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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  TRANSITION - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By massman - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle so far. Those looking for more space and versatility without spending a fortune for an SUV and the gas to put in it should consider the MPV. Sporty looks and sporty feel in a minivan that doesnt look, feel or drive like a normal minivan.

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  tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Don Lewis - October 3 - 2:00 am

  It looks fantastic. Has many features. Great power.

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  Replaced R350 - First Trip - ZOOM ZOOM! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Daba - October 2 - 7:26 pm

  Our CX9 Grand Touring just replaced an MB R350. Pros for the CX9 - Value for $, Handling, Power, Nav, Really Great Sound System, Handier Seats / Utility, Power Liftgate sounds like it will work, Regular Gas, Style, Interior Fit & Finish / Style. Cons - Gas Cost really isnt - CX9 is 10% less gas mileage, but uses Regular!! Seats other than drivers seat are a little less solid. Drivers seat is better than R, especially for medium height drivers. If you need something midsized and flexible and miss CX9 you are missing a great choice - we tested a lot. Most amazing feature - the car got looks from people in LA - must be the new colors and big wheels!

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  After 18 months, still a good car. - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Mick - October 2 - 2:56 am

  Have had mine for 18 months now, 17,000 miles. Still love the ride, handling and versatility. Getting about 22 mpg on regular fuel with about a 60%/40% city/hwy mix. Love the extra row of seats... actually fit 7 adults without a problem this summer. The nav system is OK but some of the newer portable systems are better. I have towed my boat (towing pkg) a few times without any problems. Great in winter weather as far as driving, but this winter I have started to get a belt squeaking during cold mornings (below 35F). Overall still very impressed with this large SUV that drives like a much smaller vehicle.

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  Very Happy! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By HeavyH20 - October 2 - 2:23 am

  I was looking to buy a new vehicle and nothing was a good fit. That held true until Mazda released the CX-7. It is a nice balance of looks, performance and features for the price. Great value.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By Bradford Hager - September 30 - 8:43 am

  I simply love this car! You only get about 250 miles on a tank of gas. (14 gals.) That is the only draw back. I have driven it from Palm Springs to Oak Harbor, Wa. and back effortlessly. The car drives itself.

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  Style and substance in one great car - 2015 Mazda Mazda6
  By evan21007 - September 30 - 7:12 am

  Ive had this car for 5 weeks and 750 miles. The exterior styling gets noticed immediately and the seats are amazingly comfortable with the right amount of support. Press the push-button start and let the fun begin. The engine has decent power, but 0-20 mph may require a bit more pressure on the gas pedal. The tires have plenty of grip combined with the standard 17" wheels. Steering and suspension are responsive to every input so you can have fun taking corners or enjoy a smooth ride in daily commuting. The interior is simply laid out with good ergonomics, high quality materials and switchgear throughout. Its not a flashy interior (which is a good thing). This is a drivers car!

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  Good sport wagon - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Stillageek - September 29 - 9:20 pm

  I refuse to use the "M" word, I call mine a sport wagon. I was looking at a Toyota Matrix and Scion XB. The 5 cost less and has more room. We have no kids, but we like the utility and versatility. I bought the gt without nav. Coming from an acura tsx I only lost power seats, dual a/c, traction control, stability control and the need for premium gas. I love this thing. I cant believe I have gone 16 years of driving without sliding doors. The engine and power is kind like the TSX....enough for everyday with a little extra for fun.

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  Great Car .. Fun to drive! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kat - September 29 - 12:06 am

  I shopped for quite a while before deciding on what I would purchase. This car surpassed all the competitors in handling, performance and overall value. So I purchased the 2010 Mazda3 iTouring a beginning of May. It now has 2500 miles on it and I love it. My mileage is averaging about 33 mpg. I am so surprised by the mileage since I expected to get about 26-28! Handling is really great! I cant say enough positive things about this car. I have owned many cars but this is by far my favorite. I have very few negatives as you can see below. This car is well worth the $$.

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  2 year long term test.. 60000 km! 5 speed - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By doomz78 - September 28 - 7:46 am

  After having this car for over 2 years and driving it quite a bit (60000km, about 32,000 miles) I have the dirt on this econo-machine: 1) I have had no mechanical problems. 2) The steering and suspension are as tight and as precise as the day I bought it. You almost take it for granted until you drive a different vehicle. Then you realize: Wow this Mazda 3 really handles! 0.87gs on the skidpad. R U kidding? At this price? 3) I have the 2.0 engine, MT, It has more power then anyone really needs. I drive 140kmh (85mph) every day on the 401 highway and no complaints. Fuel economy is average. 520km per tank. I drive it hard which doesnt help the numbers. 4) So far so good!