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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  Tribute a good buy, fun to drive - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By freedjeff - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Have had it for 4 months and no problems. Comfortable and truly fun to drive, looking forward to the winter in it. Would recommend to all.

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  Buying a New CX-5 without XM - 2017 Mazda CX-5
  By Paul L Berger - June 24 - 4:04 am

  I was very Disappointed to find out after i purchased a 2017 CX-5 Touring with BOSE System that the car is not equipped with XM radio. It comes up on the display but its Grayed out, i assume just to let you know you bought the Cheap version of the SUV. I guess Mazda feels 30K is Cheap and we would not want XM. I own Three other cars. VM with XM. Chevy Cruse with XM and My 2016 Mazda 6 Touring. the 2015 Mazda CX-5 i turned in did have it. I have recommend MAZDA to all my friends and Family plus the dealer ship is one of the best i have ever used. Due to this i will still recommend Mazda but i will let all know if you want XM you will need to look at other MFGs.

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  love my hatchback! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By JJ - June 24 - 12:33 am

  After running a 1987 626 to 200,000 miles several years ago (and still going strong!), I looked forward to a dynamic car from Mazda that fit my needs. My 2004 6S hatchback was definitely worth the wait. I may even consider buying out the lease. Pros: Gobs of cargo room, great Bose sound system, wonderful performance for a front-driver. Cons: cloth upholstery and headliner feel cheap, no auto-up/down on all windows, no full-service spare tire, TERRIBLE dealer experience for sales and service at two Mazda dealers in Las Vegas. I highly recommend the car but be wise with your shopping.

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  I think I got a lemon? - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By harleyhoney - June 22 - 8:23 am

  I bought my 6 brand new, I thought it looked really cool, I owned it til 6/2008, I only had about 25K on it... things were always wrong with it, first thing my headlights kept burning out I went thru 4 sets of bulbs over a 1 yr time frame next the transmission would shift randomly, and clunk all the time, dealership said nothing was wrong with it. Blew out vacuum hoses, brakes went out, battery was shot after 1 yr, there were many other things. The seats were hard as a rock, it was not safe on ice, handled very badly always got stuck in the snow, traction control (what a joke) the dash scratched so easily. I was not very happy with this car, I was so happy to trade it in.

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  Glad I bought - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By spt1026 - June 22 - 1:40 am

  Just got this car a couple weeks ago. All I can say is that I always have a smile on my face when I am behind the wheel. The car hugs the road and a blast to drive. Interior is nice to look at and really comfortable. Plenty of cargo room for all of my gear. A big improvement of any other car I have owned. I love the Bose sound. Just traded in a 2004 Altima. The only down side is I wish it had better fuel economy.

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  Excellent Used Car - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Jeff - June 21 - 8:03 am

  Bought this for my son. Have basically taken it over myself! Great car. Rides great, gets pretty good mileage and is really comfortable. Would recommend for anyone looking for reliable, quality used car. Better than my old civic!

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  A good experience - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By p5sd - June 19 - 10:13 am

  The only real negatives about this car are in the performance and maybe the size, although interior space appear to be plenty for most people. All the car needs is about 20 more horsepower to compete against other cars. This car is absolutely fun to drive. The gear ratio is a little on the low side which suits city drivers well, I guess.

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  Fun, sleek and modern-sporty - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By mrsamman - June 19 - 10:00 am

  The car is fun to drive. It corners amazing. It hugs corners and feels tight. It could use more torque on the low end for the Automatic model, but the shifter paddles give you that race-car feel and gives you power where you need it. The dials are beautiful and the pop-up GPS system and dash is well designed. The suicide doors has been extremely useful and an attention grabber amongst friends. It is amazingly roomy inside. the rear passagers have not reported being uncomfortable.

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  Pre-order - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By LTAGFERN - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I was one of the original pre-orders (early March 03, 3rd pre-order group). Ive never doubted my purchase. My 8 has been a fantastic auto. The much discussed "missing HP" and "low torque" are a non-issue. The stock tires (Potenza 040s) are the only irritating aspect of the car.

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  Sexy looking car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Nancy Cline - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I love the shape of this car! It looks like a expensive sports car but is reasonably priced. It handles extremely well especially around corners. My husband said it feels like a slot car when he is driving it. I get alot of lookers wondering what it is and who makes it. I have the Titanium Silver color. I absolutely love this car!