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 To Drive - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Wendie - December 22 - 4:13 am

  I spent 2 months shopping for a SUV. I narrowed it down to the Nissan Rouge, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Kia Sorento. The Mazda was my favorite for handling, reliability, and looks. Its sassy and provides power to ease in and out of Atlanta traffic. The CX- 7 has sleek lines and doesnt have that boxey SUV look (like the Sorento and Santa Fe). The cargo area is large enough to accommodate my 2 sheepdogs. Ive owned a couple of American made SUVs and Mazda blows their doors off.

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  MPV: Makes the Most Sense - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By BRANDON CHASE - December 20 - 10:50 am

  I purchased my MPV nearly a year ago and have not been disappointed in any way. Whenever I see shoppers at home improvement stores trying to stuff items into SUVS that would easily fit in my MPV, I load up a ROOM of furniture just for kicks. Whenever I am able to park in grass by climbing over curbs when others cant find a parking spot, I pat myself on the back. Whenever I switch on my theater-quality 10-speaker (including subwoofer) 6-CD sound system, I dance. Whenever I crank up the AC on a hot summer day or roll down the REAR windows for the kids, I sneer at the sad offspring in the backseats of other minivans who cant roll down theirs. In short, my MPV makes me feel very good.

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  Loving this vehicle - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By rtm76 - December 20 - 1:40 am

  I had an 03 Murano before this vehicle and I have to say that this is quite a better vehicle than the Murano. From the looks, to the performance, to the saftey features, this is one of the best SUVs out there. Roomy cabin makes it easy to deal with children in car seats. Plenty of room for large adults (vertically and horizontally!). Outstanding vehicle, outstanding value.

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  Golf clubs - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By alfbc - December 19 - 12:43 pm

  Just took possession of MX-5 PRHT auto GT and loving it so far. Packing golf clubs in trunk needs a little work. Clubs longer than a six iron have to be removed from bag before getting it into trunk. Need to remove tire jack cover in order to get the driver inside the trunk. Traded in my Mazda 6 so there is no comparison with my new toy. I can now easily get into the parking stall in my condo.

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  Great with a big exception - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By mtzjack - December 18 - 8:59 pm

  I ought a 2015 CX-5 Grand Touring AWD with the technology package. Its been a great comfortable car, but the tech package is worthless and there are lots of issues with it. Google "Mazda CX-5petition" for details. The TomTom GPS would have been great about 6-7 years ago. Including it on a 2015 vehicle should be an embarrassment to both TomTom and Mazda. The system doesnt sync properly with iTunes, always playing the first song when starting. Bluetooth has issues.

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  Dont overlook Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Zak - December 18 - 9:03 am

  Grip, a fist full. Punch this car in the mouth and it takes it. I drive hard. It takes it as well as any honda or toyota. Yes I did have a cracked pre-cat to fix at 4000 miles but nothing is perfect. these things happen. The warranty took care of it. When you get a new car, drive her hard. Get the kinks out. Im extremely pleased. 9000 miles so far.

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  Mazda 6 - So Nice we got it Twice!! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Paul C. from Seattle - December 17 - 3:40 pm

  Wife was happy with her 2007 silver glacier M6 i 5 Dr Touring HB so shortly after got a 2007 redfire metallic M6 s SVE sedan for myself. The sedans V6 is very smooth, drives and handles great. The M6 hugs the road very well and is fun to drive and quiet, overall its a poor mans sports sedan. Best car owned with regards to driving experience. To improve my M6 sedans looks, found on the internet and added a factory like pre-painted rear wing spoiler for 1/3 the cost of what Mazda charges. Looking to add fog lights.

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  Best AWD Crossover - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By greenmtneer - December 17 - 1:30 pm

  After extensive research and test driving, we selected the CX-9. Based upon reviews, and experience with friends cars, we narrowed it down to the Highlander and the CX-9. Previously we had a Ford Explorer, and opted to not consider Ford due to the problems we had with that vehicle. GM and Honda were eliminated due to the price point (Toyota and Mazda clearly offer more value.) In the end, the Mazda won out due to its handling, and its interior space. We test drove the CX-9 and Highlander back to back, and the difference in handling curves was remarkable. We also checked out the Audi Q7. We felt that the Mazda compared favorably to the Audi in all aspects, and is priced $20k less.

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  Almost 30,000 and still smiling - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By eldermp - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. It is among the most stylish cars on the road and has a zoom-zoom identity that is well deserved. I chose the white. This car is the perfect balance of practicality with enough spirit and energy to let me know that I am not deprived of anything, yet the price is right!

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  i love my mazda pr5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By EDLUST - December 15 - 10:00 am

  THE MOST PRACTICAL,ECONOMICAL CAR I HAVE OWNED. VERY USEFUL INTERIOR SPACE, ADEQUATE ACCELLERATION AND COMFORT BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING. PLEASENT TO LOOK AT AND A PLEASURE TO DRIVE. A BIG IMPROVEMENT OVER MY PAST TOYOTA COROLLA THAT WAS A FINE DEPENDABLE CAR ALSO. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION VERY QUIET AND SMOOTH