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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  Zoom-Zoom A+ - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Bibby - April 27 - 5:50 pm

  I have owned 8 new cars including a BMW, Acura, Jeep, and a few GMs. My Mazda 3 has been my favorite car and the best value by far. To date I have over 100,000 miles and have replaced only the front brakes, windshield wipers, and one set of tires. I cant say enough good about this car it still as tight and rattle free as the day I bought it. I recently loaned it to a friend and they were amazed at how quiet it still rides and what a solid car it is. I have consistently gotten 32 MPG in mixed driving.

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  Best Bang For Your Buck! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jaimie - April 27 - 4:50 am

  I purchased this vehicle brand new - 100miles of test driving. I fell in love with it the second I saw it and knew this car belonged to me the first time I drove it. It was a step down from the top line model, and it has been a great car. I keep up to date with the maintenance and it is pretty decent with gas averaging around 28-30mpg. It is always peppy and handles great. Not to add, the thing is a tank and really well built. I hit a truck drive shaft on the highway at 70mph and had no undercarriage damage - only a popped tire. Overall, the car has been great. I just hit 60k and thus far hes still trucking along. For a small car it definitely holds up. I am for sure a Mazda customer.

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  What a great toy - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By mamacita99 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  We got my wifes "dream car" with only 9000 miles on it. One block into the test drive told us this car is a blast to drive. It just scoots. The handling is unbelievable for a car that is not expensive. She drives it to work with a smile that has not left her face in four years. We relish summer here in the Northwest and this car just makes it all the more pleasurable.

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  excellent! - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By khumphries - April 27 - 2:00 am

  this car handles well, looks great and is very easy to drive.

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  Best of three worlds! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Simon_mtl - April 27 - 2:00 am

  This is a cool car: Nice styling, comes almost fully loaded, fun to drive, practical and affordable. The cargo space rather small so this car has to be considered as a 5 doors hatchback rather than a wagon. Its a combination of sport, utility and economy in one sub-compact car. Great!

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  5k miles to date - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By dubewaa - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Just eclipsed 5k miles, vehicle is fun to drive, of course cornering is its best attribute, add on ground effects are weak at best, these are applied when car arrives in port, weak attention to detail, not manufacturing problem, but it does cost them, ground effects are attached by plastic plugs, not actual screws, one soft kick and they will pop out, Mazda only sells in kits, has to devise alternative. car has great fit and finish.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By pakuf - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this car everyday to work and I have had no problems with it. Great acceleration, sound system. good gas millage. Comfortable ride. it is a little loud but the 201 horses can be blamed for that, it is a great SUV. I recommend it.

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  Very satisfied after 1st year - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By AllieB - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I really have liked my Mazda Tribute. I went for all the bells and whistles and glad it did. The exterior design is fabulous, and the interior is very functional with lots of room for 4-5 people. The vehicle size is perfect for anyone who wants an SUV with power, but doesnt want those huge Suburban- type cars. Rides smoothly like a car. At 9,000 miles my car stalled at 40 mph, but I had it serviced and they have reprogrammed my onboard computer due to a communication issue with a celltower. I have had no further problems with the vehicle. Customer service at the dealership has been great.

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  A good college car... - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By OUStudent - April 26 - 8:43 am

  This is a nice car to drive. Its quiet on the inside and rides almost as smooth as my moms Lexus. I think that for the money you cant get a better car out there. I test drove many including the Scion, Honda, and Nissan. I liked the feel of the Mazda 6 the best. I have owned the car for about 6 months now and havent even noticed a rattle. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  Good little Van - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By HarryJ - April 26 - 3:16 am

  Overall, this has been a fantastic vehicle. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a van that has power and is also concerned about fuel economy. I purchased this knowing I was going to Europe and on the roads and streets there, it was outstanding. I had practically no issues at all with it. My only challenge was to get an American spec vehicle serviced in Europe. I can honestly tell you this van would run 120 mph on the Autobahn with no problems, and the fuel economy was pretty good doing so.