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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  Solid and Fun to Drive - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Cristanka - February 6 - 12:56 pm

  I bought my 03 Tribute LX 4WD at 95,000 miles and Ive been happy with it every single day. Its amazing in the winter and even better in the summer! Everything still works at 106,000 miles a year later. The wheel bearing on the front right passenger side was broken when I bought it, unfortunately, and it wasnt until much later that I found that problem and the dealership paid for it. The crash test ratings are spectacular on this SUV! I was just hit a week ago by a drunk driver going 70 mph and I walked away without a scratch. My Tribute is in great condition save for a few cosmetic repairs. If I had been in a lighter SUV I would have rolled over. Definitely worth every penny.

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  Exciting Machine - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Chris - February 6 - 9:13 am

  I bought my car as a left over model so it was still brand new but with a nice discount. That and the style were initially my main reasons for purchasing the car. I would say Im glad the pieces came together the way they did. I have owned 20 cars and 1 motorcycle and Im only 30, and this vehicle is one of the most fun I have driven. One downfall was it didnt start out as fast as I would have liked but with a few minor upgrades the motor woke up a lot and it is now as fast as a 2008 Mustang GT 5 speed but handles 10 times better. Tests have been done with a stock RX-8 vs a 350z which is a faster car, the RX-8 matched the 350zs track time because the handling was superb to the quicker car.

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  Cant be beat - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By spete - February 5 - 10:00 am

  This is for a 2002. The caris greatfun. The car handles beautifully on both the straightaway and on curves. I bought a six speed but the difference between the fifth gear and the sixth gear is very little. If I did it over I would purchase the five gear. This car is what its all about when it comes to light weight top down sports cars. A touch more power wouldnt hurt but the car as it is has good power if you use the gears properly, that is take each gear to or near the red line. I had a probelm with the fuel tank, which was fixed by the dealer quickly with no questions asked.

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  Great Car Overall. - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Dru - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Got the car for under 24k drive out fully loaded. The drive is very comfortable especially for long distances and heavy traffic scenarios. The power is great off the line for a big car but there could be a little more for the highway. Cargo space is great and easy to fold down the seats in no time.

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  Completely satisfied and utterly impressed - 2014 Mazda Mazda3
  By nld - February 5 - 9:52 am

  Tough to review this car in 700 characters, but look at me go wasting them. This is a great car. Its faster than I thought it would be. The automatic gearbox is terrific. The sport mode and paddle shifters are awesome. I averaged 38.5 mpg on my drive from the Bay Area to San Diego (mostly on the highway) and I get probably 28 mpg around town, so its definitely fuel efficient. The interior is great and so is the exterior. Feels very deluxe. Only put 1.5k on it thus far, so I cant speak for reliability or value, but from what I hear Mazdas do alright in those categories.

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  Been a great car- bring it back, Mazda! - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By rwmich - February 5 - 1:30 am

  This has been a great car for 11 years (2001 model), and still going. I have been holding off getting a new car hoping that Mazda will come back with a real minivan- the 5 is too small. I have over 200,000 miles now, and its still going without any major issues. Been thinking about getting something new, but cant justify because this baby keeps on chugging away. It has done the full gamut of use- toting loads of kids to practices and activities, towing my 15 foot sailboat, vacation trips, hauling junk in the cargo zone, canoe on the roof, etc. What a versatile vehicle, and 20 miles per gallon.

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  1 Year Review - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mdurg - February 4 - 11:46 pm

  Was originally looking for a used A4 or maybe a Jetta when I noticed for the same price I could pick this up new. I drove all of the above and when I found that the Mazda 3 was just as fun to drive as the others it was a done deal. It has great styling, a good amount of power and rides well. Even after a year I still find it fun to drive on a daily basis. Keep in mind this is an economy car. Miscellaneous comments: I put in an aftermarket stereo. I changed the oil at 5k and 10k. I had a recall for an airbag sensor (fixed). The carpets are hard to vacuum. Console intrudes on leg area, and I have short legs.

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  Great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - February 4 - 8:06 am

  When I was shopping for my last car, it came down to the 6 and the Pontiac G6. The G6 was a nice car, but the exterior looks and the availability of a manual transmission made the Mazda more appealing to me. The dealership I bought the car from had the worst customer service Ive ever experienced, but I love the car.

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  Summer Car - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ric387 - February 2 - 2:50 pm

  Sold a 62 T-Bird and wanted an affordable used convertible as replacement. Tan interior and manual transmission were only requirements and purpose was for a summer car and not as a daily driver. Was not a Miata fan to start with and bought one from a friend mainly because I knew it was reliable and well taken care of. Also liked the fact that it was British Racing Green and a Special Edition fully loaded. Paid half the price I expected to pay for my original choices of z4 or boxster with same age/mileage. So far, so good. Comfort above what I expected. Acceptable motor/wind noise. Fun to drive. No rattles. Look and feel very solid.

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  New Mazda 5 Sport M5 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By MrGary - February 2 - 8:30 am

  I purchased this car on 7 July and so far everything is great. I have almost 200 miles on it but have not had to purchase gas just yet so I dont know how the MPG will be. It is fun to drive and has plenty of room and the sliding back doors make access easy and you dont have to worry about them opening on the street side. The antilock brakes and engine immobilizer make it better for insurance. Over all a very well built car or minivan if you prefer.