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 Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By walker328 - January 10 - 10:11 pm

  I purchased this in September 2014, with about 96k miles on it. It has a few scrapes and a cracked rear bumper so I got it at a decent price. Evidently the one previous owner took excellent care of it (all scheduled maintenance performed), and it has run fine until this very rainy morning. Flashing engine light, weak acceleration, burning smell and chuggy movement led me straight to the repair shop. 3 out of 6 ignition coils and the spark plugs were just about spent causing it to misfire. Not a cheap repair due the intake manifold needing to be removed which is a pretty big deal. Plugs were due to be replaced anyway. All else looks good and now its good to go for many more miles.

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  BELLS 2007 GRAND TOURING PHT MANUAL M - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By WILLIAM V. BELL - January 10 - 7:16 pm

  I have only had this car for a little over a month. I have driven approximately 900 miles. 11,000 annual miles is a projection. I have ordered a SAT satellite radio and a CDC in-dash 6 disc CD/MP3 changer, but it has not been installed yet.

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  Outstanding - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By alexv - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive racked up 2600 miles so far, and my Mazda 6s automatic hasnt disappointed me yet. Performance, particularly road feel, is on par with its german counterparts (A4, 325). The auto transmission is flawless and rarely lets me know its shifting except under hard throttle. Gas mileage has been about 20mpg around town, 25+ on the highway. Best of all, its the only 6s in my town so I still get lots of looks wherever I drive it.

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  I love my Millenia! - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Micheele - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Millenia one year ago and still loving it! Got a fantastic deal on it, only regret is that I did not upgrade to the "S". My husband wanted a Maxima, but I had spotted the Millenia a couple of years ago and had my eye on it. Finally decided to get it when we heard it was being discontinued. Expect to keep it for many years. We always get compliments on what a sharp-looking car it is, and people are always amazed at the incredible interior once they step inside.

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  Excellent little truck - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By mazdaowner - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been reliable so far. Great build quality, nice styling, and very economical for fuel(though you would expect that from a 4-banger).

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  Awesome car!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Penness - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for 2 weeks now and love it. I did some research on this particular vehicle and found that it was an excellent car. I checked out consumer reports online and found that other owners thought this was an excellent vehicle also. It was rated very high. I would recommend this car to anyone with or without children. I bought this vehicle for a second car and have only been driving it around town so fuel economy for me hasnt been that great, but driving around town wont get you that great mileage anyway. I really got a great deal on it also which is always a plus! I will be back to rate it again after I get some more mileage on it.

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  pehahiadshdf - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jythhhjghg - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Its a pretty good car. I love it and so does my whole family. It looks good in the rain.

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  Mazda missed some small stuff - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By CoronaRob - January 8 - 5:23 pm

  A fun and sporty car to drive. Replaced a 90 Protege. The 16" tires are nice but the originals (Dunlaps) only lasted 30K. Bought replacements online (Kuhomo) that are 2x better at half the cost. Could use a 6th gear or taller 5th with 3500 rpm @ 70mph the hwy mileage is low 30s. Cup holders only in front and are terrible. No variable setting on the wipers. A lot of road noise (just like the 90). Would have liked a trunk release on the remote. There should have been a power lock switch on the passenger side. Even with the shortcomings I would buy this car again in a minute. My kids are fighting over who gets it when we get rid of it.

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  2009S Grand Touring - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Shadetree - January 8 - 10:00 am

  Test drove a four cylinder with four adults on board. Went straight to the V6. Love the power and this car has power. Took a trip with four adults and luggage, drove generally 10 over the speed limit. Was surprised to get 27.7 mpg. Another trip with just myself and setting the cruise on the speed limit, I got just over 30 mpg. Mileage is not as bad as advertised. Have 21000 on the car now and have had zero problems, same as the 04 Mazda 6 we had. Love driving this car when I can get it away from my wife. Powerful, smooth running and shifting, handles, and 100% reliable, the ride is a bit firm along with the leather seats, can be taxing on a long trip. Couldnt be happier that I own this car.

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  1stSUVOwner - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Tribute2009 - January 8 - 9:46 am

  When I was considering purchasing a new SUV, I considered the Escape, CRV, Santa Fe and the RAV4. After test driving these vehicles, I was not overly impressed. Although, I did enjoy the looks of the Escape. I looked into the XLS model, which was a base model with auto. The price was around 21k. Then, a friend suggested to consider a Mazda. We went to the Mazda dealership and test drove the Tribute. The interior as well as the exterior was almost identical to the Escape, but for much less. I was impressed the the I-Sport Auto Model, which is the base model w/auto, that I purchased it for 16,888 + tax.