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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  Quality plus Handling - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By White Flash - January 25 - 5:36 pm

  I drive 1000k a week and finally I have a car with great handling, comfort and good mileage. Have averaged 29.0 (accurate) for the the last 20k. The handling makes you feel like a professional driver. Brakes are awsome, but be careful of those tailgating SUVs. Ergonomics are best of any car I have owned and love the red interior lighting. So far NO costs above tire rotation and oil change. Fit, finish and interior quality that of a much more expensive car. Mazda 3 just got a good and recommended rating from the Insurance Institute for frontal crash. Safety extras are the collapsable brake pedal (in accidents), side and curtain air bags. What more could you want?

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  Big smile car - 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By eric - January 25 - 5:36 am

  I think this is the most fun car I ever had. Anyone looking for a big trip to smile city will love it. Obviously if you have a family it could only be a second or (toy) car. But single folks will find no problem filling up that second seat. I can only compare it to a go kart I had as a kid. Wishing I could ride that kart all over the place. Now I can and I can put the top up when it rains. MPG is great. Now if I can keep it away from my kids. They can get their own toy. Drive one... you will be hooked

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  Review After One + Year Of Ownership - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By bigmike7 - January 24 - 9:20 pm

  Well we have owned this vehicle for the past 16 months - and still love it!!! After the dealership reflashed the transmissions control module firmware the accelleration has been as smooth as a babies butt- Outside of a couple of minor recall items the only other maintenance has been oil changes and tire rotation. The vehicle handles very well - especially on hilly/twisty roads. The gas mileage is still over 23 mpg in combined driving. We would definitely purchase another MPV - but it looks like this one is going to last for a very long time! I would recommend the MPV to anyone - it is probably the best "bang for the buck" of any minivan out there.

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  excellence in design - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By linda wenker - January 24 - 10:00 am

  we have owned ours for over a year...superb automobile

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  Mazda MPV - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Leonard J. Bartosiew - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Handling is a breeze compared to larger minivans. For urban driving it has the ability to maneuver side streets, parked vehicles. Great for loading children and the limited cargo we carry. Very easy to park.

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  my car - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By pioter - January 24 - 10:00 am

  the best car in the world not better then chevy tahoe

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  I LOVE My Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Huufprint - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Having ridden in, owned and used a number of SUVs in my life, the Tribute is definitely the king of the heap when it comes to a smaller SUV. Easy to drive & park; plenty of get-up-and-go for the highway. My only complaint is mileage and range... NOT ENOUGH OF EITHER.

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  great car - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Linds - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is extremely fun to drive, its easy to park, no bad blind spots, and is very comfortable for front and back seat passengers.

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  Its a great car - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By nn - January 24 - 10:00 am

  see below

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  Love my Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Terry Weinmann - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We truly enjoy our new Tribute. It is very comfortable and so much fun to drive. We have 2 grandchildren and feel completely safe having them in the car with us. I thought I would miss my sporty coupe when I traded it in-but I love this vehicle-highly recommend to anyone looking for a reliable SUV.