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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  Mazda 3 is a great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Aidan Doherty - January 4 - 6:53 pm

  Handles and performs much better than my last car, a Civic, and has much nicer interior styling also. A great value for the price.

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  Im Lovin It! - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By DashaMilasha - January 4 - 3:03 pm

  Awesome car! Get excited every day i have to drive it! We got fully loaded with every possible option and even more! Looks great and its so much fun to drive! Very roomy inside, comfortably seats at least 5 adults and 2 kids! When everyone in a back entertained by watching DVDs, I kept entertained by Zoom-Zoom! Love it more every day!

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  A couple of problems - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By JEL - January 4 - 5:03 am

  I mostly like my 2008 Tribute, but it doesnt seem to handle very well in the rain or on curves. Downright scary at times. Also, if your long- legged, be aware of the headlight switch. It has a molded ring around it that Ive cut my leg on about half a dozen times. I also had the problem with the sunglass holders popping open, until I got the dealer to replace them.

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  I love my car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Marie E - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about this car. The only thing I find a little troublesome is the 360 degree turn being a little wide but that is not too bad of a problem.

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  Poor Sound - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By sweety30 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Drivers beware of the poor sound quality coming from the non-Bose stereo system. I am very displeased with the sound quality from those speakers. I recently purchased expensive speakers to put in the back to improve the sound. Can you believe it still does not perform to its optimal performance. I want a new radio. The sound in this car sucks. Check before choosing the non-Bose system. It also need a better driver armrest as well.

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  Great Pick-up Truck - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By Lionel2b - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Truck rides very smooth, not the usual bounce that you would expect driving a pick-up of this size. Plenty of power, which would account for the 16 MPG. Good quality overall, in and out. Built solid!!

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  Protege5 best in class - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By johnnyB5646 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Awesome handling and aggressive gear ratio in standard transmission let you enjoy the daily commute in style. Add a couple performance or cosmetic items from the suprisingly supportive aftermarket vendors and youll have an outstanding "budget" racer\grocery getter that lets you stand out from the civics and SUVs.

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  it high speed proformance - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By sylvia padgett - January 4 - 2:00 am

  i just love this car .

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  Drives well in the snow - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By LUV MY TRIBUTE - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the Tribute ES April 2003. It drove well in good weather as well as bad. Was able to motor about in the snow last week. Handled beautifully.

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  Driving in the Snow - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By lamourine - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Left work and had to drive 60 miles home in 2-4 inches of snow where noone else had driven and the car drove extremely well. The traction feature kicked in and got me safely home.