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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  Satisfaction - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By rj557 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  We looked at the Caravan (boring, pricey), the Venture (ugly, pricey), the Sedona (boring, inferior), the Montana (ugly, pricey) and the MPV (sharp, solid, good value), which one do you think we purchased? Good guess. We bought our MPV last week and we absolutely love it! Its a 2003 with silver metallic paint, rear air, roof rack and rear bumper step, the MSRP was $24,500.00 we paid $22,300.00 minus the $2000.00 rebate and our trade-in. Not only is this the best looking mini van available, it feels solid, rides great, the engine is so quiet we cant tell when its running, the interior is beutiful and functional and it handles really well.

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  Drive like a sportscar & the best look!! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By RaymondandSally - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I was considering both new Quest and MPV, the MPV handling is amazing since I am used to the firm suspension of my Mazdaspeed Protege, I like how the MPV gives me feedback of the road. It feels sporty and speed from 0-60 in no time. There is lot of driving pleasure even with family members and friends. It is a 7 seater sportscar!! Fuel economy is pretty good, about 20.9 per gallon on avg. I push the paddle a lot!

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  It is good van for this price - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By hyaoni - September 4 - 10:00 am

  It is fun to drive.

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  What a cool SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By E. Johnston - September 4 - 10:00 am

  After 1 year of owning and driving this ute, I still think it is one of the best utes you can buy for the money. It is as roomy as a full-size SUV inside (I think because they dont waste space with a 3rd row -- which no one can use or even fit into). It drives better than most sedans. The AWD really works, whether offroading (done it) or driving up an icy road to ski at 13,000 (done it).

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  new es-v6 merlot/w beige interior - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By bmartyntx - September 4 - 10:00 am

  we purchased this vehicle because we wanted a small suv that can hold 5 people comfortably i am 6-3 and i looked at all the suvs out there pilot,crv,toyota full line,nissan,gmc,chevy,etc. and out of all of them i looked at i needed something that would fit and i found the ford escape does that but the tribute is actually a ford escape but with a nicer more rounded look and i feel has a better package w/ standard anti-lock brakes and is actually a little less than escape. also the warranty is better and also has roadside assist. w free loaner car. coupled with 0% financing it was very hard to find anything else even close.

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  Perfect Family Vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Bigkay - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I truly enjoy my new Tribute. It is very comfortable and so much fun to drive. I have 2 children and feel completely safe having them in the car with me. I thought I would miss my 1998 MPV when I traded it in, but I love this vehicle, I highly recommend to anyone looking for a reliable SUV.

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  You Gotta Drive this car!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Wildcatsare1 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Picked mine up yesterday, what a fun car to drive. Its fast, the engine sounds great, its comfortable (62"), and its beautiful. I disagree with the earlier review about the interior looking cheap, far from it. Its superior to the 350Z, more in line with a Boxter.

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  Driving Perfection! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By m10ant - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This car was definitely worth the wait. Exterior styling is head turning both literally and figuratively. Rotary engine sound is music. Im so impressed with this cars responsiveness: acceleration, handling, and braking are superb! They far exceed any expectation I may have had. A complete joy to drive!!

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  MyProtege - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By ChipDE - September 4 - 1:33 am

  This car is the best sedan I have come across - very sporty and very cute. I have wanted one since 1994 and it is well worth the wait. Great buy!

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  So Far So Good - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Lady Di - September 3 - 7:00 pm

  I love the look of my car I think it is a very classy looking car. Mine is black and looks great when it is clean and polished. I obviously havent had it very long but have always liked the look of these cars.