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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  TRIBUTE - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By KAREN MILLER - March 9 - 3:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND TRIBUTE AND MY HUSBAND JUST TRADED IN HIS DODGE DAKOTA AND BOUGHT HIS FIRST TRIBUTE. ALL THREE FROM JOHN HINE PONTIAC IN SAN DIEGO. WE ARE 100% SATISFIED IN PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN.

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  powertrain dies at 59K/6yrs - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By aknight - March 9 - 1:45 am

  Auto-transmission broke down at 59K, 6 yrs: back and forth between gear 1 and 2. Had to get a tow. Am the first owner. Was having hard-shift right after the purchase. Mazdas attitude: hard-shift not reproducible, cannot fix. Seeing so many other MPV owners complaints on transmission problems, hard to believe Mazda not facing MPV transmission issue honestly. Transmission breaking down is estimated to cost $4K to fix/replace.

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  Awesome Machine - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By John brown - March 8 - 5:36 pm

  This Car is built in Japan and it Shows, excellent Fit and Finish, Workmanship is also excellent. The quality of the Materials used in the interior is among the best i have ever seen , the Stereo is awesome once you get used to its controls. And of course everyone knows Mazda makes the Best Manual Transmissions. The attention to details is typical Japanese, everyday you will find something new and exciting to love about this car such as the built in Paper clips behind the vanity mirrors to hold your notes or travelling directions or the Velvet lined upper compartment of the armrest to hold and protect your sunglasses, or the Waterbottle holders in the doors. Awesome Machine , i love it.

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  Loving my new car!!! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jenndr81 - March 8 - 9:56 am

  I just bought my 4 door Mazda 3s, and I am loving the drive. I find myself looking forward to driving to and from work because the drive is smooth and effortless. My Mazda 3s has such a luxurious inside and out that it has been compared to some models of Lexus and BMW. For someone that is on a tight budget, I couldnt ask for a better car.

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  WOW - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By CMP - March 8 - 6:23 am

  Bought my Tribute used with 140000 on odo. 1 owner and they took such good care of it, WOW what a fun drive!!! Moved up from a GeoTracker. Love the rear cargo room and the leather seats, and the stereo! Previous owner had no major repair or complaints in the years of ownership, was buying a new Tribute. 140,000 miles folks and not a oil leak on the v6! I hope to drive this light SUV to 350,000 or more. Only complaint I have is the small gas tank.

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  Great SUV but - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By HssRao - March 6 - 1:00 pm

  It is since 3 weeks, 1000 miles on it. Drive is smooth, but engine roars a lot even on small uphills, or starting from signal light. So too much of interior sound when the gear changes higher. Good pick up, but cannot compare with MDX, absolutely no sound inside. Good shock observers, lot of pot holes literally cannot be felt. Basic Audio system is not great. I have given 9 for performance, reliablity as it is too early to be determined. Expected better fuel economy from a 6 speed gear box.

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  Love this car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By mwe2121 - March 5 - 11:43 am

  I bought my Tribute in Feb 06 with only 6,000 miles on it. In 4 months I have put an additional 10,000 miles on it. The car rides and handles great. The leather seats are comfortable even after putting 1500 miles on in one day. Getting in and out of the vehicle is easy; even my Grandma agrees with me that its easier to get in and out of then my moms 02 Ford Explorer. Controls are easily accessible and easy to use even at night. Theres plenty of room inside the vehicle for 4 big adults and a child. With the seats down theres plenty of room for hauling stuff. The AWD works great in the snow and on the ice. Drove up the iced cover road to Paradise on Mt. Rainier - no problem in March and driven through heavy mud.

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  Best sport-compact wagon available - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By magicjnkie - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Simply all out FUN TO DRIVE!! I sampled each of the comparable vehicles:PT Cruiser, Focus & the Matrix/Vibe twins...taking each for an extended test drive...then I made my choice... The Mazda may be just a touch short on power...but the 130 HP it does provide comes on strong & willing & SMOOTH...The steering is absolutely the high point...just point & go...response from the wheel is accurate & firm. The suspension is tight & grippy..this car was made for cornering! What about the price? Mine came loaded with sunroof, chrome alloys & the compass/self dimming mirror.. all for $16,200...try getting all this in a Matrix!!

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  I Love Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jafar - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Performance & Design ,Reliability

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  Mazda3 Touring Value Manual 5 speed - 2009 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ronald in Virginia - March 4 - 10:40 pm

  Just bought it. Already put fifty miles on it. I got the manual because it gets better mpg than the auto. I narrowed it down to a Malibu and a Corolla Sport and for the money this is a much better car. I test drove a loaded Corolla Sport and figured the Mazda3 was going to be too small for me but I was wrong and it is a blast to drive! I got the six speaker six CD disc that would cost an extra grand with the Corolla and this car has ABS and traction control. I recommend this car to anyone.