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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  Great car but 2nd car kinda funky - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By unlimitedinc - October 5 - 11:21 pm

  I had this car for a year and really liked it. I took it on a trip to Louisana and Alabama and was comfortable the entire way. Shifting to 2nd gear has to be precise but I havent had any problems otherwise. It looks great, has nice room and is fun to drive and park.

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  Wundercar !!! - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Chris DeHaven - October 4 - 10:20 pm

  I WAS a Saab fanantic until GM destroyed the brand. My last was a 99. I bought and older MPV. I found myself driving the MPV mostly as I have a 4yo grandson who lives with me and 2 others I drive a lot. I passed down the MPV to my daughter and bought the 5. I was sure I would like it as it is a form follows function design...remember when Saabs were?? This car is an incredible performer with decent finish at a very low price. I was waiting to write this until I returned from a 6 day/1700 mi trip with my 4 year old. I am 62" and 280+# and drove all those miles in reasonable comfort. It averaged 26mpg at 80mph. The bluetooth is simple and works well as well as all the other gadgets.

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  Enjoying the zoom zoom - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mazda Mom - October 4 - 10:06 pm

  I have not owned a new vehicle in 9 years. I have been doing research for a while and really investigated the Mazda CX7 and CX9. I had been driving a Dodge Durango and loved it. My husband did not want a smaller vehicle so we drove the CX9. I really like the looks of the CX9. My only complaint is that I settled for the black interior which I know will be very hot in the summer.

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  A Fun Wagon - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Bill Carr - October 4 - 8:06 pm

  Have put on 2,700 miles in the past several months. Very much enjoy this car. You can get a surprising large amount of stuff in this thing!

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  Zooming 6S - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greg - October 4 - 6:50 pm

  Overall, love the car. Wish it had more torque but Mazda did what it could with that Ford motor. It revs surprisingly well and is not as course as you would think of it. Some of the interior also shows Ford cutting costs but like the design very much. There are a lot of little things I would like to change but every time I drive it, I forget about them.

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  Miata #2!!! - 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Michael Silver - October 4 - 1:07 am

  I previously owned a 2002 Miata SE, 5 SPEED, manual transmission. It was my favorite of the 17 cars I had owned. Unfortunately, an unexpected snow storm and summer performance tires conspired to bring my baby to an early, and much lamented demise. . . Fast forward a few years, and the impending release of the 2016 Miata was creating a lot of media buzz in the automobile world. . . I never really expected to own another Miata, much less a new 2016 (We have two teenage sons, and besides, it was my wifes turn to get a new car), but circumstances arose that made it a possibility, then a reality! I am now the owner of 2016 Meteor Gray Club edition Miata MX-5, 6 speed manual transmission! I am ecstatic! The color is fantastic, the seats easily accommodate my 62" 230 pound frame! I have plenty of leg room. The top is a breeze, taking 3-5 seconds, up or down. It stows easily and neatly, with no need for a cover! The stereo (Bose) is quite good, and syncs up with my ipod via Bluetooth flawlessly. Even at 85 mph on the highway, is crisp and clear. the steering, as expected, is fantastic, carving the corners like a slot car! Shifting the manual transmission is a joy, and the clutch is amazingly light and easy, so driving in city traffic isnt much of a chore. . . the LED headlights and taillights are both bright, and beautiful! Such a cool looking car! . . . And like an earlier reviewer, I too live in Jacksonville, NC. However, I bought my Miata in Wilmington, NC. The dealer there was much easier to work with. . . Anyway, bottom line is, this is an amazing car, and of you enjoy driving a DRIVERS CAR, look no further. =)

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  wow - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By BW - October 3 - 10:06 am

  This is the best small car out there. After driving a Toyota Matrix and Mazda3 back to back I bought the 3 on the spot. This car is fun. I love the stereo, the interior, and the 17" wheels. Handles like a dream and my bike fits in the back.

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  Unsurprisingly Suprising Quick - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By SA 3 Driver - October 2 - 9:23 am

  I bought my 3 a few weeks ago and do mostly highway driving. Although the fuel economy is not up to par with Honda, it does better than my previous auto. Road noise is a bit loud over 70MPH, but the car has super handling.The responsiveness and handling makes you feel connected to the road. A definite best-buy for its class. Very Pleased. 2.0L is great, but 2.3L is better, if you have the extra $1000-$1500

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  I love this car! - 2015 Mazda CX-5
  By girlfromwa - October 2 - 1:20 am

  My last vehicle was a Sub Forester. All well and good. This car handles much better. Better turn radius, much more "umph" on steep mountain passes, lots of pep & energy - and AWD too! Sweet! Subaru a little weak on bells and whistles, and this has really nice comfort features. Good gas mileage too.

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  2004 Mazda 2.3 Sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By duderino66 - October 1 - 11:28 pm

  I bought my 2004 mazda3 used in 2006 with about 30k miles. Water pump died at 60k, alternator fried at 80k. Transmission crumped at 120k (ouch!). Fun to drive, surprisingly smooth on the highway for a 4-cylinder, and a good looking car inside and out. Id buy another one, but probably opt for a 5-speed next time.