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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  I love my car RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Ideefixe - February 4 - 10:00 am

  A lot of fun to drive. 6 speed really cool. Rear wheel drive handling. Very good at cornering. Feels reliable and rides smooth. Engine revs up quickly and has a lot of power at around 4000rpm and up. Lovely style especially viewed from the front. Most important, all these goodies can be had at around $30k.

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  2005 Tribute S - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By VN - February 4 - 10:00 am

  At 900 miles, the emission light illuminated and stays on. The dealer had to replace the sensor. Alignment was also needed because the truck was pulling to the right. Dealer fixed that but they had to increase the Caster/Camper to +0.01 which made the truck steering stiffer/heavier than first bought it which took some fun away from driving the Tribute. Wind and road noise are pretty bad over 50Miles/hour. And it is loud and bouncy over bumps. The dealer gave me the Ford F150 while my truck was in the shop and surprisingly; the F150 was much quieter and smoother over bumps. It is also a lot quitter than the Tribute at high speed.

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  Puts other compacts to shame - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By vk - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car after extensive research. I was looking for a compact Japanese car after all the troubles I had with my German engineered Golf. I didnt like the styling of the Civic or the Corolla- too bland. After looking at the reviews on Edmunds I decided to take the Mazda 3 for a testdrive. Driving dynamics are excellent. Handles very well and the interior quality and styling is excellent. Good pickup (2.3L engine). I bougt my car 6 weeks ago and so far no problems. Very happy with my decision. Highly recommended if you are in the market for a compact car.

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  THE REAL DEAL ZOOMER - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By WEAZEL - February 4 - 10:00 am

  MAZDA HIT IT BIG WITH THE 6S. I LOVE IT. FROM ITS SLEEK LOOK TO IT POWERHOUSE PROFORMANCE. I HAVE A 1995 FORD THUNDERBIRD WITH A V8. THE ACCELERATION IN TH MAZDA BLOWS THE TBIRD AWAY. MY ONLY COMPLAINT IS THAT TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE BLINDED BY THE HONDA ACCORDS. THE MAZDA 6S IS WELL PRICED AND LOADED WITH OPTIONS. THANKS MAZDA. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

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  Small Sacrifices for an Excellent Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Donnie V. - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2004 Mazda 6i this month (actually week) and have put over 1000 miles on it. It is ONYX Black with black cloth interior, sport package with spoiler, 17" wheels and Bose Audio Package. First I have to say that I love almost everything about the car. My only problems are:1)The cloth used in the door inserts is rough and has no padding underneith it making for soar arms if you wear short sleeve shirts. 2) Despite seats that adjust up/down, forward/back and recline and a tilt & telescoping wheel it is hard to find a comfortable position and still be able to read the speedo. Other than these minor quibbles the car is awesome!

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  An excellent small SUV - 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
  By tas - February 4 - 8:30 am

  This has been an excellent choice of a vehicle. I test drove the Ford Escape version and, in comparison, the Mazda vehicle feels better appointed inside. I like the piano-black center console, it looks a lot better than the one in the Escape version of the vehicle. Do not buy the vehicle without the navigation package, the whole fun of driving a hybrid is checking your fuel economy!!! A must accessory is the HomeLink Mirror which is really inexpensive.

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  Absolutely Love my M5 - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By jdooleyvt - February 3 - 10:00 pm

  Weve spent about 10 months with our Mazda5 already. We have two daughters under the age of two. The car seats, strollers, diaper bags and other bulky kid stuff all fits in the Mazda 5 without any issue. This car is simply a blast to drive. It is easy to forget that you are driving a vehicle with sliding doors. Loading the girls into the back seat is easy and once they start opening the doors themselves I dont have to worry about them putting a dent in another car in the parking lot. This car is perfect size for a family of four and the extra seats are a great option. In mostly city driving I get about 25-26 mpg on a longer trip it gets over 30 mpg. My best is over 35 mpg.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Trib Lover - February 3 - 1:43 pm

  I bought this vehicle new and have 112K miles on it. Overall, this vehicle has been solid, reliable and fun to drive. Other then routine maintenance, I have put very little money into repairs. Its great on long trips and in the city. Very versatile, comfortable and peppy! The only beef I have is the mileage. I average about 21 mpg combined. It seems like Im always at the gas station! I had no intention of keeping this vehicle for so long, but I have no good reason to get rid of it!

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  Fun Car. Fuel Economy no so fun. - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Scott - February 2 - 12:02 pm

  You cant go wrong with this car. It is fun to drive, looks good, and has a great interior. However, the fuel economy is not anywhere near advertised. To come even close to the stated highway fuel rating you need level ground, clear highway, and lock the cruise at 65mph. As soon as the turbo starts having to work the car drinks gas.

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  Great car - 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By viyer - February 2 - 10:00 am

  The Miata is as close to a perfect car as I can find. Impeccable handling combined with great reliability cannot be matched. The car just begs to be driven at or past the limit of traction. Depending on your point of view, it is large enough to work as an only car.