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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  2005 RX-8 - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By JROD33182 - September 26 - 9:20 am

  Did not think the tiny rotary engine would be so quick. On the test drive I noticed right away the car loves the road, sticks like glue at high speed.

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  Allaroundgood - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By jga - September 25 - 10:00 am

  This was the only vehicle my wife and I agreed on. We shopped for other SUVs and sedans. The value is amazing, I mean you try to find a 200hp V6 SUV for around 20K. We like its looks and functionality, it has only needed suggested maintenance and one sensor went out (repaired during dealer oil change) Customer service seems great both dealer bought from and service at, and corporate feedback.

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom of a SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By John Bell - September 25 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive, Handles well in all conditions. V6 offers great pickup. Very good gas MPG.

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  A really fun-to-drive family sedan. - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By denali856 - September 25 - 9:26 am

  I REALLY enjoy driving this car. The handling is really tight and the car LOVES twisty roads and high revs. Pluses: Driveability, seating comfort, performance (at high revs). Minuses: Base-level stereo is only OK, turning radius is wide, fuel economy is mediocre (~24). The interior is nice if a bit bland, but the seats are quite comfy. The controls and gauges are well-designed and easy to reach/read. Coming up on 17k miles and everything is still tight, no rattles, so reliability so far has been good. I marked down the performance because of a slight lack in low-end torque, but with the 5-speed sport-auto transmission its easy to keep the revs where you want them when you want to really drive.

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  Unreliable Lemon - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By BuyHonda - September 24 - 9:23 pm

  The look and feel of the car is great. When it comes to performance and reliability, it broke down twice in the first two months of ownership and within the first 3000 miles. The car jerked and bucked and was inoperable both times and had to be towed to the dealership for diagnostics and repairs. On both occasions, the actuator throttle assembly went bad and had to be replaced. After the second breakdown and over six weeks of the car being in the repair shop, I exercised my lemon law rights as a consumer and got a full refund. This time, I purchased the much more reliable Honda Civic.

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  2000 mazda 6 with 281k miles and still running! - 2000 Mazda 626
  By tamoshanter - September 23 - 8:17 pm

  i bought this car new in 5/00 with 16 miles. since then, i now have over 281,000 miles on it and its still running strong. A/C replaced 2 yrs ago, front axles replaced last year and transmission is going out (5 sp man), but with almost all highway miles, im going to drive it into the ground. otherwise, runs smooth, good pick up, comfortableand gets me there and back reliably! happy enough that we bought a 2009 mazda 6 that my wife now drives around!

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  This one is a lemon - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Miyah - September 23 - 8:03 am

  My wife bought this car because it was rated a consumer best buy. I think we want our money back on that one. This car has had the radiator replaced at 2 years the power locks at 2 and half years something dealing with the steering replaced at 4 years and numerous issues with the links on the overside of the car rusting out and breaking. It would be easy to blame the driver but she actually has taken very good care of this car; it is just a lemon. I dont think I would pay a Mazda price to get Ford quality. Also, why would Mazda put racing tires that cost $140 each on a 125hp small seda. Makes no sense and I never thought about the tires until going to get new ones.

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  car of my own - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By mags84 - September 22 - 11:46 pm

  The mazda 3 has never disappointed me in the 5 months of owning it, easily the best car I have driven in terms of handling, performance on and off the highway, and overall style.

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  My SECOND Mazda3 in 2 MONTHS! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By BostonZoomZoom - September 22 - 10:23 pm

  I bought the Mazda3 s 2.3 in April of 05. Got into a head on collision, and walked away without a scratch. Since my new baby was totaled, I went out and bought a new one, except I bought the Special Edition (SP23). I loved the BOSE system, the Leather and the Heated Seates. Also has 17" Alloys instead of the 16" on the other one. I cant be more happy with this car. It truly is the best car in its class for the value. Holds a corner like it is on rails!

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  Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Shannon Deville - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Great Buy for comfort, duriabilty, sporty, and a fun drive. Strongly sugeest a test ride.