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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  Whats with all the complaints? - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By lmf10910 - May 13 - 12:42 am

  I bought my 2007 with 19k miles on it and have to have my thudding brakes replaced after 3k miles of driving. Mazda covered it. AND THATS ALL IVE HAD TO! I honestly dont understand why so many people have had so many problems. Maybe I got lucky, but I am a previous Volvo owner and would love to hate a Mazda, but cant... its fast, has a smooth drive, truly great on gas for a smaller crossover (much better that my friends CR-V), and never gives me any issues. I wish I had problems with it to maybe go back to luxury, but the truth is, its a great car, especially for the money. Yeah the floor mats are cheap, but its not a Lexus...

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  10,000 Miles After Purchase - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Idahed - May 12 - 1:40 pm

  We purchased our Mazda 3 to replace our old Ford Explorer. First road trip was 660 miles from Boise to Las Vegas. Comfortable (Im 62"). Economical (38.65 mpg) (29mpg in town). Zoom Zoom! The car has been reliable and were thinking of buying the hatch version now for our second car.

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  Nice, but wanting more - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By OhioMazda - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Nice car all around. Interior is well layed out and easy to use. Very comfortable. Exterior styling also very well done. I have the automatic with the sequenctial manual option and I am really missing the manual shift. For 160 hp, the car feels a little under-powered.

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  A Little Disappointed - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By tina_brmnghm - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Got a great deal on this car but prepare to pay for brakes early on. I had to get the brakes replaced at 25K miles and now at 32K miles they need replacing again! Traction is horrible on wet roads. Other than that it is a great car. It was the perfect answer at the time for me as a new parnet ready to move from my 2 door celica to a 4 door car, but wanted to stay with something sport and that didnt yell "Moms Taxi". The interior is a bit cramped but no more than any other car in this class.

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  Fun for a first car - 2002 Mazda 626
  By Dr. Frito - May 11 - 2:00 am

  We purchased this new a year ago for $15,000. Being our first new car we wanted to be careful. We looked at the Accord and Camry and really would have liked an Accord, however for the V-6 model we would have shelled out an additional 6-8 grand. Weve had no troubles with it and really have had fun. We took off on a 2500 mile road trip not too long after purchase. Interior is clean and simple. Exterior is also clean and simple. No qualms with anything.

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  Decent buy - 1998 Mazda 626
  By ray - May 10 - 5:20 pm

  I fount this car to be an excellent choice for my first one. I had to put a new engine in it when I received it. Drove it for approximately three months, then got into an accident and the car was totaled. All in all it was an extremely fun car to drive. It handled exceptionally well. When we received it, it had over 140,000 miles on it but we put an engine in it with only 50,000 miles on it. It ran perfectly flawless with the exception of a squeaky belt. I give mazda credit for building an excellent gas miser. I got close to 30 mpg. That is excellent considering how hard it was used and it was close to 10 years old. It isnt a real head turner, but if you are looking for an every day driver, it is a steal.

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  Good for the money - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By mabpac - May 9 - 3:43 am

  Purchased mine as a used vehicle from our credit union as a lease return. Agree this is an SUV, not a car, so ride is acceptable. Started out with a Suburban, then a Durango, now the Mazda. The short wheelbase is a little rougher, but overall a solid vehicle. The mileage could be better, but after driving two notorious gas guzzlers, Im happy. The engine is plenty powerful with good pick-up, unlike the Dodge I owned, that seemed to go from 0-60 in about an hour! Handling this years rough Northern Michigan winter like a charm, even out of 4WD. After a couple of hours, the seats get a little hard, additional cushioning would help.

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  Transmission - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By aluera - May 7 - 12:31 pm

  When I down shift theres a huge clunk in 3rd and 2nd gear... Not very happy with it at all!!!

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  Mazda Tribute ES-V6 4x4 - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By cphuey - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Purchase my Mazda Tribute from a local Mazda dealer in the Mpls/St Paul area. Went to three different dealers, ended up going to back the 1st dealer. My Tribute is loaded, with leather, had 5000 miles on it demo. I have driven in the cities daily, and to the Black Hills. The SUV sticks to the road even the wind. Engine has pently of power for SUV. It is does not feel like a big SUV in tight parking lots, crusing around the cities. Seats are very comfortable, good viewing all around the SUV.

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  Car or brand... - 2013 Mazda CX-9
  By bb_nj - May 5 - 11:02 am

  Bought spanking new CX9 AWD and was super excited. The drive is nice though the voice interface can be improved. Alas this was short lived and not to mention super frustating. So much so that I have decided to let go of the vehicle at a lose. Why... because Mazda sold me a car for which they do not have spare parts. My car is in workshop for more than a month for simple parts like bumber and grill. They do not even have eta on the back orders. The Customer service is no help and would not even consider a loner car. I am spending from my pocket. Even after the car is fixed I have lost complete faith in the brand. Please do share this critical info with friends.