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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  New Mazda customer - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By sandpiper - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I am a female that has driven Jeeps for 15 years but they have gotten too expensive for me. Having owned this Mazda for one month, I still have the safety of the SUV with less cost and better gas mileage which I attribute to its being less heavy. Mazda was also wonderful with the financing.

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  excellent - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By zoom zoom1 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my mazda tribute...cant imaging having anything else

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  My Red Mazda - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By bytespiece - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased my Mazda Tribute and I just love it. This is the first time I have purchased an SUV and Im glad I did. It handles great and I have no fear of driving it (media hype had me a little leery of purchasing an SUV). And, it drives so much better than my last car. I cant comment too much on the gas mileage as I havent had it long enough, but the short time I have had it the gas mileage has been about 22 mpg in the city. Can you tell I really love my Mazda!

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  My RX-8 rocks - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By tjrx8 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  The title says it all. I only wish the fuel economy was a little better. I love this car and it was worth the 5-6 month wait.

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  Best in Class, Best in Price - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Andrew - March 7 - 3:33 am

  I compared the specs of the Tribute against all competitors. The Tribute had the best specs in most areas in its class but about $2-4k less and a better warranty. I was very impressed. This is a great SUV. Could use some improvements, noted, but most all of them in its class could. The price couldnt be beat. This was a no brainier. Paid $16,750 4WD, auto.

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  Just like the TV ads... - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mark - March 5 - 4:56 pm

  ...it will take years off your life. I traded a 2004 Accord for this vehicle and while I miss that incredible, effortless ride I also feel so much more free and connected with my daily commute. I had the last year of the ill-fated Triumph GT6 (1971) and while that car handled like no other it also was plagued with all the foibles that eventually killed all the British sports car companies. This is a very comfortable go-kart. I plan on taking it to the mountains this weekend and really letting er rip on those switchbacks. Nothing handles like a small car this close to the ground. I would suggest you opt for the upgraded suspensions package. Sweet!

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  nice CUV! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By michigan - March 5 - 8:30 am

  got a good deal on FWD SP. very quiet and convincing ride. sense of safety in a large car but still nimble to maneuver. I was looking between Honda Pilot and this car wins in every aspects. hopefully it turns out to be reliable as well.

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  The little big SUV - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By motiver - March 4 - 7:52 pm

  I drove a Nissan Altima Sedan (2008, 170hp), then an Infiniti G37 Sedan (2010, 330hp). Now I just bought this 2014 CX-5 Touring AWD. I am surprised how Mazda was able to pack in terrific gas mileage in a powerful engine. The comfort in the cockpit is top notch and I love the Bluetooth Phone and Pandora integration. The blind spot indicators are awesome. Makes me feel very safe and confident. The drive smooth and comfy. Huge leg room for everyone in the car (I am 6ft tall). Overall, it is downright amazing. I dont miss my G37 anymore. :)

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  Own an 06 and an 08. Both are great cars - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By coolmazda5 - March 3 - 9:33 pm

  Great car to ride and drive. Sporty feeling. Manual transmission available. Very decent fuel economy for a family car.

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  Love my new Mazda! - 2009 Mazda CX-9
  By chris - March 3 - 2:16 pm

  We just purchased our first Mazda and we are so happy that we did. It is actually fun to drive. My children cant wait to get in it everyday. I think it helps that it has a DVD player. I could not believe everything we received in our new car for the money! Bose stereo, DVD, Navigation system, heated leather seats, satellite radio, bluetooth.......so much more. This car is truly a hidden gem and hopefully more people will discover it.