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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  Fun Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By mark - June 10 - 9:40 am

  I traded in a Maxima SE for this car because I wanted something fun to drive. The RX8 delivers in the fun department. Enough cant be said about the 50/50 weight distribution and the rotary power curve. It is not the most practical car, however, having low gas mileage and limited cargo space. As with any car in this category, consider that you may need a second car/truck to accompany this very fun vehicle.

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  No Go in the Snow - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By RN17 - June 9 - 8:30 pm

  I had this car for three years before trading it in for a WRX. There were a couple of reasons for this. First, the WRX is much faster. Now the speed 3 is probably just as fast, but its only offered in a hatchback, which I just dont like. Second, driving in the snow just plain stinks! From a dead stop I could barely get half way through the intersection before the light would turn red again! Tires make a little bit of difference, but not enough to install confidence while driving in the snow.

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  A Fun Ride - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Joe Fagan - June 9 - 5:23 am

  Shopped around extensively, came back to the 5. Have a family of 5, 2 tweens, 1 teen fit just perfect. Good for new families and existing. Parked the Suburban for now. Have had the 5 for two months and cannot keep the wife out of it. For you guys that dont want to be seen in a mini van, this is the way to go. Great value for the price.

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  Good to go! - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By LPC - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Good power if you rev it. Electronically limited to 90 mph (3500 rpm). Great mileage (24-30 thus far), tows adequately for 4 cyl. Decent stereo, good ABS. Got it for $12,300 (tax included) w/SE-5 package, bedliner, CD,

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  Glad to own Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By JOHN DALEY - June 6 - 8:00 pm

  Love to drive this vehicle. Some minor disappointments. Did you ever pick up clothes from the cleaner and not have a hook to put them on. The MPG stinks. Mostly highway only gets 18.5. But that said, the tribute is nimble, responsive to quick stops and turns and looks like a million bucks. The dealer even sent a birthday card. Now thats class.

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  Having fun in a Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Courtney9481 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have been satified with my Tribute. Overall its been a very comfortable drive. I LOVE the cargo space and the reclining seats in the back. The Premium Sound System with the 6 disc cd changer was worth the money. One minor problem that I have incurred was condensation that drips from the AC on top a steaming hot metal exhaust under the car constantly makes a sizzling noise when I turn the vehicle off. Dealer said that all Mazda Tributes do it so they refuse to touch it. Overall I gave it a pretty good rating!

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  Built really well.... - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By realitycheck1 - June 2 - 12:12 am

  Interior quality of this car is a step above the competition. Smooth engine, decent acceleration and decent fuel economy. I average 28MPG between highway and city usage. Very reliable. Very roomy and above average handling. Very safe. I was broadsided in it and it held up very well. I find Mazdas in general are certainly a cut or two above its competition. The stock speakers were a little weak, and I find the stock Xenon headlamps are not as powerful as they should be and are very expensive to replace. But this is a very satisfying car.

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  Giving It A Whirl! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Well See... - May 31 - 5:53 pm

  I just bought my Mazda 6 this weekend. Ill give an update in a few months : ) So far, Im loving it!

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  Bought it - 2016 Mazda CX-3
  By kat - May 31 - 2:31 am

  Got it home, car broke down in 30 mins. Very disappointed. Overall, the ride was nice, i liked it. But having it break down that fast was a deal breaker.

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  delicious vanilla, no toppings - 1998 Mazda 626
  By dozier - May 24 - 6:56 am

  Great economical mid-size. Would reccomend it to anyone looking for a reliable car of this type. Was a little puzzled why the outer C-V boots failed at 60k miles. It has been my experience this usually happens after 100 k miles.