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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  1st Time Mazda Owner - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By M. Mable - April 5 - 11:16 pm

  I bought this car used and it had 15k miles on it. Ive owned it now for about 3 weeks and have enjoyed diving it each and every day. My last car was a Volvo that was killing me with repair cost, so Im hoping the Mazda treats me better. Ive had a couple of small issues so far, the worst of which is tire noise. I know theyre performance tires, but I certainly hope I dont have to replace them every 15k miles just to avoid the obnoxious sound Im getting now. Other than that, the car handles great, has great acceleration and looks the bomb! I love the automatic transmission which is smooth and responsive - and I just click over to Tiptronic if I need to drop a gear and pass some grandpa.

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  ZOOM ZOOM - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Eric Peterson - April 5 - 10:00 am

  The RX8 is the car for turning heads. Everyone that comes in contact with this car is facinated with it style and performance. Mazda has done a fine job, even though the RX7 should still be offered.

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  Its not for everyone, but I love my CX-3 - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By Wes - April 4 - 2:00 pm

  As a no-children household, this vehicle is perfect for the spouse and me. It has good enough fuel economy that we can take it on trips, enough storage for all of our things and whatever we accumulate along the way, and plenty of safety and entertainment features to make us feel comfortable while on the road. Plus, Im a pretty tall/stocky individual, and this vehicle has that SUV feel that allows me to actually feel like Im not slouching or laying down to fit inside comfortably. Since the spouse drives a sedan, we needed something with a little cargo room for those bigger items like a grill, patio furniture, etc. This vehicle has just enough capacity for that kind of a trip as well. I test drove and checked out every vehicle in this class (Honda H-RV, Subaru Crosstrek, etc.) and for the price, I feel the decision to purchase this vehicle is a no-brainer. I think my Mazda and I will be together for quite some time.

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  Tribute 5-speed 4-cyl Initial report - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By 5speed - April 3 - 7:36 am

  Purchased the Tribute i sport with 5-speed manual transmission,fwd, and 4-cyl engine because I wanted a vehicle with cargo capacity and respectable fuel economy. The dealer where I made the purchase had to locate the vehicle with this combination, because they had never had a Tribute on their lot with a manual transmission. There is not a photo available of the manual shift lever and console combination available in the Mazda brochure. But Mazda did a good job with the 5-speed package, the shift lever is well finished and attractive with a good relationship to the steering wheel. The clutch pressure is very light and makes shifting gears easy. Now have 1709 miles and my average MPG is 30.97

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  Disappointed... - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By B Raymond - March 31 - 10:13 pm

  Bought this car used with 20,000 mi. LOVED this car, how it drove how it looked, the amount of room. But after about a year every few months we had to replace something: the clutch, the shocks, tires (2x), and air box system. Finally the engine in the car blew due to a cracked seal that caused the oil to leak dry(the oil was changed every 3000 mi). the carpeting is coming off in the cabin area and the drivers side speaker goes in and out. So we are getting rid of the car (after taking a huge hit on the loan) and never buying another mazda.

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  We Luv our Maz - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Chris - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car from new - 3 years and 40,000 miles ... nothing has gone wrong with it. Everything about it feels just right. Great for zooming around town but the often quoted lack of power is only noticed out on open country roads. Forget about the automatic - you just have to have the manual shift to get the most fun out of this car - it loves to rev. Love the looks from the front but never really got used to the hatchback end (ps. its not a wagon). Problems: clutch judder when cold but it hasnt got any worse since new, slightly gruff noise from engine for the first minute in the morning, stock Goodyears were very prone to potentially lethal aquaplaning.

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  My 1998 626 - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Greg Sigelmier - March 28 - 2:00 am

  It has been the best car I have ever owned. Its hard to believe it was built as a joint venture with FORD.

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  good van, lousy factory tires - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By zzz - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Its a great van. Fuel efficiency could be better. After 20k miles, its still very solid. Factory Dunlop tires are crap. Coolant reservoir seems to overflow a bit since new. Easy to maintain (mainly fluid changes).

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  good van, lousy factory tires - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By zippy - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Its a great van. Fuel efficiency could be better. After 20k miles, its still very solid. Factory Dunlop tires are crap. Coolant reservoir seems to overflow a bit since new. Easy to maintain (mainly fluid changes).

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  Good, with some flaws - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By bricknord - March 24 - 9:36 pm

  Gauges too high...when you have wheel tilted and seat adjusted normally, wheel blocks gauges. Some small trim defects, misaligned panels, etc. Wind whistle. Good mpg, nice suspension. Feels bigger than it is to drive, backing up a chore. Compliments from others on styling. Standard DSC a plus. Transmission can be felt downshifting hard when decelerating which is annoying. Very quiet at highway speed. Nice interior layout with exception of gauges vs. steering wheel. Too much bass at low volumes--stereo. Nice, roomy rear seat. Plastic wheel covers hard to clean (brake dust). Enormous trunk--very nice.