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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  Still Scratching My Head - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Joeillini - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Have had the Tribute for 1 1/2 years and 18,000 miles. I am still kicking myself for overlooking obvious things that annoy me now. Bad gas Mileage compared to EPA figure, Poor control for sliding sunroof, no passenger-side lock control, front seats sit to high and cant be lowered, hard to use cruise control at night, have had it in the shop 3 times to fix a rattle in tailgate that is only getting worse, the gear shift doesnt read on the dash 50% of the time, the way the engine downshifts going up just a slight incline causing MPG to suffer, cheap plastic interior door panels with no padding, soft brake pads leave dust on front wheels. Its my fault for purchasing the vehicle.

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  Great teenyvan - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By Jay_Gloab - January 10 - 11:16 pm

  I just got this car yesterday, but I had another 5 as a loaner for a week before that so Im pretty acquainted with the cars peculiarities at this point. We were looking at everything from small hatchbacks like the Honda Fit and Toyota Matrix to full-size minivans such as the Odyssey and Sienna, but the Mazda5 seemed like the perfect fit for us: it has plenty of space for a small family (up to 2 kids easily; 3 would be fine until you have to go for a long trip), its relatively sporty and maneuverable, and its much more fuel- efficient than minivans. The kicker -- its the only thing remotely minivan- like that offers a manual transmission.

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  reliable commuting car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By satisfied1999 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  It keeps going and going. I had some transmission problems initially but warranty completely covered it, including my rental car. Other than that, it never lets me down. I commute 120 miles a day 5 days a week and no problems in performance. Its not a luxury or sports feel but I wasnt looking for that. Ill keep it and run it into the ground.

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  First Mazda Experience - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By First Mazda - January 3 - 7:26 am

  The Mazda 5 is a unique vehicle that blends traits from a mini van and station wagon. This vehicle is a good bang for the buck. I purchased this car 6 weeks ago and it has met my expectations. The engine is very smooth and despite some reviews that I have read, does not lack adequate acceleration. The trans shifts smoothly. Standard DSC for 2010 was a nice safety addition. Climate control system works well as do the power heated seats. The only problem I have noticed with the car is the windshield seems to creek when the car goes over bumps.The Blue Tooth and Home Link are great features. The audio system is nothing special. Overall its a solid buy for the money.

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  Poor gas mileage - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Rebecca - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the Mazda 3. It is fun to drive. BUT I am very disappointed with the gas mileage. I am getting only 23.8 miles to the gallon- highway/around town combo. I am taking it in to see if theres a problem.

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  Poor Mileage - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Judy - December 30 - 3:30 am

  I loved everything about this car when I first saw it. Now that I have had it for almost 2 years, I am disappointed in the mileage. I do mostly city driving, and I am lucky to get 25 mpg. I was told I would get high 20s and mid 30s on the highway. No way that is happening. Also, I had the tires rotated, and the car is very noisy. Would prefer it to be a quieter car. Love the looks of it though.

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  May not start after short distance drive - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By worried - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Its a cutie but if you drive short distances, this may not be the car for you. It may not start if it hasnt warmed up or been driven for less than 5 minutes. One suggestion Ive just read is to rev it up to 4000, and turn the key off while its reving. Excess fule will be removed from the fuel pump and in

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  dash board - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Magno Lins - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I owe a Mazda Tribute 2001, purchased last sept. I love this SUV, but some things need to be considered in order to make the driving experiencie more fun and easier. For exemple the rear defrost switch when the car is on D position, is hard to see if botton is on or off, the shift bar covers the switch. Also, on the rear wiper blade, took me several phone call in order to figure out how to replace it. I call the mazda dealer and they told me to take the car to them because they could no tell me over the phone how to do it. I auto parts person from a local company helped me with it. Besides that so far has been a great SUV. Thanks

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  engine lights - 2001 Mazda Millenia
  By ELAINE HARVILL-GREAT - December 24 - 4:56 pm

  i love my mazda except for all the engine lights coming on even though nothing is wrong with my car. It still cost alot every time I take it to the dealership. Like $1000.It only stays off a few months. Now both the engine light and the air bag light are both on. I have75000 miles on my car and this has happened about 10 times. I would NOT recommend it or buy another for this reason.

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  Great Bang for the Buck - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By RonW - December 24 - 2:00 am

  While Im a big Honda fan, Ive also owned three Mazda and couldnt pass up an end of year deal on my 3. Great exterior styling, this car looks like more money. Handling is a bit stiff but also responsive. Smooth engine but get the manual transmission for the 2.0 engine. While mileage could be better, I cant complain. Just came back from a 500 mile trip to FL with no problems. The instruments and ergonomics are quite good on the Mazda 3. Only niggles I have are the poor OEM/Goodyear tires, minimal grip and lots of noise. Gas mileage could be better and build quality a touch below Honda. But still an amazing deal for the price, I paid under $16K brand new...