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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  2005 Mazda tribute s v6 - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By ericvlewis - May 1 - 11:37 pm

  Driving strong at 255K miles only 2000 in maintenance since I bought it in 2006 phenomenal vehicle

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  Pretty reliable after 4 yrs! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By nalarika - May 1 - 11:20 pm

  Had some problems in the beginning with the transmission and exhaust manifolds, warranty covered those so ever since then we have had no powertrain issues. The door seals seem to sag and that is annoying but other than that the car has a ton of features for the price and has made many adventurous trips with us!

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  Choose your niche - 2014 Mazda Mazda5
  By dougiesc - April 24 - 4:18 pm

  Definitely a niche car, best suited for a family of 4 plus groceries or luggage. It works for us, but if you really need the passenger or luggage space, go with a full-sized minivan. This isnt it. It is basically a 4-seat wagon with a couple of child-sized extra seats in the back--which you cant use if you carry much luggage. However, the usual three-passenger sedan bench seat is replaced with two full captains chairs and a table/platform for drinks, books, whatever. The car is solid and quiet. Good adult leg- and head-room (except for those pesky far-back seats). It is cheaper than any full-sized minivan, gets somewhat better fuel economy, and is more maneuverable.

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  Practical minivan alternative - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By yendor - April 22 - 1:06 pm

  Top choice in practicality, especially for an in-city family. MPG between 22.5 to 30.5 (with roof rack installed). Peppy around town, but requires higher revs (3000-4000) to climb steep hills with a load (although redline is far beyond that). We hear a boing sound from the suspension when we back up over a bump, but dealer says its OK. Opted for tinted-windows to compensate for lack of AC vents in back. Opted for roof rack to compensate for lack of cargo space with 6 passengers. Opted for aftermarket heated leather seats.

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  Hot hatch levels of performance in sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Will Levine - April 20 - 6:23 am

  This car is amazing. Sure, some of the cars interior feels cheap, and the comfort levels could be better, but remember this car was cheaper than all its rivals, yet drove even better. Performance is fantastic from the 220 bhp 3.0 V6 engine, sometimes you dont realize exactly how fast youre going. A complaint would be that the manual mode is jerky and dim-witted, and doesnt auto blip on the down shifts. Both down shifts and up shifts arent instantaneous. Fuel economy is atrocious. Granted, I drive in a "spirited" manner, but i only average 17.4 mpg. I recommend the 4 cylinder model, that car weighs less, gets better mpg, and probably handles better. In short, its great, buy it.

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  Fun To Drive - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By New Jersey RX-8 - April 19 - 10:00 pm

  Very fun to drive except for the horrible gas mileage. Everyone says its a sports car but for a car that cant turn a sub 14 second quarter mile, 14 mpg is pretty sorry. I will concede it does carve corners as well as probably anything else out there for the price.

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  Add more power, please. - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mark - April 19 - 6:50 pm

  I have 10th Anniversary. It has been a reliable vehicle and I am still amazed that people comment on how good the car looks. I am happy with everything, but the power. It lacks power. It does. There is a circulating slogan that it is fun-to-drive. But it would have been infinitely much more fun if it had more power. I have no clue why Mazda is so reluctant to add reasonably powered engine to this wonderful roadster.

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  Mazda Tribute LX V6 - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By jkannard - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I really like the pep my Mazda has. It has been a really reliable vehicle and is roomy enough for our family of four.

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  Looks are not everything - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By speeede - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Unbelievable looks. Its so fresh, I couldnt get looks like this in an nsx. You have no idea until you drive one how much people stare. Gas, however, is abysmal. I have 1000 miles and I average about 12 mpg, all city. Not granny driving, but not indy either. I am 62", way too tall for the sunroof. Cloth on rear inside fender walls is an AWFUL choice, will fall apart by end of year. I recommend automatic since 1st gear is very low power in the manual. Bose radio sounds dull and stock.

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  versatile mini - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By tadpole - April 14 - 9:16 pm

  I drove this car for about a month. The mileage for the first trip was weird. On the 400 miles highway trip, I got 37 mpg. This is far exceeded the manufacturer claim. On the last leg of the trip about 90 miles a got 22 mpg. This is really weird since its all on highway with the same road and traffic condition. I cannot explain the wide discrepancy. The second trip on the same road, the mileage was about 33 mpg. The interior material is a bit on the cheap side. The plastic scratches easily and the cloth material is not up to standard with Honda or Toyota. I got this for $17.2k, I am not sure this is a good deal.