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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  Good Value - All Around Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By davidej123 - July 9 - 11:15 am

  I recently picked up a 2005 Mazda 3s, with the 5spd, as a grocery-getter / everyday workhorse. I wanted something versatile, reliable, and cheap to maintain, with above average city mpg. However, I also love driving, so I wanted to make sure it was still fun and very much a "drivers car". The 3s has been good-to-excellent on all counts. The shifter is superb. Somedays, I actually like it better than the shifter on my M5. The handling is precise, like a go-cart. The brakes are good. In combined driving, I average about 28-30mpg without fail. Typical trip to the pump is 11gals for 330mi. Decent - but if fuel economy is your absolute top priority, buy a Prius because it will crush this.

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  MX5 Great Value - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Jazzycat - July 8 - 10:26 am

  The MX5 is a feature packed well engineered roadster. Probably one of the best values on the market. The engine and suspension of the new Miata are more sophisticated, but leave you wanting a more sports car like feel. The engine while strong feels and sounds like a boring sedan. Suspension is incredibly supple, but is too soft and leads to ridiculous levels of body roll in corners. The MX5 has great options and features for a car that sells under $25K. My car with dynamic stability control, LSD, traction control, Bilstein suspension, Bose stereo, side airbags, leather interior, 17" wheels -- was $24K. The MX5 also has one of the easiest to use convertible tops ever!

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  Best Car I Ever Bought!!! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Japhia Tarver - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Me and my husband bought this SUV about three weeks ago, so far we love it! We have not had any problems out of it so far. We bought it used and its still in really great shape! I love how it drives and that it has good handling on turns. It has a lot of room in it and I think will be very safe for my brand new baby. It has a cool feature on it where the back seat folds in the floorbaord, then the back part on the seat folds down so it makes the back part like a flat-bed truck. One thing my husband doesnt like about it though is how long it takes for it to shift gears. Overall it is a great vehicle and I hope that it lasts us for a long while.

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  Great but with problems - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Hatmandew - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Major problem with flooding. Once this car floods, it will have to be towed to the dealership. Other than that, I love this car.

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  Sporty yet luxurious!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Dawn Grutzius - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is fabulous! I am very excited about owning this vehicle. I have now had my car for three weeks and it feels like it has been months.

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  MY MAZDA6s -- SWEEEEET! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By WAHDAHECK - July 8 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT MYSELF A FULLY LOADED 6s FOR CHRISTMAS AND ITS BEEN A GREAT JOURNEY SO FAR. NO PROBLEMS WITH THE LOW RPM LAGS ANYMORE THANKS TO HKS GROUNDING KIT (THATS WHATS CAUSING THE BIG LAG IN LOW RPM GUYS, TRUST ME). ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE RIGHT NOW IS THE GAS MILEAGE, ESPECIALLY AT A TIME WHEN THE GAS PRICES ARE SOOOO HIGH!!!!

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  M6s Hatch - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By DSS - July 7 - 12:16 pm

  Recent used purchase. M6s so far offers a spirited and exciting driving experience. Its comfortable, stylish, & sufficiently powerful, although latter could be better. Hatch is very versatile and plenty roomy for four adult commuters. Tires need replacing at 27K miles: they spin when slightly wet; brakes to be upgraded, too. Faint engine tick emerging which Edmunds.com claimed is problem w/"camshaft caps": to the dealer it goes under warranty. High revs to get moving & low-end torque are nuisances, but punch is a thrill once theyre figured out. Mid-rear-childseat clip is near hatch at car back-may need extension. Otherwise, great car to be kept a while.

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  New, but I love it - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By fast24monte - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Although I never thought I would buy anything other than a Chevy, Im in love with my Tribute. The ride is comparable to a car. Good pickup and a smooth ride. My only real complaint is the AWFUL gas mileage. With the right option packages, this small SUV is the perfect alternative to a car. Unfortunately, I think there is significant power loss with the air conditioner running. Other than that, I love my Tribute.

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  Rattle trap! - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Carolyn - July 3 - 1:23 pm

  I love my Mazda6 but when driving over 50 mph there is a rattling noise coming from the front pasenger side. I was told I was "imagining it" after they couldnt duplicate the noise on the third visit for the same problem. Now at 69k something under the hood is making a rattling noise when the car is put into gear or when the heat/ac is turned on. Along with all the other problems & recalls you get with a new car. regular maintance isnt easy either-oil changes are horrible. I will never buy a Mazda again.

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  My Mazda Protege-5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By JRenee - July 3 - 10:00 am

  The car drives great. The tires are a bit soft and therefore wear out more quickly. Tires are not good in the snow. Ive had isses with keeping the tires balanced. Car easily skids to the side if making a sharp turn. The drivers seat isnt as comfortable as Id like for my low back support. The steering wheel can be uncomfortable. The wind whistles through the roofrack and can be annoying. Other than that its a great car! :)