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 without the Price Tag - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Scotch77 - April 14 - 10:53 am

  Got a silver LX in 2006 used with 52,000KM on it, w/ the manual tranny. Also got keyless entry, AC, sunroof. Couple thousand cheaper than a used Civic. At 100,600KM now, only maintenance is oil, plugs, and now tires, pads, rotors, rad fluid flush need done as expected. Peppy to drive, 0-60 in about 9.2w/ manual. Smooth abrupt shifts feel more sports oriented than a manual Dodge Neon which feels more like a toy.Tight suspension, great steering, fairly quiet (quieter than integra) until you hit large bumps. Engine a little noisy at 120KMph. Fuel Eco average 28MPG mixed, or 8L/100km, even with A/C on!(but with slower acceleration!)Seats are comfortable and firm but not as good as newer models.

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  Extremely Satisfied - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By tmd678 - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Great little car which is fun to drive. Bought it for my wife and serves as our second car. Five speed shifter is one of the best I have used in my more than 50 years of driving. Started with a 1947 Dodge five speed in my younger days. My advice to any reader is be sure to check this one out. On par with anything on the market. We get 30 mpg combined.

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  Forget about Honda and Toyota - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeff Kershner - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. If your considering a Honda Civic or a Toyota, even a Jetta, take a look at the Mazda3. For the money I dont think anything compares! I have been car shopping for 3 months, was going to make the "typical" purchase of the Honda Civic. Toyota just had no appeal and the Jetta was a little pricy for everything thing I wanted, sunroof, CD changer, pwr everything, etc. Once I heard about the Mazda3 coming out I thought I would hold off. I sure am glad I held out for the Mazda3 to arrive. 2 days with this car and I know I made the right decision. Great Warranty too. The dealership in Hagerstown MD was great to work with as well!

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  So far so good - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By sranco - April 9 - 9:12 am

  I have had my CX7 for a little over a year now. So far so good. I bought it used with 97 000km (approx 60000miles) and we have enjoyed it very much. The interior is very well appointed, everything is where it should be and the truck makes you feel safe. Cargo space could be a little better, but we have more than enough room for the baby stroller and all our groceries. Performance is very good, the truck picks up and goes when you ask it too, but its no racecar thats for sure. Cabin is a little noisy but getting a decent set of tires will help that, I run 19 inch Yokohama Advan tires in the summer and there is barely any noise. I dont find the Bose sound system that good, the Bose system.

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  Transmission Issue - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Les - April 8 - 10:26 pm

  Fuel mileage is poor. We have taken 2 long trips,one West to Yellowstone, Glacier, Tetons and the Black Hills. 2nd was to East Coast Fall Colors trip At the toll booths one needs to accellerate quickly after paying in order to merge with the other cars and we found that during this hard accelleration the transmission would not up shift beyond 4th gear even with pedal fully released, the only way to up shift was to maive the lever into the manual position then force the up shift manually. We have taken the car in to Morries on 2 occasions but was not able to dispaly the problem to the service people. We soon start another long trip and have concerns about the transmission failing

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  Buy it - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By love it - April 8 - 9:56 am

  Of all the cars that I have driven over the years, this has been a great car. Its got good handling, performance and everything you look for in a good car, its a lot of bang for the buck. However there are little thing that are missing such as MP3 compatibility, heated seats, etc., but its the little things. Still its a good car. Love it.

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  Small yet roomy, Sporty yet functional - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By DebChar - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Wed been looking for a new car for a while. Was looking at the 2002 MPV, but couldnt afford the sticker for the ES. Wanted all the extras, so compromised the 2002 and got the ES 2001 new loaded with the extras I wanted at a price I could manage. (Anything was an improvement over my 4 Cylinder 4-door grandam.) Really needed something larger for a family of five, car seats and stroller. It does the trick nicely. The kids can pick and choose where they like to sit and I can separate them easily. I like the well in the back for groceries when the seat is up. Fun to drive. Not just another mini van.

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  Downsized from Suburban - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By thead2 - April 6 - 3:53 pm

  I downsized from a 2003 Suburban and was concerned about giving up 8 passenger seating so I was glad to find the CX-9. The third row is difficult to get little ones in and out that need adult help in getting fastened, I would not want this to be an every day thing, but I am a grandparent, so when needed it will work. The built in dvd system was a hit on day 1. I have had it not quite a month, and so far I am very pleased with it. Gas mileage is not great, however I knew that going in. It has great power which was important in going from my V8 Suburban, I havent gotten myself into trouble yet. Its very comfortable, seats are great. No issues yet, overall very pleased.

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  Safety - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By M3Owner - April 6 - 2:53 pm

  I purchased the 2008 Mazda3 Sport for my teenage son based on the excellent safety ratings this car received. I purposely chose the "S" model as side air impact bags were standard. Unfortunately we had the opportunity to test the SRS system in a recent accident which leads me to this review so others are not taken in by the false safety ratings that Mazda publishes. The car suffered significant damage on both passenger side doors and in my case the air bags did not deploy. I suffered serious injuries that could have been prevented if they had. When I called Mazda No. Am. I was told there was no one I could speak with and should persue through a lawyer or my insurance. Beware!!

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  The little van that could - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Zapped - April 6 - 11:20 am

  Have had the vehicle now for 4 years. We have had very few problems with it. Overall, its quiet, responsive, and fun to drive. Been in other vans, and this is miles ahead of the others. No regrets!