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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  Curious - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Oscar - August 31 - 6:10 pm

  I just bought a used CX-7 and so far I like it. I used to drive a Mazda 3 but i broke the tranny twice in 2 years. Im hoping this one is much better. I see the reviews and now Im a bit worried. Im curious though to see how its going to perform in the future. The car looks great and the engine strong. That TURBO is nice but wish the lag on it wasnt so long. 0-60mph in 7 sec. cant be beat for a crossover. Also the heated Leather seats are life saver out here in the cold.

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  Horrible Struts, Bad Service, LEMON - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By djtorch - August 31 - 3:16 am

  There are so many things I loved about the CX9. But, my gem turned into a LEMON. At mile 4000, I heard something fall off the car and its been rattling ever since. The rattling was mixed in with excessive road noise. Later the two noises were joined by squeaking and creaking like an old wood ship on the high seas. I took the CX9 to Mazda service in Vallejo at least 10 times for this issue! I"m not kidding. They tried to repair it about 3-5 times. No Luck! They replace the control arm twice and the struts twice and its rattling as loud as ever.

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  Pretty truck, great price, average mpg. - 2001 Mazda B-Series
  By Bryan Jones - August 30 - 10:00 am

  A good-looking, tough truck at a better price and warranty than a Ranger(same truck). 3.0 needs better mpgs. Engine has periodic rough idle and engine pings easily (many posts in forums regarding these so they are common and can be fixed). Rides stiff but handles very well. Good brakes. Check interior/exterior build quality and paint before buying VERY CAREFULLY- mine had trash and runs that needed to be fixed (never as good as factory paint). Chrome around windows causes wind noise for looks only (to be dif than Ranger).

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  Decent SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By spd - August 27 - 10:00 am

  Good power, fun to drive. Problems are that the disc brakes and rotors wore out at abt 30,000 miles. Mazda agreed to pay for it this time as they should have lasted longer. Recently I have a great deal of road noise due to tires wearing in a strange way. They are not worn out, but still have to be replaced. This vehicle is driven mainly on the freeway and should not have these types of problems at this mileage. Also, there is a whistling that occurs on the drivers side at around 70mph. Not a good thing when you spend most of your time on the freeways.

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  A mini-van that is still mini - 2013 Mazda Mazda5
  By harpoondodger - August 26 - 1:54 pm

  We needed to replace an old 97 Mercury Villager, but did not want to buy a not-so mini Sienna, Odyssey, or Quest. We researched the min-vans, cross-overs, and SUVs, and stumbled on the M5. All the features presented looked good and its was smaller than the Villager, which was fine because it gave better gas mileage. Were fine with the styling (those swoopy body curves), and Im indifferent to the front "smiley" face. With just under 2 months, our overall impression is that it handles well, but the ride is harsh. The interior has lots of hard plastic. Interior space is snug, but is usable and flexible. The ride in the 3rd bench is harsh. Gas economy on highway close to 28 mpg.

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  Great lil mobile - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By ann80 - August 26 - 10:43 am

  I really like this car. Its fun to drive, good in the snow, takes turns well. I take pretty good care of it and it takes better care of me. I would recommend this Mazda to anyone.

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  One Nice Car - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By 5th_Mazda - August 25 - 8:23 pm

  This is one nice car! If it was not so unique and sharp I would buy a V6 Fusion or Mazda 6 with this 6 cyl engine in heartbeat.

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  Love the V-6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Tim in Iowa - August 24 - 7:13 pm

  The V-6 Tribute is fantastic--very smooth and a blast to drive. Does not have that tippy feel that SUVs often have. I am 61" 195 lbs and feel very comfortable in the drivers seat. Gas prices seem to have motivated sellers-- I got mine below invoice plus $4000 in rebates. People complain about the gas mileage. I am getting a solid 20 mpg -- not great but better than I was led to believe. Good driving habits help. I got pkg 1 -- interior is okay, maybe a little plasticky. Pkg 2 gets you leather and walnut dash but no moonroof which I had to have. Pkg 3 gets you everything but it will cost you. I live on a gravel road where dirt is an issue. The titanium gray does a good job hiding it.

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  NO POWER - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By JACKRYAN - August 23 - 2:00 am

  THEY NEED A MUCH BIGGER ENGINE IN THIS CAR, OVERALL IT IS A GOOD RIDE.

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  Good SUV - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By CChan - August 18 - 9:16 pm

  So far this SUV has been an enjoyable experience, except for the incompetence I experienced at the dealership. I have always had full sized SUVs, but I test drove this one due to the rebate and liked the appearance of it and knew it was for me. All is running good so far.