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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  Dependable - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Big John - October 22 - 10:10 am

  Needs more head and leg room. Only one problem, the ground wire on the wiper motor broke and I fixed it myself. One new set of front brakes put on at 80000. Interstate MPG up to 39 at times. Great little car unless youre a great big or tall person.

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  Fun Hatch - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By Car Guy - October 22 - 10:00 am

  At first I didnt like the goofy face of this car, but after test driving one yesterday I loved almost everything about the car. The bright green color attracts a lot of attention (yellow cobalt stood out less than this car). Acceleration is adequate for a car of this size and weight. The clutch is very light and will take time getting use to. The steering is sharp and adds to the "go-kart" feel. I would love to see the MazdaSpeed version of this car if/when it comes out. Price is cheaper than the fiesta but, it feels more spacious and with the touring package (I think) you get more bang for your buck. Youre only losing out on SYNC and SAT radio. Gas mileage is outstanding.

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  Excellent vehicle - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Chris B - October 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice vehicle with plenty of features and style. The turbo engine is smooth with very minimal turbo lag - if any at all. I did, however, expect the car to have more power with the 244 hp. I kind of wish they just made this with a 6 cylinder and ditched the turbo. The MPG would be the same probably. The AWD system seems to work, although I can better gauge that in the coming Maine winter months. The handling is excellent for a vehicle of this size - much like my 2007 Mazda 6 that I traded in for this vehicle.

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  A real sportscar with practicality - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jimk - October 21 - 9:33 pm

  I love this car. It does everything its supposed to perfectly. A solid reliable sportscar you can race at the track or take for 2 week road trip. It has a nice ride and superior handling. It can straighten out any curve fast. It makes me feel like a better driver than I am. It revs like a sportbike and is as much fun to drive. I highly recommend it.

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  Great Car/Great Value - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom - October 21 - 12:50 am

  Bought the SP23 model with manual 5sp. Great fun to drive and has been 100% reliable. 31 MPG on the highway, going 80 MPH (yes, we can do that in Montana). Excellent room, particulary for tall drivers. Rear seat not bad. Seats provide good back and leg support. Relatively quiet until you hit around 70MPH and then you hear more road noise.

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  Real driver, real world - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By nwcab1 - October 20 - 6:06 pm

  Every review on here seems to be written by Mazdas PR dept. This car has a major issue. Everything about the car is excellent, except for the transmission. It is flat out terrible. Read the reviews at cars.com, this is not isolated. In their attempt to save gas, Mazda has created a transmission that will not shift down unless you floor it, and then the pedal engages some sort of performance button imbedded in the floor and the car lurches forward unsafely. Real world driving is miserable. Every down shift is met with a delay sending your body forward, and then the car lurches forward a second later. Simply awful. Test drive in traffic, around corners, change speeds...youll see.

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  Underdogs R Best - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By diehard080 - October 19 - 11:25 am

  I appreciate this Mazda3 GT HB 2.5 auto even more I suspect after driving many other brands , Subaru, Toyota and specificall a 2008 Mazda3 Hb Gt 2.3 ! The upgrade in power has made the biggest change in this cars overall appeal . The suspension has been retweaked to make the slalom in the times it did back in 2008 when the suspension was similar to an old Alfa without shocks .But this one does and the ride is smoother and even more predictable than B4. They eliminated the minor vibrations from the firm suspension and when driving between 45 and 110 I feel like a racing dog that has finally been off leash .broken in w 25K it flys and overtakes cars 3x the cost. driver skill is rewarded!

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  Wish I knew about the tire situation. - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By beachybum76 - October 18 - 11:23 am

  Well I have had my car for a little over a year. I really love my car but I am having to replace my tires already. FYI- the warranty on tires for new cars is for only a year after that its your problem. And then there is the gas problem. Can you say wow? If you have money to spend on gas, then this car is for you. Other than that I love my car.

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  johns review - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By wildjw - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great ride. The dash-board layout is very nice....everything is at your finger tips. great around the corners, especially at 60 mph. A little noisy, however with the top down and the radio up, you wont notice.

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  Mazda Miata - 2000 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By redzoom - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great buy.Cheap on gas.Handles well.No problems at all in the time ,I have owned it.