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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  Drives like a zoom out of Hades - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Robert Ross - October 23 - 9:26 am

  Continue to be amazed by thoughtfulness of detail and quality of fit and finish. Drives like a go-cart and turns quite a few heads as I pass them. The dealer sold two more of them while I was buying mine. Another winner for Mazda.

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  Fun little car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By LuvMyP5 - October 23 - 9:06 am

  I bought this car used, and have loved it ever since. Very reliable - the car has 80k miles on it, and other than normal wear n tear, everything is great! Its a blast to drive, and I really look for curves to really enjoy the handling.

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  Kick @$$ Ride - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By crashnburn - October 22 - 2:00 am

  This ride is sweeeet. I love how it handles and its get up and go power.... Damn beautiful too. The only reason why I would get rid of it is to snag a new Nissan 350z or Mazda RX-8.

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  Not quite an Audi or BMW but: WOW! - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By ma6 - October 21 - 3:25 am

  I wanted to replace my 2000 Altima SE with a CPO Audi or BMW since other options (Altima, Camry, Sonata and Accord) did not quite cut it for me. The VolksWagen CC was a strong option but I wanted to keep the price under 30K. Then, I came across the new M6. When I compared its features and advantages -for the price- to those of some of the luxury CPOs, I was sold. I am a spirited driver and I already own a 2001 Miata (I had also owned a Mazda 2200 Sport Truck a few years ago), so I was familiar with the brand and its characteristics. After about one week of ownership, the more I drive the car the more I like it. I am convinced that it may very well be the best in the segment.

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  Great Looking car - but beware of tires. - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Kara - October 19 - 4:23 am

  Love how the car stands out - its different than what everyone has. Really appreciate Mazdas design innovation. I considered myself a big advocate for the brand, however this will be my last...the past two Mazdas have required a tire replacement much to early. Two tires on my CX-7 (Touring model) are considered "dangerous" and two "suggested replacements". So at 20,000 miles, Im paying over $900 for four new tires. Mazda will not take any responsibility even though they make the decision to use that tire. I have never had this issue with any vehicle - other than my two Mazdas. So if you go this route - make sure to bake in extra costs for this issue.

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  Fun to drive, love the cornering action - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By kleung - October 18 - 2:40 pm

  I find myself begging the wife for the driver seat every time we get in the car. The responsive handling is what I like the most compared to the sluggish Toyota we had before. The Tiptronics feels and acts kinda like a BMW, firm and in control. Cornering is especially reassuring. I hardly need to press brakes on curvy mountain roads. The build interior and exterior feels solid.

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  Computer MPG is off - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jackstraw22 - October 18 - 1:15 pm

  Ive had this car for about 2 months and while I do enjoy driving it, Ive noticed the computers MPG is off. Ive checked it several times by filling up my gas tank, resetting the trip meter and then resetting the computers MPG. After running it for about 300 miles I filled the tank back up. I then divided the miles on the trip meter by the number of gallons I put in the car. My latest manual observation was 27.2 MPG while the computers MPG was 29.8. So far my driving has been about 90/10 city/highway, so Id expect the MPG to be low. But I would have expected the computers MPG to be more accurate. Its been off on every test Ive made.

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  Mazda CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Brad - October 17 - 3:43 pm

  I have the Grand Touring AWD model with nav, moonroof, and towing. It replaced a Nissan Murano. So far, the CX-9 is one fine car. It has great handling and abundant room. The exterior may be the best looking of the new CUV type cars. Certainly the interior is much more attractive than the Murano.

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  ROTTEN EGGS - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By DISAPPONTED - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has constant high levels of sulphur dioxide odors which can even be smelled inside. Dealer cannot fix. Blames high suphur in gas. I understand there are a number of MPV`s which have this problem and Mazda disclaims responsiblity saying it is "normal". I hesitate to drive this van on any extented trip due to the excessive odor.My MPV is a loser!

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  Tribute 2003 - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By saria - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Handles very smooth, does not drive or feel like a SUV/truck. So far, gas mileage is very good.