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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  GOING TO MISS HER - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Willowbefree - June 9 - 7:40 pm

  Ive loved this car for the past 9 years that I have owned it. The tires have been the greatest disappointment...expensive to replace when I had to replace them after the first 30,000 miles. (Dunlop has a set that fits and lasts much longer...however still at $120.00/piece) Zoom zoom zoom is very true..I love this car during the summer here in WI..it grips the roads and I can fly! In the winter I need to change modes and respect what the season brings. I love the 60/40 back seat split as I take my xc skis and boating gear with me often. Overall, Im going to miss my Mazda and hope my "new" Subaru treats me 1/2 as good. (needed room for more gear and a puppy)

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  Saltzs 2 Tributes - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Moi - June 9 - 1:20 am

  I purchased this vehicle brand new. I have read reviews about problems. The only thing I can say about that is it must have not been taken care of properly. My suv went in for all the maintenance when needed. Because of this I purchased a 2010.

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  Nanas Zoom Zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Juanita - June 8 - 2:06 pm

  I have had my Tribute for 2 years now and have 20,000 miles on it. I love driving it. Has good pick-up when I need it.

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  So sad. - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By tdb3 - June 7 - 8:02 pm

  Were in Nova Scotia w/ moist salty air. Cars rust here; but this is the worst Ive ever seen. Model is famous w/ mechanics. Body rusted - started w/ back wheel wells. Got fixed for $800, but rest of car covered in rust. Struts rusted - Got those & few other things replaced for $1000. When I bought car it had used engine. Within 1 wk, water pump failed & 2nd engine failed. 3rd engine lasted two years before it failed. When I took it in, mechanic said to junk it b/c the frame had totally rusted out underneath. Didnt believe him, so looked myself. There were holes the size of my fist all over the FRAME of the car, rest was SOFT. Scrap yd doesnt even want it b/c has too many of them!

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  Mazda 3 s-4door - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kalie11 - June 7 - 10:00 am

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  Fast and Fun with issues - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By bfad - June 5 - 11:56 pm

  2008 Mazda CX-9 Touring AWD (JD Powers SUV of the Year). It is truly fun to drive. The power/handling in the SUV will blow you away. You feel like your driving a sports car. The interior design is above average and the third row seating is actually usable by adults. This SUV has many wonderful selling points. But my CX-9 has had some durability/quality issues. At 12,000 miles I needed new wheel bearings installed on front right side. At 22,500 I needed four new tires installed ($875.00) and yes I rotated them every 6000 miles. It didnÂ’t help! This SUV eats up tires like you canÂ’t believe. Now at 24,000 miles I need new wheel bearings on the driver side and the rear climate control is acting

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  power window and door locks fail - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By 1961barbie - June 5 - 11:34 pm

  2011 cd player malfunctioned trapping my fav cd forever. cant play it, cant get it back out. 2011 the bolt holding the rear window on rusted thru and if you open it you need to lift while closing it to line it up manually. 2012 bright/dim switch stopped working. 2012 shifter cable broke. 2013 transmission went out 2013 drivers door power window off track 2014 power door lock malfunction resulting in drivers door and driver side back door will not open, and front passenger door only opens from the outside. 2014 drivers door window off the track again. but... drives smooth, good mileage and good on tires.

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  Over-rated - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By acemanace - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Not a good car for any city driving: - Idle drops off dramatically during in- gear decelleration below 3k rpm, creating lurching. - Weak motor/transmission mounts create drive train bucking during street and stop/go driving. - Computer rpms are way too low (600 at idle) causing frequent stalls when starting up from stop lights or stop sign. - Rear suspension soft, causing front wheel to loose contact and traction during mild acceleration on damp roads. - Heater is poor. - Dealers have no solutions for these - Thanks to the "zoom-zoom" ads, logged as sports car by auto insurers (it aint), so very expensive to insure.

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  Finally has stability control - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Maine5 - May 31 - 4:10 pm

  The 5 is a unique car that fits the needs of most people. I held out on buying one for many years though due to the lack of stability control. I refused to buy a new car without it. As I was getting ready to buy a VW Jetta Wagon, I read a comparison review that said the 5 finally comes with stability/traction control for 2010. I was sold. Hopefully some of the quality issues reported in past years have been worked out. I have 3000mi on it now with no issues. I was also worried about how it might perform in the snow so I purchased a set of blizzaks for it. Drives incredibly well in deep snow as a result. Far better than paying thousands more for an AWD vehicle with less utility and mileage.

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  Superb Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Christy - May 30 - 5:30 am

  This is my third year with this car and it hasnt disappointed me yet. I have not had a single major problem, just usual maintenence. I highly recommend this for a driver looking for a cheap, reliable quality sport sedan.