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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  Couldnt Ask For More - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Steve - April 25 - 6:50 pm

  Had it a little over 2 weeks now. It is my daily driver and I couldnt ask for more. Im a pilot so the interior is well suited for me. Just a short reach for everything I need and the seats are very comfortable. BTW, Im 6"1. Yes, driving it is a pure joy. For a short time I drove it on an interstate and keeping up with everyone at 80 then 100 it was rock solid. I thought it was be shaking and moving all over the place. Mine is a 6 speed and I dont rev the engine much past 4,000 between shifts yet get 25 MPG. Kinda surprised at it being that low but its a small price to pay for this much fun. It still looks brand new and I catch people looking at it all time. Very cool.

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  Overall A Good Buy - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By JonSMayer - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Protege for about 3 months now and it is doing well. The actual buying experience was horrible (Note: Avoid Kings Mazda in Cincinnati, OH at all costs) but I got a decent price for the ES with the 6- CD/Moonroof option for around 14,900 out the door. The wind noise no problem, I find it only noticeable on very windy days. The gas mileage was a little dissapointing, I think I get about 25-27 mpg combined. Another small complaint I have is that the air conditioning never gets really cold, and on hot days (90s) takes much longer than you would like to cool down. Other than that the car has done well and I hope that this trend continues.

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  So far so good! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By lmvp17 - April 25 - 3:20 am

  I bought my gently used 05 fully loaded Tribute (3.0, 4WD w/ towing package) couple months ago and so far so good. Had some trouble with the engine light but that was fixed by replacing the gas cap. I tow my 16ft fishing boat with ease and felt confident when the 4x4 kicked in to pull the loaded trailer out of the lake. Left the moon roof open one night through a rainstorm and had my interior and dash completely soaked! Surprised to say absolutely no electrical problems and leather still looks brand new. Only thing I wish it had was ability to play MP3s!

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  1999 Mazda 626 LX w/ 200,000 miles - 1999 Mazda 626
  By mlapompe - April 22 - 10:53 am

  I purchased this car in Nov 1999 with a $2,250 rebate at $16k. As of July of 2009, it has 200,000 miles. Around 68k (after warranty exp) miles, I replaced the rack & pinion. I have changed the timing belt & water pump twice as part of scheduled maintenance. No transmission problems (problems w/ 4cyl)! The car still drives good. I just purchased a 2000 Lexus GS w/ 124k miles on it and Im looking forward to getting 400,000 miles out of that. The Mazda will be used as a spare car until it cant run anymore. The parts are a bit expensive though.

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  fun sporty feel, gets compliments, 29 mpg - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By wowza3 - April 20 - 8:12 pm

  My frame of reference is comparing this with other autos Ive owned. I just ordered a cx5 2013 awd stripped down Sport in April and it arrived from japan mid June. The blue color on the catalog color cover is exactly right not the color on the inside color option page. Lift the hood at a dealer and the engine block on all types (I suspect) is blue- thats the blue I got and I love it. The kids have these complaints.: cup holders, back window to small, more room in the van. I am missing armrests, like the van has. My van gets 23 mpg awd, this gets 29 awd. Manual shift is odd, better gas not using it anyway. It has a more active ride- dontdrink coffee on a rough road! Overall I like it.

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  Brilliant but Flawed - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Herfosaurus - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Lousy fuel economy and un-Japanese build quality. My avg gas mileage (40% highway, 40% 2-lane country, 20% city) was around 16 mpg. My car had a few common RX-8 maladies -- door-sill trim that became unstuck, an oil light that came on at high speeds, and the finish starting to wear off the shift knob. Interior has far too much cheap-looking plastic for a "premium" interior. AC not particularly capable on hot days

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  Very Very Happy - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By billinalex - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Im so happy with my Red Protege 5. Many of my friends have Civics, and they feel and look so dull by comparison. Its a fun car to drive, and very versatile car for urban folks like myself. My only complaints are minor, even downright silly, see below. I agonized over the decision, but opted for an automatic instead of a 5 speed. Its still fun as heck to drive though, and the transmission seems to always shift exactly when it should.

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  Tainted love - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Alberta - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this used vehicle with under 20k miles and fell in love with the first test-drive. Still love to drive it, but am finding annoying issues arising on continuous basis. Like others, dont like the placement of the gear-shifter, but also have lost use of rear window water "squirter." Will cost $200 (CDN) just to check the line because it runs inside the vehicle! In cold weather, driver and passenger windows squeak like nails on a chalk-board. Mechanic said the rubber was extremely dried out -- more than youd see on a 15-yr old vehicle. Brakes also squeak in cold weather.

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  Madza2004 - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By AlaskaKurt - April 11 - 3:43 am

  This awd suv is a great little drive. We can drive in snow and ice and it has great traction. Love the dark interior that always goods clean.

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  Air conditioning - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By hockey2day4u - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Turned on the A/C this weekend and it did not work. Of course,the warranty expired in January. Call the dealer DCH in Maplewood and was told that they are no longer a Mazda dealer. Called another dealer and they said it may be covered under warranty still because I complained last summer that it was not getting cold.