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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  Not on par with other japanese cars - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By nestorhdz - June 13 - 8:03 pm

  Nice, agressive looking and responsive. Easy to handle on high speeds. During the first year of combined highway and city use there are major issues that didnt appear on other cars Ive owned (Toyota, Opel, and Chevrolet). Unoccupied passenger seat and front speaker make noise as if I was driving an truck 10 years old. The radiator heat sensor was stuck and the car overheated (covered by warranty). Front disc brakes lasts less than 10,000 miles (its less than 20,000 mi and its the second change). Theres clearly audible noise in the front suspension on irregular roads. Overall, quality is far, far away from that of Japanese and American cars.

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  I love it. - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By dp - June 13 - 4:30 pm

  This car is fun to drive. I have not had anything go wrong with it yet.

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  2010 CX-9 GT AWD - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By XTC75 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Most of these reviews are glowing so Ill just list the faults. Brushed faux aluminum on the inside of the door scratches easily and looks terrible. Plastic coating on the floor runners that the rear seats slide forward/backward on scratch, peel and flake after a few months and look terrible (although still function fine). Getting to the fade function on the stereo is way too difficult (requires 3 different button pushes to change, not intuitive either). Also we have water entering into the passenger floor area beneath the dash when cornering to the left. After some online research this appears to be due to a clogged sunroof and evaporator line from the AC. Pending resolution...

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  Jammin Coupe! - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By rx8bear - June 12 - 6:46 am

  I love this car! The car is an unbelievable value for the money. It drives and handles like a dream. It is built as solid as a tank and the fit and finish are superb. I havent had any problems whatsoever with the car.

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  Some Flaws, overall excellence - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Clance - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Just did a transition from a Grand Cherokee V8 to a 4 cyl Mazda 6i. Auto/Manual Mode is appealing, though V6 would have been more accomadating. In my first 5 days of driving it, went from a full tank to nearly empty. Made me question the 24/30 city/highway estimates. Handling is nice, but sometimes shaky and parking is a nightmare.

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  Good deal for the money - 2000 Mazda 626
  By randow2 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car at a year old and have put about 24K miles in two years. This car has shifting problems (a clunk) when slowing down from a slow speed which has been previously reviewed. Wind noise is a bit aggravating at high speed. Fuel economy, power (nice power!), driving stability (up to about 80-85 mph....the car tends to liftfrom the road at higher speeds, so... dont speed!), handling and fit and finish are comparable to my 95 Camry and to two Hondas I have had. Nice stereo. Overall good bang for the buck if you dont have luxury car bucks.

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  Fun, quirky hatch - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By threeer - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Love the way this car handles the twisties! Its always cool to lift the hood and see the strut brace. Continue to be impressed with the room inside. Layout is logical. On the down side, disappointed in the gas mileage, as well as long-term driving comfort. Its very busy at higher speeds, and tends to drone on.

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  Tribute Overall enjoyed but.... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Sonaran - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I have enjoyed my Tribute since getting it in 2001 but I have had some problems. One losing power while driving-2001. In 2002, I had to have the brake lines and coolant lines replaced due to a leak as well as the stalling problem started again. The delearship replaced everything except for the engine and electrical lines. 2003, I had to have some of my electrical parts replaced-OBDII light came on one night and the next day my Tribute wouldnt start. But despite all of this-I really like my Tribute and even though I have had problems. So,Im thinking of either getting 2004 or 2005 model.

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  Bang for buck - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By bstern92 - June 8 - 8:26 am

  Bought car for $13,500 in 2010. I love the steering wheel feel and the radio controls. Sound system is very good. Seat material is very sturdy. The car has 112k on it and the seats still lokk new. Engine is very peppy and the steering is sporty. Only negative is the design is a little feminine. Only repair was a temperature sensor.

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  Great fun - 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mikeandjudy - June 7 - 5:02 am

  My wife wanted this car and I did not. I went to the dealership and tried it out. It is hard to get into if you are used to driving a truck but once you get over that, the car is such a blast to drive. It is not oozing performance but the handling and responsiveness is better than many of the more expensive roadsters. The wind noise is not bad at all. I always saw this as a "girls car" but now I drive it more than she does. Will probably get my own one day. If you try it out with an open mind you will be pleasantly surprised and may even have some fun driving it.