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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  2004 Mazda 6 Wagon - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mike - November 12 - 11:06 pm

  Ive had the car for two years now. Lots of fun to drive and mechanically dependable. Paint finish quality leaves something to be desired. Ive had to bring it back to the dealer 3 times to fix paint problems. Now the clear coat is peeling from the front bumper. To their credit, the dealership has been very easy to deal with and all of the problems got fixed. They have agreed to fix the latest problem as well.

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  Small SUV Zoom Zoom - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Native Austinite - November 12 - 4:06 pm

  Research led me to the CX-7, but turned away from the premium gas requirement. Looked at/drove the Tribute and although "boxey," unlike the sleek CX-7, I insisted on a vehicle that operated on regular gas. Ive had mine since the end of April and have had a couple of road trips. The ride is smooth and quiet, its roomy, handles well, seats 5. V6 has the power to get you through traffic, not real impressed with the brakes, a bit mushy. The leather interior really dresses it out. A very good value in comparison to other small Japanese SUVs. Fun to drive.

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  Make Mine a Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Howard Hanson - November 11 - 11:50 pm

  Very fun to drive on highway or side road. Handles very well. Suspension provides very smooth turns and makes the petty 4 cylinder easy to control. My preference for a responsive ride is satisfied with the Mazda6. Mazda engineers provide an interesting gear ratio/shifting in our automatic that gets the most out of the 4 cylinder.

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  Great Car For the Money - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By DEB - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We went to the dealer prepared to buy the Mazda 6. While browsing the inventory my wife spotted this Millenia among the other cars. It was love at first sight. Great looking car compared to the 6s. Test drive was the kicker and huge price reduction from sticker ($8k).

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  Big bang for buck - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By kenchan - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Pro5s are a well equiped package even in the base models. I have the bare- bone base 5MT model but it still comes with pretty much all the convenience bells and whisles with no additional cost. There are also ample aftermarket parts to make this pocket-car handle even better...and ofcourse, I have already added those to my car. :)

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Shawnee - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We have owned 2 Mazdas. Great value, reliable, fun to drive.. The seats are awesome.. so comfortable. Would purchase another Tribute without a thought..

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  $18,500 well spent - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By JamesinHouston - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased an LX w/luxury package (6 disc indash cd/7 speakers + sunroof). Im real happy with the price and with the vehicle in general. Handles great with plenty of power. A-C blows cold and strong like a Ford - Will do well in the Texas summer heat.

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  Bluetooth is cumbersome - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By greekguy9999 - November 8 - 5:29 pm

  When using bt with iPad 3, the shuffle and repeat functions do not work. They are grayed out. Once you have shuffle on your iPad selected the cars bt will inadvertently turn it off after you leave the car with the iPad. the only way to get shuffle back on is to clear the Mazda from the iPad, delete the device from the Mazda and start all over again. AWFUL. And the bt always starts to play music off my phone instead of having it disabled like I do at the beginning of my drive. ITs like it forgets I dont want the phone as my music player. Gas gauge does not reflect miles left to empty under 15. It plummets in minutes so dont go by it. Check engine lite came on after 1100 miles.

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  fun fun fun - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By mike b - November 7 - 10:00 am

  best car in its class, hands down. the engine isnt going to win any awards for refinement and there are a few more interior rattles than id prefer (although that may be due to autoXing), but in terms of styling, handling, braking and overall driving experience, this car has it all over Civics, Corollas, Sentras and the like.

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  Mighty Fine SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Zumb - November 7 - 10:00 am

  The ES has a luxurious interior with a lot of extras like reclining back seats, high padded arm rest between the front seats, and all the extras you expect from a higher level vehicle. It is a lot roomier inside than you would think a "small SUV" would be. It is surprisingly quiet inside even on rough surfaces. The engine has steady power and pick up, the automatic transmission shifting is smooth and it handles well on turns. It offers a smooth ride on a variety of surfaces. The exterior appearance is not boxy but also not like it is trying to be a van. It is a nice mid-level vehicle with an aesthetic but not flashy appearance.