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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  Warning...This van sucks! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Cancer Patient - May 19 - 2:00 am

  This is the 1st vehicle I had to get rid of within a 2 yr. period. The heating system sucks - no even distribution, the gear is in the way of my radio & A/C, Very hard to remove any stains from carpet, Front cup holders are not secure - soda tips over all the time, CD plays when it wants to, loud engine when idling, no pick up, sulfur smell and the serv. dept. cant figure out the problem, 1 "old" mazda protege loaner vehicle in the entire dealership only for repairs beyond 48hrs. If you want some real service..purchase from Honda, Toyota, or Lexus where the service is A-1

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  I still love my little Tribute!!!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By fastmonte24 - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had my little Mazda for almost 8 months and still love it! Knock on wood, I have had not one single problem with it. My Trib goes anywhere I need to go, in any weather condition. The push button 4 wheel drive- very convenient!!!! I will buy a new version on this vehicle in a few years. Yes, I still miss some of the features of a CAR, but would not trade my Trib anytime soon.

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  Horrible Car - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By chase11 - May 19 - 1:53 am

  I purchased a brand new 2008 Tribute a little over 2 years ago, in the past year I have had problem with faulty valve stems on 3 of the tires, peeling plastic and paint on the exterior, sealing problems with the doors and back window hatch, and just today the driver door almost completely came off! I had to lift the door up and push it in just to get it shut good enough to drive home. I have never had so many car troubles in my life until I bought a mazda. My advice...look elsewhere!

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  Excellent vehicle for your money - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Frankie - May 18 - 6:40 am

  Six weeks after purchase, I got into a bad car accident and I tested its safety; this SUV saved my life. My Tribute got fixed and after almost 60K miles it is still running like new. Fuel economy, quality of the leather interior and difficulty to operate the CD are the only minuses in this car. But the rest are just pluses. I have looked at other SUVs but I have not found the comfort, power and nice look my Tribute has. I think I will have this car for a long time! I took it off road also and its performance was awesome, the rest of SUVs just saw my dust left behind!

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  Not made for long distance driving. - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Ty - May 18 - 1:43 am

  It is a nice looking car. Not as comfortable as I would like but hey, its a sport car not a family sedan. The bucket seats are not comfortable for long distance trips. Its kind of slow off the line but once it hits about 3500 rpm, this thing can go. Like many other people, I would like a bit more torque in this puppy. It is nice on the freeway, only if youre not living in LA. I am just wondering what is the top speed on an automatic? If you are looking for a fun car to drive and want to be different then everyone else, this may be the car for you.

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  Best decision - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By tamcat - May 18 - 12:50 am

  I have been looking at buying an SUV off and on for five years, but I was waiting to see one that would have everything I wanted and be a great deal at the same time! The reviews on this website helped me tremendously. I also looked at the VW Toureg, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Lexus RX, and found the perfect one with this. The third row folds flat really easily with the headrests on. Has every luxury and comfort items the others have, plus some.

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  Rained out in my 2006 MX5 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ldybyrd - May 17 - 10:03 pm

  I love my 2006 MX5. I use it for commute. I have problems when it rain. Every rain season the car floods from the drains inside the car. The dealership fixes it everytime for no charge. Concern problems continues. I am scared to drive or park the car outside in the rain. What should I do?

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  Road Warrior - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By James Pulley - May 17 - 6:36 am

  I purchased the 2004 RX-8 I have now in 2006 as a used car. There have been some nitpicky items but overall I am happy with the decision. As a note, just this past weekend I turned 100K on the clock, so this car has seen more than its share of miles. As to the nitpicky items? I am a tall guy, with both longs legs and long torso, so I get hit on the headroom and on the legroom, particularly with the dead peddle, which I remove for longer road trips - theres an extra five inches of leg room that thing eats up! The laughable part, my SUV with 260K on the clock regularly gets 25-27mpg on the highway. The best I have ever achieved in the RX8? About 23. But heck, its a sports car!

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  Fun, inexpensive & practical little car - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Lee - May 16 - 5:13 am

  They only made this car for 2 years, which is a shame. Its been replaced by the Mazda 3, which is supposedly more refined, better performing, etc .- but they probably didnt need to. Although not blazingly fast, its still "peppy" off the line, and a great deal of fun to drive in almost any situation. Easily hold 4 people in comfort, has an easily attachable roof rack (if yours doesnt already have it) for bikes, skis, etc, and folding down the back seats allow for tons of stuff to be carried. Its definitely sport oriented, so luxury style comfort drivers might not enjoy it as much. For cheap fun, it cant be beat. Car & Driver thinks so too.

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  Couldnt be more satisfied. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Todd - May 14 - 11:26 am

  Have driven it for two months in all types of weather. Took longest trip on the day of the worst winter conditions we have experienced. Snowy, windy conditions were sending others spinning and sliding into the ditch or median. The sure traction of the automatic 4WD was outstanding. Glad we bought it every time we drive it.