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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  A Very Reliable Car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Nathan - April 24 - 8:33 pm

  I purchased this car used with about 50,000 miles on it. After 2 years and 25,000 more miles, I had absolutely no issues with this car. I couldnt have asked for more for the money that I spent. Leather seats, in-dash CD changer, sunroof... even the stereo system was good. To top it off I averaged around 30 MPG with mixed driving (I thought it would do better but couldnt complain). Unfortunately, I was just rear-ended and the car was totaled. I am seriously considering buying another Mazda as I was very happy with this car.

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  Very Happy - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Roxy in Northern, VA - April 24 - 3:53 pm

  Before buying this car, I shopped for over a year for the right car. Other vehicles I considered were Nissan Altima, Acura TSX, and Honda Accord. I am very happy with my Mazda. It is so responsive and fun to drive. I live in Northern, VA, where there is a lot of traffic. I am happy to say, I have used this car many times to get out of bad traffic situations. It accelerates quickly, even with a car full of people. Its so comfortable and stylish. My only gripe is that the horn sounds weak and I dont think the mileage is all that great. Overall, Im extremely pleased.

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  Excellent overall - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By mazdacx9zoom - April 24 - 8:50 am

  I have been shopping for family car for a long time. I test drove many cars such as Honda Pilot, Odyessy, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sienna, GMC Acadia, and Hyundai Veracruz. I was going to get Honda Odyessy since it is very affordable and looks good, but I did not like how it drove. However, after I drove Mazda CX9, it was love at first sight. I love how it drives. Exterior and interior looks great. They did great design overall. Ride is firm and roomy for 7 adults.

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  Goes Early - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Brandon - April 24 - 7:13 am

  I bought the car at 115,000 miles. It looked like it was in great shape and also had a new transmission put in. But the engine is where I got my problems. This engine sludged up on me and gave way too early. I paid way to much for this car to not even last me a year and a half! Overall I give it a bad grade. Maybe thats why they dont make them anymore?

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  The Zoomer - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By San - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Ditto prior reviews. Wanted a fun & functional AWD SUV. Own & love a 98 Honda CR-V, but disappointed in the 2007. Researched & tested 2007 CX-7, all Toyota SUVs, Murano, Pathfinder & CR-V - but when I drove the CX-7 (1st & last of the test drives) I smiled a lot and so did my husband. Bumpy start with the dealership but once I drove off with AWD, Tech Package, Dim Mirror with HomeLink, satellite radio & more, Ive been happy. The gas cap needs to be replaced. Gas mileage has been better than expected. From the handling & solid feel to the Navigation & Sat radio, this car is FUN and our teenager & his friends always ask if were taking the Mazda - which weve affectionately dubbed "The Zoomer."

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  Surprisingly Disappointed - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Amy - April 23 - 10:20 pm

  Purchased my MPV 12/02 after my 2nd child was born for easier entry & exit than my Jeep Cherokee, and more passenger room. After much research on minivans, I decided I wanted (but could not afford) a Honda Odyssey. The MPV ran a close 2nd. The first year of owning it was good. Things went down hill after that. The Dunlop tires that came on it were bald after less than 28K miles. Its been in for mechanical repairs & recalls more than any other vehicle Ive ever owned (Chevy, Ford, Jeep). Its in now for another $400-500 repair after I just replaced the tires. After 3 years of ownership, Im sad to say, it has not been as reliable as I thought it would. Style & comfort good. Reliability, not good.

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  Fun to drive at times but many negatives - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Mike - April 23 - 7:36 am

  Sure, its kind of quick for an SUV. And the seats are comfortable. It also rides nice during cruising speeds. But, the turbo lag takes away from the fun. There have been many times where it took 1-2 seconds for it to take off. Very annoying. Especially when pulling into traffic. The back seat is not practical at all for a family. Its very small. Not much leg room. The tires wear like crazy due to front wheel drive w/turbo and the high performance soft tires. They are expensive to replace. The car is also a gas guzzler for a 4 cylinder. We owned this car for almost 3 years. We regretted this purchase. I give it a D+.

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  Lots of Fun, All Around Good Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - April 23 - 1:30 am

  I have owned this car 6 months and so far no problems. Good looking car that is fun to drive. Engine is fairly powerful and can easily merge onto highways as well as provide good passing power. My only complaint is the lack of a 6th gear. At 70 mph, the engine is at 3,300 RPMs. I have never owned a car that did that and it can be loud if you go even faster. Maybe with the automatic it is not as bad or loud? Anyway, overall good car. Also, has great storage capacity with the hatchback!

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  this was the best decision ive ever made - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By D.Coplin - April 22 - 7:40 pm

  this car is amazing...it meets my every need....it goes fast looks good and can hold all my junk!!!!!! its the real meaning of zoom-zoom because thats all i do!!!!!!!

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  My second and favorite - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Johnj - April 21 - 8:06 pm

  This is my second Miata. The first was a 95. I absolutely love this one too. It is more responsive and Mazda has achieved the desired union of car and driver. I dont feel as much like Im driving a car as I have extended my body. Everything is in exactly the right place. The shifting cannot be better. The power is more than adequate. And, my mileage is actually running at about 30 mpg with a combination of city and highway - 70% city. I couldnt be happier with the car... So much so, that we bought another one a few months later for my wife, trading in a Mercedes SLK.