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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  P5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By pwn - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a super fine car for the money. I think I paid about 19,000 fully loaded. It turns heads even on Miami Beach where everyone has a fine car. Only thing this car needs is more horsepower. Other than that it beats spending $30,000 on a BMW 3 series that everyone has.

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  Wonderfull car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By wilfred5 - August 12 - 5:36 am

  I have owned this car for 6 months and have put 12000 miles on it so far. The car is fun to drive, has wonderful power and gets reasonable gas mileage. My wife exclaims "I love this car" everytime she gets into it. The only concern we have is that two of the tires had too much wear for the mileage but these are being replaced under warrantee. I would recommend this car.

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  Im Hooked! - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Wayne - August 11 - 5:26 pm

  Only had it about 10 days, but I cant get out of it. Hardly had the top up. Great little machine! Superb handling and driveabaility. Body style is eye-catching and gets lots of stares and compliments. Engine performance is excellent for a 2 liter 4 and is more entertaining than any car I have ever owned. Very responsive.

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  Just simply a great little truck! - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By da_funk - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I have had my B4000 for a year now and I cant say enough good things about it. After I did a few things such as performance exhaust, K&N filter, raised the torsion bars, tinted front windows, and a Tornado (not sure about that one...but hey, why not give it a try...), the truck runs and looks great! From road trips to 4-Wheeling in Moab, this thing does it all. I am finally getting about 18 MPG HWY which I think is acceptable...but still not great. Plus, I had to put all that junk in to get it....but the power is there so I cant complain! Definitely a solid alternative to anything out there!

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  Loved the 1st one so much I got a 2nd - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By stormy - August 10 - 10:00 am

  My first Tribute was a 2001 and I had no problems with it. The only reason I decided to change out for a new one was when the 2001 tribute was about 8 mths old we were hit from behind and flipped onto the drivers side. I was very happy with how it performed in the accident. My 9 mth old slept through it from the back seat! 9k damage repaired (mostly cosmetic) it now had squeaks that couldnÂ’t be found. One thing that is still slightly strange to me is that there is only one keyhole on the entire vehicle.

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  The 1st was so good I bought a 2nd one - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By stormy - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Tribute. My first was a 2001 and I had no problems with it. The only reason I decided to change out for a new one was when the 2001 tribute was about 8 mths old we were hit from behind and flipped onto the drivers side. 9k damage repaired (mostly cosmetic) it now had squeaks. The new one a 2003 does have several things that they changed that were for the better. Moveable headrests, lumbar on the drivers seat, reconfigured where the defrost button was, and changed the radio slightly. I had no issues with the Tribute the way it was, but these are good changes.

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  Somebody pinch me - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By T-rex - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This car reads my mind and accelerates. Trust me, it is that quick! Build quality is first rate. My wife an I really enjoy this car.

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  3 Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sharons 3 - August 10 - 2:00 am

  A great value for the money.17" alloy wheels, Goodyear V rated Eagles, 160hp. This car is tight,responsive, fun to drive and with its 103" wheelbase rides like a midsize. Fit and finish is top notch. Strong attention to detail. I recommend the S if finances allow.The sport package, at $500.,makes a nice car a little nicer. As far as the ABS and and the side a/b curtain, there is no debating the obvious advantages, however offered as package, is a costly option. The added price of safety is for individual to decide.

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  Fun vehicle. - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By benge - August 9 - 10:40 am

  This automobile is very responsive, engine feels tightly tuned, brakes feels excellent, and stereo quality is very good. The only thing I would do to this vehicle to improve it is maybe add a few more horsepower, say 200 or so, otherwise this is an excellent vehicle. I like it!!.

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  Giddy-Up! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By MeauxJo - August 9 - 6:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for 3 months and feel that I can finally comment on it objectively. This is the most fun Ive had owning and driving a car, ever. Super comfortable drivers seat. Love the sporty design and have been impressed with the handling. Very stable around turns and corners. Great acceleration when trying to merge or pass other vehicles. So much more power than my previous 2003 Nissan Sentra or my daughters Toyota Corolla. The gas mileage could be improved upon - Im currently averaging 26.4 mpg in the city and about 31 mpg on highway trips, but this could be attributed to the fact Ive been running the air all summer. Also has the Bose sound system which is awesome.