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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  Great vehicle but dont load it down - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By NJA - January 17 - 5:23 pm

  Ive owned my Mazda 3 i-touring (2.0 cylinder 5M) for about 5 months now and I think I can give an honest review having used it for ALL purposes. I initially used it to commute daily (120 mile round trip) and it was SUPERB. Great mileage, fun drive, good turn radius. My one complaint was perhaps road-noise on the highway and the stereo is a little tinny. Next I drove it long haul from Northern WA state to Southern CA loaded with luggage. While I did fine maintaining highway speed, I got bad mileage and the car rode HARD. Also, I was very uncomfortable no matter how I adjusted the seat. It has done great in SOCAL. Recommend: Use for city and commutes - avoid full passenger load - rides hard when full.

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  03 Mazda 6 S with every possible option - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Alex - January 17 - 12:16 pm

  This is the first Mazda I ever bought and Im pretty happy with the car. It looks GREAT with the sport package. The ride is pretty firm and a little bumpy but of course the car handles great. Its got a lot of power, 220hp, but it doesnt feel that fast even with a 5 speed manual. Nice interior design but not without flaws like peeling headliner, weird looking shifter trim and a few rattles. Overall a good car!

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  Good value - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By SuperStar - January 17 - 10:00 am

  The only problem I had was the Alernator went out at 61000 miles.

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  Zoom, zoom!!! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Michael Hern - January 17 - 10:00 am

  All around great car!!!

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  Great Car So Far - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jholls - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 01 gas hog Dodge Durango (which I absolutely loved) in on my 03 Tribute. So far I am very pleased. I get 20 mpg driving back and forth to work and 25 mpg on the highway. I miss my big V8 but not the $35 it cost to drive each week. I looked at the Honda CRV and Jeep Liberty but Honda wouldnt budge on the price and wanted $$$$$ for options that were standard on the Tribute (luggage rack, fog lights) and the Jeep didnt get any better milage than my Durango and was uncomfortable. So far I am very happy.

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  Good car, but it has some glitches - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By R. P. - January 16 - 4:26 pm

  I bought my Mazda6i brand new when it came out in 03. It performs great and it sure is pretty. But the build quality is a bit iffy. First a spark plug cable had to be replaced. No big deal, except that it took 4 trips and about 8 total hours for the dealer to figure out that was why the check engine light was on. Second, the transmissions inner shaft and axle had to be replaced at 20k miles after the car just died on me. Ive had no other mechanical problems with the car so far. It now has 30k miles on it. But now my interior ceiling lining is actually falling off. There is no excuse for that. A $25k cars interior lining should not be falling apart after 4 yrs.

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  Best Sedan EVER! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Eric - January 15 - 3:20 pm

  I wanted to get the V6 model, but couldnt afford it. Even though I had to "settle" for the 4 banger I am very impressed with its performance, gas mileage, and features. My last car was a Mazda MX-6 V6, and this has the same horsepower and performance, with better mileage and better interior. I love the sporty look and looks I get with this car! If you want a huge trunk (big enough to sleep in comfortably!). get the hatch -- you wont be disappointed.

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  A nimble athlete - 2010 Mazda RX-8
  By mark - January 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is more rare and more fun to drive than a mustang gt. The mustang has more horsepower but it is not quite as nimble as the rx8 is and this car is even more agile on winding roads than a corvette.This car is almost like a speed bike in its performance and the way it sounds when it accelerates and really gets going.Its a major fun machine to drive everyday.

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  Im lovin it ! - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By Steve from NJ - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a Ford Escape Limited, but couldnt get one when my Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer was due, so I selected a Tribute AWD S Grand Touring. Im very happy after 6K miles - no troubles at all, even towing my boat around. Its comfortable, very responsive, drives well and gets great mileage. Am planning on installing the remote start feature before winter sets it. I added white wall porta walls for my tires, as it looked like it needed something.

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  Nice little car to drive - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By Bob - January 15 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for a small car with zip and fuel efficiency, this just might be your car. The interior and exterior design is simple in a good way - minimalist is the word Id choose. The car had all of the creature comforts I wanted without any that I didnt need. If your commute is short and you need a car that doesnt need frequent fill-ups, get a Mazda2.