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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  Looking for many miles of motoring fun - 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ms1070 - February 8 - 1:36 pm

  This is my third Miata and it is by far the best. I had an Audi A4 cabrio for 7 years prior to this car so Im still making the adjustment back to a smaller car. I am looking forward to less maintenance cost with the Miata. My requirement when looking this time was a retractable hardtop. I looked at the EOS but my experience with expensive German maintenance and less than reliable reviews on the EOS brought me back to the Miata. The handling and weight distribution are beyond compare in a car of this price. The fit and finish is comparable to the Audi. The interior layout is much better than my previous Miatas.

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  Great vehicle for the money! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By luvchampagne - February 8 - 12:20 am

  This car has so much to offer for so little money compared to the others in its class. There is so much room for the size. It is a great car to drive. Easy to see from all angles. Handles very well in heavy rain and on the highway.

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  Horror! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By zpg - February 7 - 12:26 pm

  Premature and/or repeated problems: coils, pcv valve, fan control module, transmission, radiator, motor mounts, window motor, rust

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  Fun little car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mrcook128 - February 6 - 4:43 pm

  I must confess that I got my 6 with the 5 speed auto. It is still a fun car. The V6 is very smooth but will start barking at about 4,000rpm. The car is fairly linear through the turns with great steering feel the whole way. The transmission has a tendency to hunt for gears. In two years I have done nothing more than routine maintenance every 6 months - a dream compared to my last car. I still have not gotten over how pretty this car is inside and out. With the hatchback design it swallows everything we need to carry. Gas mileage! It is rated at 19/26, but in mixed driving I never seem to do better than 18 or 19. Interior is comfortable but wind noise is abundant. Opt for the Bose!

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  Hello shop - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By mom3anddog - February 6 - 6:36 am

  Bought my MVP new, tired of going to the shop with my old car. 3 kids wanted a new vehicle so I would only go in for regular maintenance. Sliding doors would not stay shut first few months, started shifting hard (been in 3 or 4 times in the last three years), Brake pads 1st year, brake pads-rotate rotors 2nd year, end of stabilizing bar replaced, doesnt want to come out of park sometimes (actually told I needed to put my foot on the brake to take out of gear - automatic - been driving for 20 years). Been in the shop now 3 times in 5 days to fix the lack of power, missing, was vacuum hose.

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  Pricy to maintain - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By BJP - February 6 - 12:56 am

  This car is one of the poorest performing car for durability I have ever owned. 36K warped rotors so new brakes also. Tires 40k ($7-900). Struts and shocks are now wore out started at 43K miles ($1000). Intermittent engine shutter and transmission shutter no rhyme or reason.Cant be fixed.

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  Great car - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Chuck - February 5 - 5:20 am

  Needed a car for back & forth to work but wanted something a little different & fun to drive. Well my Mazda 3 was it. I love the front grill, 17" tires, sport tranny, & steering wheel controls for radio & cruise. The 2.3 engine really moves & the handling is great. Interior quality is much better then my 03 Jetta. Trunk space was a little small even with the hatchback, but my golf clubs fit so Im happy!

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  Happy Tribute Owner - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Buck101 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  The Tribute has been an excellent vehicle. Its brakes and engine are excellent. It is predictable and sure footed in the snow. Quality has been very good, except the windshield wasnt properly sealed from the factory and the rear windshield wiper needs a stronger spring to keep it to the back window. Weve had no other problems with it. The only disappointment is its fuel economy. I was hoping for more than 23- 24 mpg on the highway. I do have a heavy foot though.

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  We should not have waited so long. . . . - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By mclane - February 5 - 2:00 am

  After searching for about six months and researching all of the minivans, we finally decided on the Mazda MPV. Although its a bit smaller than the rest, it is still very comfortable. It has all the features we wanted at an affordable price, with a reliability record of above average. So far we love our van and so do our children!

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  EXPECTED BETTER - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By JEMII - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES BEFORE THE PROBLEM COULD BE FIXED. WE HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM GETTING THE VEHICLE STARTED SINCE THEN. WE WILL NOW HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK A SECOND TIME FOR A DOOR LOCK PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WILL HAVE TO ORDER THE PART TO DO REPAIR. THE GAS MILEAGE HAS BEEN LOWER THAN POSTED ON THE WINDOW STICKER.