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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  Fun if your transmission works - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By mazda6sowner - February 2 - 10:00 am

  got my 03 with only 19k miles on it, put a couple more thousand on it and the transmission went out. I went to 4 shops trying to find out why it slams into gear and they all say its in perfect condition. the car has amazing looks and driving like a dream (when the transmission wants to work with you), but unless they fix the trannys i would not recommend. and my SUV gets better gas mileage in town

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  Surprised at how much I like it - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By illy - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used, with 38,000 miles on it. I just needed a car to get me through 6-8 months after my husband PCSd with out Jetta and until i could join him. I have to say that I havent had any of the problems with the vehicle that people have mentioned. So far I am really impressed with this little SUV. It has all the space I need and with a baby due in Jan, it will accommodate all the extras and the 72 lb dog without any problems.

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  GREAT BUTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Kimberly Hughes - January 29 - 2:43 am

  Great ride, control and fit...but, the airconditioner vents fell back and broke at 3000 miles....the windshield leaked the first time there was a big rain (1,000 miles on the Tribute) and I was told this was from the windshield shaking during travel...scary thought huh?? Not what I spend $20,000.00 to get! The knobs on the radio fell off at 1500 miles. The CD player skips and continues to each time a bump is hit. It is a nice looking Vehicle but is put together like a hot wheel...I know this because my first Tribute was bought on May 1st and it was such a Lemon that it was replaced by the dealer one month later in June and not much has changed except the windshield does not leak....

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  1998 Mazda 626 LX 5 Speed - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Derek - January 28 - 6:46 am

  What can I say. My wifes dad purchased this car with 100,000 miles. She has been driving it for the past 4 years. It now has 208,000 miles and still running strong. I def. wasnt sure about Mazda at first. This car has actually been just as reliable than my Accord though. The clutch is strong and it is the original! I have heard plenty on bad things about the auto trans, but the 5 speed is money.

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  Great car, bad city mpg - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By lurch - January 27 - 7:46 pm

  Most reliable car I have owned. Logical layout of interior, sporty looks and good performance for the price.

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  class by itself - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By steven7753 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I leased this car in 98 and bought it when the lease is done...I hve 44000 miles on it..it is fun as heck to drive...cramped in cockpit...good on gas...not enough power though...needs about 40 more horsepower ...however you can really throw it into curves and it is very balanced....I was thinking about trading it in...but I think Id miss it too much...it would cost me more than twice as much to buy anything as much fun...oh, and very reliable although I did have a leaking rear seal fixed in wrranty

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  Mazda Tribute 2002 - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rbarea - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Tribute for $250 over real invoice with side airbags, premium sound system and tow pkg. To make it look a little nicer I purchased the wood pkg. for the interior and it looks great. No problems after 5000 miles. Getting about 20 MPG with majority of the driving being stop and go. Only complaint is I wish the engine was more quiet, but hey...

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  Not a bad car for the price - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Steve - January 24 - 3:30 pm

  I have owned this car for 2 1/2 years, and I am generally pleased. It rides well, has a luxurious feel, and good handling. It is also very safe. The car was slammed into by another vehicle, and I was fully protected. Premium gas is a bit steep, but mileage is good. Very nice family car for the money. I purchased this rather than a Honda Accord, and I am glad I did.

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  Mazda3 2.3L Engine Failure - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By bmpskier - January 23 - 6:56 am

  Heads up to all owners with Mazda 2.3L engines. I bought a 2005 Mazda3 with 110K km on the engine. It was in excellent condition inside and out having been maintained regularly per the Mazda recommendations. Less than 2500 km after I bought it it suddenly dropped 3L of oil in about 1500km. I had to spend 7K on a new engine having. There was no evidence of a leak or that it was burning oil. It just disappeared. I spoke to the service dept at the dealership and they told me that the 2004-2007 2.3L is prone to this problem and short of replacing the engine there is no fix other than to put in a heavier oil to slow consumption.

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  The little red engine that could - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By imanah - January 22 - 2:00 am

  it is my primary car and has been very good to me. Things I have learned; 1. Having it as a primary car in the Northeast is not so safe or practical. I reccomend having an alternative in the winter due to its low weight. 2. A Nice audio system and a plastic window is an invitation to have your car broken into with anything from a razor to a houshold knife. 3. People think you are rich if you have a miata, as if it was a porch :)