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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  Nanas Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Juanita - June 8 - 2:06 pm

  I have had my Tribute for 2 years now and have 20,000 miles on it. I love driving it. Has good pick-up when I need it.

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  Adult sports car - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mr Lessie Williams - June 8 - 4:26 am

  I recently purchased a 2009 MX5 Grand Touring PRHT with the optional suspension & premium package, and I love it.The top goes down in 12 seconds and the 6M with limited slip differential makes it a true driver sports car.When it comes to interior it stands alone in its class,the exterior has 20 years of evolution making it one of the best looking roadsters on the road.

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  So sad. - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By tdb3 - June 7 - 8:02 pm

  Were in Nova Scotia w/ moist salty air. Cars rust here; but this is the worst Ive ever seen. Model is famous w/ mechanics. Body rusted - started w/ back wheel wells. Got fixed for $800, but rest of car covered in rust. Struts rusted - Got those & few other things replaced for $1000. When I bought car it had used engine. Within 1 wk, water pump failed & 2nd engine failed. 3rd engine lasted two years before it failed. When I took it in, mechanic said to junk it b/c the frame had totally rusted out underneath. Didnt believe him, so looked myself. There were holes the size of my fist all over the FRAME of the car, rest was SOFT. Scrap yd doesnt even want it b/c has too many of them!

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  Loving my car!!!!! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By verybusymom - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I had been wanting the car as soon as they came out.It was so worth the wait. I have really enjoyed this car. I look forward to driving it everyday. I even love washing it. :) Boy do you get the looks in this car. People are always stopping me and asking what kind of car it is. Being a mom of 2 I needed a car that would work for the family, just not one that yelled out MOM!! and this car does that for me. :)

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  mazdaspeed miata - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mph110 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought a new Mazdaspeed Miata. It it great fun to drive, perhaps the best handling car I have ever driven, no doubt due to the low body wieght. It is a great looking car, with red stitched leather seats, 17" racing Hart 5 spoke alloy wheels, aluminum pedals, etc. It replaced a 4 year old boxster, and I could not be happier or more satified with the purchase. It is not an all weather car, and cannot be driven in the snow or even wet weather with the 205/40 low profile Toyo Proxes tires. However, it is a great fair weather vehicle, perfect for top down fun.

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  Amazing Vehicle - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By megd726 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this SUV mainly because I missed driving an SUV (I originally drove a Ford Explorer and then went with a Mazda Millenia.) This was the first car I have purchased and I have not been disappointed. Mazda has been good to me as far as service and reliability so I was happy to purchase a Mazda vehicle. This is a fun car to drive. It handles like a car and I often forget that I am driving an SUV. For anyone who is seeking to purchase an SUV, I would highly recommend the Tribute. It has plenty of room for the kids I nannyed for this summer, taking all of my stuff down to school, and getting me around the city. I dont think twice about the reliability of this car. It will get me there!

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  Great SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Willy_Tail - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive had mine for 3 years now with no problems. I would highly reccommend this vehicle.

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  Zoom-zoom? They aint Kiddin!! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Letter-Rip - June 7 - 10:00 am

  We (My wife and I) took our time and checked out a number of performance cars. When considering the thrill to price tag ratio, no other car came close. The engine looks no bigger than a beach ball,but with a 9000 rpm redline and snake in a rat-hole handling, its more than enough! My kids have plenty of room in the back and I feel they are well protected with the side curtain air-bags To sum it up, the head turning good looks of the RX-8 got us interested, the pure fun of the ride sealed the deal.

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  Love that Mazda 6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By FANNA - June 7 - 10:00 am

  In looking for a car we test drove several cars, Nissan Altima, Nissan Maxima. The Mazda 6, V6 was by far the best value for the money. The Maxima was my preferred choice until I drove the Mazda 6. It was readily apparent that the ride of the Mazda 6 was comparable to that of the Maxima. It is a smaller car, but had all the amenities that the Maxima had. It is an all around winner for comfort, exterior design, interior design (it is awesome!)and safety. For anyone who truly enjoys driving cars, the Mazda 6 is an utter delight! I absolutely adore this car!

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  Mazda 3 s-4door - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kalie11 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  h