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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  I LOVE my new Mazda3! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jaylee - August 18 - 8:50 pm

  I cannot convey how much I LOVE this car. I bought it in Velocity Red with dual heated leather seats, 6 disc in dash cd player, bluetooth capability, you name it....and all for under $23000! I love this better than my 2003 Honda Civic EX coupe, which was a manual transmission. Too much stopping and starting to get the manual where I live, but I dont care. Smooth ride, every option is easily accessible to the driver. Gets much better MPGs than my Pacifica AWD, so Im happy! Fun and sporty, what more could you ask for??

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  Nice Flash - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Fred - August 17 - 8:36 pm

  I got a great deal on a loss leader and got the vehicle at below dealer cost which set the pace for an excellent buying experience. The car is only a few months old but has better interior styling, pickup and features package than my Corolla.

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  Classic Sports car in todays Technology - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Wen - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Back in college I got the itch for classic sports cars driving a Triumph TR4-A. Unfortunately, it meant tightening bolts, oiling squeaks and numerous fixes as the British made car fell apart. Along came Mazda with the Miata having classic lines and european style. The reliability is awsome and the handling is even better than my old Classic. Thanks Mazda!!

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By dmchristie - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding. This is the first new car Ive purchased since 1989...It was worth the wait.

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  great vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By bill - August 17 - 2:10 am

  I liked the price compared to the Toyota Highlander which I almost bought instead. After 43K, only had a recall on the accelerator cable -- other than that not one problem.

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  Rating vehicle - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By thomas - August 13 - 10:36 am

  The car handles good, good on gas, comfortable to drive, very nice to own, will not sell it for nothing in the world, but would like to buy a another one.

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  Best car for the money - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tony Taggart - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my mazda 6. It drives like a sports car with the smoothness and quietness of a luxury car. Unfortunately my mazda is going to the car gods. A young man made a illegal left infront of me and totaled it out. My air bags deployed and left no marks on me. The car was a blast to own and apparently made very safe as well. THANKS MAZDA I will be in a new one soon.

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  2004 Tribute is Good Buy - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By mdiguy - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Picked up 2004 ES 4WD Tribute after shopping for 2 months. Though they are supposed to be the same, the Tribute rode and steered better than the Escape. Rounded Tail gate vs Squared off tailgate of Escape seems to provide the appearance of bigger cargo area.

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  my new tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Amy H - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I recently owned a 2 door honda civic and had to sell it due to the fact I am expecting my first child. We wanted to get a 4 door, but not a minivan. The Tribute was a good compromise. ***the truck I bought has paint bubbles in the clear coat on the liftgate, that I didnt notice until after I had bought it. My dealer ship is supposed to touch it up, but I wish I had noticed before taking delivery.

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  ZOOM ZOOM the Mazda6! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Toadster - August 11 - 2:00 am

  What a surprise this car has been! I searched long and hard for a replacement for my SVT Contour, and voila! the Mazda6 is my late SVTs big brother! More power and just as good handling... the price is phenomenal for this quality of a car. Many of my friends guess that the Mazda6 costs about 10-15K MORE than what I paid for it :)