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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  She Loves It! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Tee1Up4Fun - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought one for the Wife and She LoveS it! Im 65" tall and I have Plenty of room. It rides great and handels very well. The first snow storm we got I had to take it out, It did great! We Love it so far!

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  Love It! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By blm - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I had an 89 Mazda MX6, bought new, that went through two babies...children, car seats, strollers, trips etc. Needed something bigger and loved the look of the small SUV...Escape as well as Tribute. The Ford dealer wouldnt move on the Escape price they tried to sell me an Explorer, ended up at Mazda and they worked with me. My heart was ultimately set on a Mazda having such great experience in the past and this was the perfect transition from a small car to an SUV. It surprisingly has lots of space and is really fun and easy to drive. Its very comfortable and its easy to see when driving (Im a small person). I love the stylish look as well.

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  Zoom-Zoom in Yellow - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Bartow - June 20 - 2:00 am

  The perfect middle-age crisis car in "Lightning Yellow." The high RPMs of the rotary engine make this car sooooo much fun to drive. It corners like it is on rails and though not so fast on the straights it proves itself in the twisties!

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  I love my Mazda! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By rogrocco - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 1989 323 with 125K miles for the new Mazda 3. The 323 still ran great but my wife was feeling insecure in such an old car. The Mazda 3 (Velocity Red Mica) is styled beautifully in and out. There is plenty of power with good acceleration. The ride is firm with excellent handling and braking. The AT can be shifted like a manual transmission. Its loaded with upgraded luxury and safety features. It looks and feels like a much more expensive European car. I hope it is as realible and long lived as my 89 323. So far, Im very pleased with this car!

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  amazing mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By noodles - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great all around fun to drive car. its got enough power to get up and go, and it beats a lot of the competitors

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  Excellent car mazda 6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By H.D - June 20 - 2:00 am

  No complaints, will continue to be a faithful Mazda buyer

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  Amazing Mazda - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Unique Greek - June 20 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda 6 is an amazing car, it drives really really well, has control and the speed is amazing.

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  Just keeps going....going... going.... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jes - June 19 - 4:26 pm

  I purchased this car brand new. I have put 148,000 on it, and it is very reliable! Besides regular oil changes, havent had to do anything else. I have only had to replace a thermostat! Its wonderful! Definitely have gotten my moneys worth!

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  Love my car but BEWARE - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By sydneycmiller - June 19 - 10:40 am

  My car is the plain Jane type but it was still love at first sight. I bought it used and had trouble with the second day I had it. Its automatic and it would stall at every light or stop sign I hit. Mechanics suggested it was a faulty computer. Mazda told me unless I could prove it, it wouldnt be covered. Reset the computer and it seemed to be fine until I hit 133k kms. Then the transmisson blew. So now Im stuck with a $2500 bill, AGAIN. I guess I got a lemon but most resellers dont even want to consider selling these transmissions anymore because they continue to come back on a regular basis. Also, the CD plyr is faulty and hates most CDS, old or new.

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  Mazda could do better - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By Steve K - June 19 - 10:00 am

  After owning a Lexus for the last 5 years, I decided to try something different to lower car payments. Ive had the Millinea for a couple of weeks now and have come to some conclusions. The styling of the car is nice outside and in. I like the dashboard, its layed out nice. The ride is quiet and smooth. The engine seems to hesitate when you first step on the gas, which I find annoying. The latch covers in the back for the child safety seats keep popping open. If I could do it all over again, I would opt for an Acura or back to another Lexus.