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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  Objective Feedback . . . - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By DSNJ - November 5 - 2:00 am

  After fact-finding and test-driving, I found the Tribute as my leader among strong contenders (Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Mitsubishi Outlander, Jeep Liberty). The Tribute has great off- the-line power, a roomy interior, and great ground clearance. Lastly, the price point on the vehicle is very reasonable.

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  If only it had a better gas mileage - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By polarsand - November 4 - 10:00 am

  A great overall car to own. Beware of the gas mileage!

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  Great GT - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By air_bug - October 29 - 6:11 pm

  We bought this car used in 2009 with Factory Certified. We looked at many SUVs with 6 or less cyliders with third-row seating and chose this one based on performance, design, and price. Weve owned Fords before (this is a ford in Mazda clothing) with good reliability so we werent too concerned with the drive train or electronics reliability. So far weve put on almost 40K and we love this car. We had one repair that was done under warantee for front wheel bearing but other than that the car has been solid. Mazda dealer gave us a loaner car and they have been wonderful so far. Car is washed with every oil change. We will be keeping this car for a while still and feel confident.

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  2002 626 LX - 4 cylinder / Automatic - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Dan - October 29 - 4:06 pm

  Purchased 2002 626 in May 2006 with 57,000 miles. Car is in good to excellent shape. Getting about 23 MPG in mixed driving. Car has been very reliable and is a good comfortable road trip car for 4 people and plenty of luggage. 4 cylinder motor isnt all that powerful (the 2002 Altima has a much more powerful motor) and road noise is sometimes very noticeable.

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  Mazda 3 2004 hatch back - tire issues - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Leo - October 26 - 4:53 pm

  Ive had the car for about 2 months, and still find it fun to drive. One Major disappointment is the handling on snowy roads. The 17" goodyear all-season tires are totally inadequate. The car fishtails on packed snow.

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  4 months of ownership - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Wink - October 25 - 10:20 pm

  Ive had the car for about 4 months now. It is a solid built car. When I hit a bump I may feel it but the car doesnt rattle or make any unpleasant sounds you might hear in a cheaply built car. The top is a snap to put down and back up again without getting out of the drivers seat. It handles like a dream, very responsive. What I dont like is a couple of things. One, the cup holders in the door are in the way. When I raise my left leg up my knee rests against the cup holder and its uncomfortable. Second, I cant find a comfortable position with the seat. I have to have the seat back as far as it will go to keep my right leg from being uncomfortable. Then I am sittin straight up.

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  34,000 happy miles! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By blackms3 - October 24 - 4:56 am

  Owned this baby for 34,000 miles now! First off, this is a really fun car to own. I have three kids (9yrs and 6yr twins) and they fit with no problem in this car (even with boosters). Never get tired of the power this car makes in every gear, passes without downshifting. Fuel eco is not exceptional, but coming out of a 12mpg truck Ive at least doubled it. Have to use premium fuel, runs like hell on lower octane fuel. If you live in an area that gets snow you will need a set of winter tires, I dont care how great a driver you think you are, the performance tires on this car are outright dangerous when temps fall in the 30s. All in all I would highly recommend this to anyone!

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  Great Looking car - but beware of tires. - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By Kara - October 19 - 4:23 am

  Love how the car stands out - its different than what everyone has. Really appreciate Mazdas design innovation. I considered myself a big advocate for the brand, however this will be my last...the past two Mazdas have required a tire replacement much to early. Two tires on my CX-7 (Touring model) are considered "dangerous" and two "suggested replacements". So at 20,000 miles, Im paying over $900 for four new tires. Mazda will not take any responsibility even though they make the decision to use that tire. I have never had this issue with any vehicle - other than my two Mazdas. So if you go this route - make sure to bake in extra costs for this issue.

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  Computer MPG is off - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By jackstraw22 - October 18 - 1:15 pm

  Ive had this car for about 2 months and while I do enjoy driving it, Ive noticed the computers MPG is off. Ive checked it several times by filling up my gas tank, resetting the trip meter and then resetting the computers MPG. After running it for about 300 miles I filled the tank back up. I then divided the miles on the trip meter by the number of gallons I put in the car. My latest manual observation was 27.2 MPG while the computers MPG was 29.8. So far my driving has been about 90/10 city/highway, so Id expect the MPG to be low. But I would have expected the computers MPG to be more accurate. Its been off on every test Ive made.

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  Not so happy with M6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Z. - October 14 - 5:10 pm

  I bought the 2009 M6 last week, its already in service. With two problems, mind you - pretty minor, but still. One, the heating system did not work properly - radiator needed to be bled. Two, one of the air vents, driver side on the left, did not open. Some broken peace of plastic the dealership did not have in stock, it needs to be ordered, and then I have to go back again to have it put in. I bought this car because I had 250 k on my old Accord, I thought its getting to old, and did not want to spend time in repair shops. I had one minor issue with the Accord in 10 years, at around 180 k km, and with Mazda, 2 issues in the first week.