000 miles. The ride is a little like a BMW sticks to the road well.For me the only thing it lacks is more horses, but I like em fast.Previous car was mazda 323, ran over 210,000 without major repairs. Timing belt replaced @ 130.000. Definetly great little cars.

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  Great small van - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Meesha1 - February 15 - 10:43 pm

  This is our first minivan. We are very happy so far. The handling and comfort are great. The list of standard features is exceptional - cruise, power windows and doors, steering wheel controls etc. The air conditioner will blow you away - very good. The front and curtain side airbags protects everyone in the vehicle.

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  A whole LOTTA car for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fatty Arbuckle - February 15 - 7:53 pm

  Im 23, and had to decide between the Scion tC and Mazda3. Two features of the Mazda won me over: the 5-speed auto with sport shift, and the interior design. 7000 miles in, and I have no regrets. The driving experience has always been fun, and usually exhilarating. This is due to the tight suspension, tight cornering, and plenty of torque @ 4000 RPM in 2nd gear. No major problems to speak of; the wipers cracked early, leaving streaks. A small squeak has arisen from somewhere beneath my seat.