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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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By lisaces - March 1 - 2:00 am

  ive had my 2002 tribute with no problems. The interior shift bar gets in they way of the volume dial on the radio, but ive gotten used to it. I love how this car drives, and it has done GREAT in the snow we have been having.

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  Mazda has just about did it - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Macadonious - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Engine is a 2.3L with 160 crank HP. With this displacement, you could produce at least 200 crank HP by reworking the head and remapping the ECU. Exterior is unique and modern. The tire selection is the only drawback as they do not perform well on any vehicle. Interior is clean and easy to view. Material seems to be of high quality. Driver cockpit is a little tight. Performance is a little lacking. Though cornering is nice, the rear slips at high speeds. This is due to the tires and maybe the small rear sway bar. Power to the wheels is a bit hesitant while already moving at normal speeds, but on the other hand, speed does increase without even noticing.

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  Nice but too many issues - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mitc1109 - February 28 - 9:36 pm

  Bought it new off the lot in 2005. Got a great deal so I cant complain all that much. However, I have never been able to keep rotors on it. Have had them replaced three times!! When stopping, the vibrations are ridiculous! Props to the dealership though who has replaced the rotors every time under warranty. Just a hassle. Gas mileage is not great but its pretty good in the New England snow for a FWD vehicle. I still like it a lot better than the Ford Escape (someone else in my family has one of those). Fun to drive and the 6 cylinder has some good pickup.

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  NEW ENGINE - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By HOWARD - February 28 - 10:00 am

  ON MY WAY TO WORK, MY REAR WINDOW BE- CAME VERY DIRTY. ALSO THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. BY LUNCH TIME MY ATTEMPT TO GO TO THE DEALER FAILED & I WAS PUSHED & HAD TO BE TOWED. DEALER INFORM ME THAT ALL OIL PRESSURE IN THE ENGINE WAS GONE & A NEW ENGINE IS BEING INSTALLED (THANK G-D FOR THE WARRANTY) AS WE SPEAK. SOMETHING AINT RIGHT!!!!

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  Protege 5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jagert1955 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  A great looker and handles the road awesome. Comfortable seats and has enough legroom and headroom(even with sunroof). A couple minor gripes are that there are no cupholders in the rear and the ones in the front are not very deep. Could use some pockets on back of front seats. No choice in the interior colors. Some people complain about lack of power. Seems enough for me especially going from 0 - 40.

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  Sweet Ride, Designed in 2004 - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By detroit1701 - February 26 - 6:46 pm

  The Mazda3 5-speed hatch is a great car to drive -- good handling and driving dynamics. Designed to compete with the VW Golf / Rabbit, it offers similar performance and fuel economy out of its 2.3L 156 hp engine. The only thing keeping this car from blowing out the competition is fuel economy. The next generation 3 should address these issues.

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  2 years review - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By robrc51 - February 24 - 7:23 pm

  I have owned my RX8 now for 2 years. Overall the car is not a bad car. As a sports car I would rate the car, average. It does handle great on curvy roads but the rotary engine lacks torque. In order to accelerate you really have to rev the engine into high RPMs. The rotary engine also is terrible in gas mileage. It get between 15-19mpg….even my old V8 Corvette and Mustang got better gas mileage then the Rotary engine. In addition the rotary engine burns lots of oil. I generally fill between ½ to 1 quart each tank fill. The interior is outdated and could use a face lift.

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  Mazda Cozma - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Cozma - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Needs a much faster engine. And maybe a little better tire selection.

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  My fourth RX - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By JamesBaud - February 23 - 5:50 am

  This is the fourth rotary Ive owned (82, 85, 91 RX-7s) and Im pleased. The car looks awesome, has exciting acceleration, sounds cool, is surprisingly roomy, has a neat dash, and handles very well. Like my other RX-7s, cons include an interior that doesnt wear well (easy to scuff up--especially the leather, center console/cover tends to come loose, leather shift cover likely to crack), and poor gas mileage (no surprise). Also, the A/C in the RX-8 seems underpowered. A big pro is that these vehicles typically require little maintenance (no timing belt replacements, valve adjustments, etc.) so long as you keep the fluid levels topped off.

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  Most Fun for the money - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rogracin - February 18 - 9:06 pm

  This is only the second new car we ever bought. The first was a 1988 Mazda MX6 GT and that car is still my daily driver (230K) so yes I am partial to Mazda. It was a little sluggish off the line until I installed a K&N air filter. Not sure what people are talking about saying they have poor MPG but dont forget the K&N filter! I would buy this car all over again!The original Eagle GT RSA tires were super hard and undriveable in any type snow. The replacement ContiPros ride and look much better but there is a slight roll over the sidewalls on very aggressive cornering. The interior is a little cheap like the sun visors and I gave a 8 on the build quality because I have a weird quirk where the radio does not always turn off with the car. Mazda has not traced down. Great car for the money!