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, Safe Crossover - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Afj69 - May 3 - 4:20 pm

  Very good looking for a good price, it has plenty of power even with a 4 cyl, turbo kicks in hard but you leard to adjust for that, very roomy car inside, I am a big man and I have no problem fitting inside.

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  Mazda6 - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jason - May 3 - 1:30 am

  I have had the car 6 months and have been very pleased with my purchase. Its traction and control are excellent. I really enjoy the extra power when I need it, since I do a lot of Interstate travel. I have been getting consistently around 28 MPG. The large trunk is very nice, because I can put my golf bag in it and still have plenty of room. All in all I would highly recommend it.

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  No more GTIs - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Tim K - May 3 - 1:00 am

  Had many GTIs and recently a 3 series BMW, got tired of the endless maintenance issues and awful customer service by both VW and BMW. My wife has had a Mazda 3 for 6 years and I finally noticed how it was just so reliable and fun. Tested a Speed 3 and realized it was time to buy one. A very good car that trounces the VW and BMW. I was actually treated like a human by Mazda. Kudos to Mazda, learn some customer service and build reliable cars to VW and BMW.

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  one of the best in its class - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By Henry Adams - May 2 - 3:50 pm

  Bought the beautiful car a month ago. Cannot say anything about the long term reliability, so it is purely a guess. Nothing breaks yet. Safety is paramount to us. Mazda6 has the best safety rating by NHTSA. This trim line also comes with a nifty blind spot motoring system. Plus a whole host of other safety features, which makes it stand out. Looks great inside and outside. Love the handling quality. In fact, eager to sit behind the wheel in this car! Ride is firm and supple. Wish it can absorb bumps little better though. The engine is a little hesitant when you really need to zoom zoom zoom on a highway entrance ramp.

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  My story - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By 02 whttrib - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been the worst new vehicle I have ever purchased. Many, many problems. It is very fun to drive and the V6 is a great performer, but it all comes at a very expensive cost of satisfaction, dealer trips, questionable cranking, stalling, and overall reliability. It feels extremely cheap.

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  2005 Mazda tribute s v6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By ericvlewis - May 1 - 11:37 pm

  Driving strong at 255K miles only 2000 in maintenance since I bought it in 2006 phenomenal vehicle

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  Pretty reliable after 4 yrs! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By nalarika - May 1 - 11:20 pm

  Had some problems in the beginning with the transmission and exhaust manifolds, warranty covered those so ever since then we have had no powertrain issues. The door seals seem to sag and that is annoying but other than that the car has a ton of features for the price and has made many adventurous trips with us!

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  Kennys Review - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Howard K. Meeks - April 30 - 4:46 am

  I really like to drive this car. I have had sports sedans before, but this car takes the cake. The feel of the car on the road is tight and comfortable. The only thing I dont like is the short range gas mileage is quite a surprise. In city traffic the mileage goes down to about 17 mpg.

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  Just didnt work for me. - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By herbww - April 29 - 7:29 pm

  I found the seats very hard and the front seat positions limited. When on medium to long drives I would get out of the car limping. The GPS never worked probably, but even if it had I found it difficult to use and read. The mileage wasnt near the rating for highway driving. The car is also a little under powered. The electronics all seemed a little off. The base car is probably very good value. I wrote to Mazda and didnt get a response. I finally just dumped the car after about 8 months of driving.

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  my my my my my!!! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By MrMashie - April 29 - 3:36 am

  This is probably the most fun ride I have ever owned. The kids are married, no car seats, strollers, toys, etc., to worry about anymore, so daddy has a fun new toy. This sure beats the heck out of all those station wagons, minivans and clumsy fuel eating SUVs I had to endure. Im thrilled with this car, its just so much fun to drive. I finally enjoy getting on the road again and zoom-zooming around. Did I mention my golf clubs fit in the trunk? ok I have to take the woods out and fit them inside the trunk next to the bag, big whoop! This car is far superior to the Solstice and Sky. They cant compare at all. What a blast this MX5 is !!