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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  Love it! Love it! Love it! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Elizabeth T. - December 7 - 5:40 pm

  So far this has been BY FAR the very best car I have ever driven. I love the blind spot sensor. That really helps me feel safe when trying to change lanes. It is very quiet and I dont get all the road noise I used to get. There is some much functional space w/o a lot of wasted space. My kids love it too!

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  Sensible Buy - 1999 Mazda 626
  By technoguys - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as a used car from dealer. It is a 1999 with 24K miles, for about 13K on road. I have put about 11K miles on it. No probs so far, just regular oil change, 30K service & not a cent more. We did a 2000 miles in four days & it was cool.

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  Not Bad for an SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By FirstSUV - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for an mini suv with good passing power and comfort. The tribute had both. The V6 engine has great power on demand. Ive had it now for 3 months. The only complaint I have about it is the driver side mirror vibrates at speeds above 70 mph. Otherwise, Im completely satisfied with the purchase. If you are in the market for one, put it on your test drive list.

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  Zoom-Zoom! - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By rugmaven - December 7 - 8:00 am

  My CX-9 is certainly a solid, smooth driving vehicle. Ive had it since April 07 and have discovered what an excellent vehicle I purchased. It handles on par with much sportier cars, has good power; pickup and corners unlike my expectations for a rather large, over 5,000 pound vehicle. The interior is understated, yet sleek and quietly upscale. The front seats do a fine job of keeping your backside centered even during hard cornering. The engine is powerful and smooth; mated to the six speed transmission, driving around town or on the highways is very pleasant.

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  165K trouble free miles - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Ray - December 7 - 2:10 am

  I cant say enough good things about this car. Im still on the original clutch and original water pump. Just change the oil every 3,750 miles and perform the major service every 30K miles. Amazing car.

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  Maybe the perfect "cheap" car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By FenderCalderon - December 4 - 7:36 pm

  A picture of this car should be alongside the dictionary entry for reliable. In 5 yrs the only unexpected repair was the main engine belt -and it was probably my fault. After owning a lemon it feels great knowing you can rely on this car. As far as routine maintenance goes you can DIY and save even more money. The interior materials wont be winning any prestigious awards but regardless for a car in this price range the interior is more than ok. I like to have fun when I drive and this is a good car for that; just dont expect to have great gas mileage this way. Sometimes I think the car may be boring but when I find an open stretch of road to let er rip I always end up smiling.

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  Lots of Zoom for a few $ - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By John Pauza - December 4 - 3:36 pm

  Amazing performance and content for the price, proof that economy transport doesnt have to mean boring and cheap. Great brakes (standar ABS) with precise steering and well tuned underpinnings make this a serious drivers car. Visually STUNNING! Cool mica paint, big 17" alloys with 50 series rubber, aggressive aero styling, and the nifty rear hatch make the 3 a real attention getter. Inside, Love the wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, light clutch and a shifter that glides through gears like a knife through butter. Opt for the 5 speed (the sport stick auto moves up to shift down}. Good goin Mazda, now how about a little better seats, AWD and another 50 or so horses? A budget Beemer?

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  Excellent car for a growing family - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Paula - December 4 - 12:56 pm

  We purchased this car because we had our third child on the way. It has been terrific! The seating configuration is very flexible and works well. We took one long trip across country with the car and it was great. The girls loved it. It has decent storage, though that goes away with the third row of seats up. It will be tough to get everything in on our next trip, but the small size outside and the large size inside is great for now.

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  crap car - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By jhouse123179 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle has been nothing but trouble. Ive had to replace the following: Engine, Coolant Reservoir, Headlights, Tie Rods, Control Arms, Rear Wiper Motor, Windshield needed re- sealed, Rear hatch window needed adjusted so it wouldnt leak, Rear hatch Door Needed adjusted didnt close properly, Sun Roof Doesnt open properly...switch sticks, Transmission doesnt shift properly, brakes wear very fast even the rotors. Its only been 2 years and this is what I get! Am I supposed to assume the Air Bags will work if I ever needed them? Ive only driven it 61 000 kms its got 19000 kms left on manufacturers warranty the hole car has almost been replaced.

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  Why wouldnt you get this car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Jpowerboy - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is easily the only car under 30k that people turn their heads and say "wow". honestly i love my 8 to death and throwing on some aftermarket parts makes it look that much better... I recomend the 6speed manual transmishion to every buyer!!! it is soo much fun and not bad in traffic at all!