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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  $20,000 BMW Lite! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By dstrick7 - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I have the optional semi-manual transmission, and it is sooo much fun. I cant wait for the aftermarket stuff to come out for it...it really could use about 30-40 more horsepower (handling at high speeds/cornering/braking is great, and the car was built to handle close to 200 hp in my opinion...currently, its a slightly weak at takeoff, and it really needs something from about 3000- 4000 rpm). It truly is a small wagon that handles like some of the near- sports cars out there...and it has that expensive-looking styling too.

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  Could be an A+ - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By njgladiator - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I love the looks of this car but I wish Mazda offered the engine performance to match. The handling & brakes are fantistic but 130hp is simply not enough to make this sport wagon go Zoom Zoom.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By vgv - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I love my Tribute!! It looks great and drives great. The leather interior is absolutely gorgeous and the V6 engine has a lot of pep. Before I decided to buy my car, I investigated the other mini SUVs and discovered that the Tribute definitely offers more bang for the buck. The new warranty (4 yrs, 50K miles) was the extra icing on the cake. Perspective buyers just need to watch out for that Theft Guard scam. The finance rep at the dealership got an extra $795 out for a product that I didnt need nor want. I cant blame Mazda for that scam, only the dealership. I wouldnt buy another car from that dealership if they were giving them away.

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  Im in luv with Mazzie! - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Sarah - December 26 - 7:53 pm

  This little suv is a joy! Without spending a kajillion bucks I feel like I did. I only have 1600 miles on this baby so far and we are already best friends! Drove a Mazda pickup for 15 years so sticking with what I know. I bought the red one. Luv luv luv it!

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  Seriously, get this car. - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By William Eckard - December 26 - 9:43 am

  I got this car to replace my 15 mpg truck and am now getting over 30 mpg. A month before I got it, I never thought that I would ever be driving a Mazda, but I love my car. The handling is amazing, the 4 cyl still has enough oomph for me (I drive it hard). It looks good in any color that its offered in. I have no complaints about this car. I love driving it. It isnt that expensive, you get over 30 mpg, its a whole lot of fun to drive, it looks cool, its safe. Mazda knocked this one outta the park.

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  Why cant they sell more of these? - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By ksonic - December 26 - 8:40 am

  In the U.S., the 2 must be one of the great automotive secrets. Since buying mine more than a month ago, Ive seen all of one other on the road, and I live in a metro area where subcompacts are common. Its such a great, satisfying car at a low price that its hard to understand why Mazda dealerships cant seem to give them away. The 2 may seem to be just a cheap economy car for those on budget, but I beg to differ. As a fan of Euro-style small, quick hatches (last car was a Ford SVT Focus), I had to give the 2 a try. Its amazingly fun to drive. Its not fast in a straight line, but its quick enough. And the features, fuel mileage, and practicality make it a great all-arounder.

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  DONT Buy it !!! - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Acuraboy - December 25 - 1:16 pm

  I traded a 2004 Mercedes C230 for the CX-7 because of all the hype about it and I wanted an SUV. Well what a mistake this was!! After 2000 miles the engine just didnt sound right and the check engine light kept coming on. When I took it to the dealer it was a week before they could even get to it!! Definitely not customer service oriented like luxury dealers are. Overall I was very disappointed in Mazda. Will never purchase another one again. I kept it for 4 months and then turned it in.

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  Great for family - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Maryann - December 25 - 10:56 am

  Roomy, and yet small. Great for a family vehicle.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By Gord - December 25 - 8:43 am

  This is a FANTASTIC car! I like the more muscular look of the car when compared with the Camrys, Altimas and Accords. This car says, "Look out! Im Comin!" Im exceptionally pleased with the car and highly recommend it.

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  Great Car - Fun Ride - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ben - December 25 - 8:13 am

  This is a great car! Ive been extremely pleased with it. It runs very smoothly and is fun to drive. For me the suspension is perfect, its not too soft, so you can feel the road, but soft enough that the ride is still smooth. I love the speedometer display, the layout of the thermostat and the audio controls (note: the Grand Touring thermostat controls are different than the lower models). The fuel economy isnt the best, but you get a peppy engine in return. This car offers a lot of features that you wouldnt expect in an economy car. I think the Mazda3 is a great car and I have no regrets about my purchase.