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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  tribute to mazda - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By michael - April 26 - 11:46 am

  i test drove all the vehicles in its class. and i came down to mazda and honda. 2 great vehicles, but there wasnt any other vehicle in which i was instantly comfortable and at home. Mazda has always made a top notch vehicle. I had a b2200 for 9 yrs and the truck didnt cost me a dime. So i naturally wanted another mazda.Out of all vehicles in its class, the Mazda tribute has the room and the stability that i was looking for, honda makes great cars also, but for the money i was getting alot more in the Mazda that were standard features like abs brakes and 16" wheels.the 4cyl could be alittle more responsive but is nice, this is the all around the best suv for the money. great vehicle.

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  Buy one NOW! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By icvci - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Whats not to LOVE?!? Comfort, style and performance in a VERY affordable package. This car is better than EVERY car in its class. And it does it all while looking great. 4 year 50,000 mile warranty. Roadside assistance FREE over those 4/50 AND free loaners IF your Mazda needs some fixes. You must drive this car before you decide to buy anything else in its class.

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  Great in t-bone accidences!! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Ali L - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The past week I was in a serious car accident with out Mazda Protege. A car t-boned use at an intersection. It was our mazda that saved my life with the side impact beams!

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  2009 Mazda 6 i Touring w/Conv pkg - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Brian - April 25 - 1:23 am

  I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the 1,200 miles driven on my Mazda 6 since the purchase. I decided to go with the 2.5L instead of the 6 cyl because of the commute that I have and with gas prices on the steady rise the choice was simple. When looking to replace my Mazda 3 (manual), I looked at many different vehicles, but in the end came back to the Mazda 6. The 2.5 has plenty of get-up and go for everyday driving. I also like the new interior n the 09 models. No offense to Toyota, but Mazda takes first in that category. As far as fuel economy, I am averaging 28+ mpg with blended driving of highway and city. Not bad for a car this size. Great Job Mazda

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  Sweetest SUV on the Market - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By slimgetman - April 24 - 11:50 pm

  You have to drive this vehicle to really appreciate how well it handles. With the AWD version, it feels like the car is driving on two rails it holds the road so well. The interior is luxury-car quiet. Very little road noise. The front driver seats seem a little narrow with the huge center console. Its about 10 inches longer than a Pilot or Highlander, but it doesnt look that way due to the excellent exterior design. Very sporty. The std. blue tooth is a nice touch. My wife LOVES this vehicle. So glad we didnt get a Pilot or Highlander. People complain about the gas mileage, but its an SUV....they all consume too much gas. The CX-9 was very close in MPG to its competitors.

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  Choose your niche - 2014 Mazda Mazda5
  By dougiesc - April 24 - 4:18 pm

  Definitely a niche car, best suited for a family of 4 plus groceries or luggage. It works for us, but if you really need the passenger or luggage space, go with a full-sized minivan. This isnt it. It is basically a 4-seat wagon with a couple of child-sized extra seats in the back--which you cant use if you carry much luggage. However, the usual three-passenger sedan bench seat is replaced with two full captains chairs and a table/platform for drinks, books, whatever. The car is solid and quiet. Good adult leg- and head-room (except for those pesky far-back seats). It is cheaper than any full-sized minivan, gets somewhat better fuel economy, and is more maneuverable.

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  An Amazing Little car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By LovingtheRotary - April 24 - 2:16 pm

  Plain and simple - this is a car for those that LIKE being involved in driving. If you want things bank-vault quiet, and dont like hearing the rippp! of the buttery smooth rotary engine; if feedback from the tires and steering bothers you; if youre more concerned with saving gas than enjoying the irresistible urge to use the 9,000 RPMs worth of power - get an Accord or a Hybrid econobox. Oh and by the way, if you DONT want to be noticed, this is NOT your car! Otherwise this machine is an deliriously addicting combination of engineering refinement, race car design suspension, sweet high revving engine, comfortable high class interior, and drop dead looks, and affordable to boot!

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  My Life Long Dream - 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Love My "M" - April 24 - 11:00 am

  Had a 1967 MGB and never thought I could match the experience. My 1997 "M" Edition blows away the "B". I am the original owner and only driver of my "M". Still today stopped at a traffic light people roll down their window and say what a beautiful car. The driving experience at sundown or at night with the top down and the pipes purring is indescribable if you havent experienced it. This is absolutely the most fun car to drive in the whole world. All the other two-seaters are "phonies" with their too-much power and comfort features. Yes the "B" was a classic never to be replaced, until the Miata, especially the last of the original breed, the 1997 "M" Edition.

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  Wonderful Sedan - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Harold - April 23 - 6:16 pm

  Bought the car new. Now with 86000 miles I have only done oil changes, spark plugs, serp belt, and replaced the tires. Everything else is original. I love the 5 speed trans and excellent reliability!!!

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  2001 Mazda Tribute is a Great Vehicle - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Eva - April 22 - 6:40 pm

  I purchased a 2001 Mazda Tribute in 2000. I have driven over 75,000 miles. This is a great vehicle. I have had no major problems with this vehicle. The only two problems I experienced was a broken door handle (inside) in about year three and about three months ago an EGR valve had to be replaced. The door handle cost was $75 dollars and the EGR valve $120. These are the only expenses I have had with my vehicle as far as repairs. This is a great everyday vehicle. Its roomy, the steering is excellent, it runs great and stops on a dime. Im going into my fifth year driving this vehicle and I plan to drive it five more. My Tribute is well worth the $16,700 I paid for it back in 2000.