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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  Part everything - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By the drifter - September 15 - 1:06 pm

  Searched for a car for years. A lot of small SUV types out there the lately, but most such as the CR-V, RAV-4, Forester dont appeal to me. This one is part SUV, part wagon, and yes, part sports car. A little quirky but a good fit for a single Northwest man with plenty of outdoor places to go. Mileage is 17-19 city and best has been 22-23 on highway trips. Get the AWD, got a chance to test in the snow right away and there is nothing like it.

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  Mazda5 Touring with Auto Transmission - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By victor_arch - September 14 - 1:30 pm

  Mazda5 is a good car for the price. We are family of three + a small dog. This car is the only one practical choice for us as a family car. Good compromise between convenience of a minivan and sporty ride. Mazda5 is a replacement for our Honda Civic EX 4 door 2001. I find interior materials are good enough for the price of this car. I would be happy if it lasts 5-6 years without serious issues. We will see.

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  Its a good van - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By itisfine - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Purchased pre-owned with about 31k miles on it, one owner. Have put about 11k on it so far and have had no problems other than a burnt out turn signal bulb. Our work has Dodge Caravans, and I do admit they are smoother riding vans. However, for a personal vehicle, I value reliablity and dependability, and so far the MPV has not let me down. Its a lot of van for the money and I think it will last many miles.

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  Great Minivan - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Twins2000 - September 14 - 10:00 am

  We have had our MPV for just about a month now & still love needing to go somewhere just so we can drive it. We have 3-year-old twins (2 carseats) and find that this vehicle is so functional. We have plenty of room for longer trips, yet the vehicle is the most carlike of the 4 minivans we test drove (Honda, Toyota 04, Chrysler). We opted for the LX with pwr sliding doors, 4 seasons package, sidebags w/tract & roof rack. We paid about 22K! The same in the Toyota or Honda would have been about 4K or so more! In CR the MPVs reliability was 2nd only to that of the Sienna (could this have something to do with it being assembled in Japan?).

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  I should have waited for the 07 3Speed - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By louisvilleMazda - September 13 - 11:53 pm

  It looks quicker than it is but it still outperforms the competition. A great platform to build a nice street racer. You cant find a sportier compact wagon for the money.

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  Grendel, the grey monster - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By Keith Murphy - September 13 - 3:46 pm

  A good solid SUV that has the size engine I need for towing my boat. However, it is much bigger than my RAV4 and took some getting used to. I got a good deal from Wilson Mazda in Ventura and a payment well within my limited budget.

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  2007 Mazda 3s - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By DonC - September 13 - 7:00 am

  Owned for almost 3 years/33,000 miles without a single problem. Fun to drive/handles great. Love the 5 speed manual transmission. Im tall (6-04, 210lbs and I find the front seats to be uncomfortable on long drives. My 5-04 wife and daughters love the seats. If I drive it easy on the hwy we get at best 30 mpg. I think a car of this size should do better although it does have the 2.3 engine.

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  RX-8 Rocks - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By BOP - September 11 - 4:06 pm

  The RX-8 is a great car on the curves and is really fun to drive, the main complaint is the amount of torque (too little) and the gas mileage is terrible (I get 16.5 mpg), but besides those 2 issues I wouldnt change it.

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  Dont believe stated fuel economy - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Poor MPG king - September 7 - 10:26 pm

  Ive had my 8 since Jan. 04. Just passed 8800 miles. I love everything about this car except one major thing: fuel economy. My last tank was 13 mpg city driving; mainly to and from work. I am VERY disappointed in this number which has been consistent since Ive bought the car. "Lowest True Cost to Own"?! Sorry Edmunds, but the poor fuel mileage should eliminate this car. If I would have known it was THIS bad I would have gotten a different car. Im just tired of filling up every 175 miles or so.

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  Good car, poor service. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By veniero - September 6 - 10:00 am

  This car has served us well for three years now. There have been a few build quality issues, such as paint peeling and plastic parts falling off repeatedly. More importantly, Mazda service leaves a lot to be desired. We found out that the right front tie rod was damaged. The car has been in the repair shop for a week and Mazda has been unable to obtain the necessary parts! In the meanwhile, we have been responsible for the repair costs! The actual company has been very difficult to deal with. Based on this experience, this is likely to be our last Mazda vehicle.