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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  Just Love my New MPV!! - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By George F - October 18 - 2:00 am

  An excellent value, the added Sports Package lends to a less "Soccer- Mommish" appearance. Great handling, the smoothest ride, seven passengers very comfortably. Removable second row bucket seats and fold down third row seat are fantastic, makes for an easy transition. Plenty of cargo room, not notably less roomier than competitors which I have rented in the past. Sleek interior with great sound system and 6 CD player. Overall a real delight so far, and the dealership bent over backwards for me. Great price and a great value, someone actually asked me the other day, "Would you mind moving your silver Mercedes??", and I answered, that "M" stands for Mazda!!

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  AMAZING CAR - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By yayak - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful new sedan. Great gas mileage. Very comfortable and roomy in the front. Fun to drive and well equipped. A great car to sport around.

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  2005 Tribute AWD - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Hcormier - October 17 - 5:53 pm

  So far so good, vehicle has proven to be a good towing workhorse for our boat. Only issue has been the installation of a wiring harness for towing (did not purchase with towing pack). Had to wait until March 2005 for harness to be developed by Mazda as any aftermarket harness would void warranty due to compatibility with design issues. Otherwise it has proven to be a very good vehicle in the snow and loose gravel.

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  Im Grinnin - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Bigmac - October 17 - 6:16 am

  Had the car a little over two months and nearly 3,000 miles. The car had all the prerequisites I wanted. Fun to drive, safe, reliable (hopefully) and practical. I live in West Virginia with an abundance of mountain roads. The car is blast to drive. There is a learning curve to handle the torque steer and notchy gearbox, plus the clutch is tricky to modulate. The highway ride is not too noisy or rough for my tastes. Love the car.

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  5 on the Floor - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By MarkP - October 17 - 2:43 am

  Significant upgrades from last year make this car at this trim level a real sleeper in the midsize class. High revving V-6 with 5 speed MTX makes the car come alive. The 18" Pirellis combined w/ Mazdas sophisticated suspension result in a very tight handling package that gives surprising comfort, even on PAs third world roads. Tough choice between this car & Acuras TSX, but it costs $$$$ less, feels faster & runs on regular gas.

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  Love it! - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By newtomazda - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my first minivan and first Mazda. So far, I am very impressed on both accounts. It is so easy to drive and priced in my market. I was interested in moving up to a family car but this minivan had so much more to offer. Way better than the Honda that everyone rates so highly. I think Mazda needs to promote this van more!

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  ok - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By videoprd - October 16 - 10:00 am

  pulls to the left

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  6th Mazda - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Scott Chesebro - October 16 - 6:56 am

  Excellent finish and fit. Built by the UAW which proves that great cars can be built by union labor. My 6th Mazda and the best yet. Very quick and very responsive. Solid feel without feeling heavy. Flat cornering. Silky smooth manual with short throw clutch. Attention to details. Very techno without being gadgety. Easy to learn. Keeps the fun in driving. Zoom. Zoom.

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  Excellent - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By lastwgn - October 15 - 5:13 pm

  Traded a Sable wagon for the Tribute and couldnt be more pleased. With three kids age 8 to 15, we were concerned about the middle seat. Not a problem at all. Excellent rear seat room, good cargo space, and the mileage has been adequate at 18.5 mpg for in town driving. When you first look at the Tribute, it seems very small on the outside, but it is somehow packaged just right to provide maximum inside space, and the trim exterior helps make this car an absolute blast to drive. It really does have the soul of a sports car.

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  6-passenger Sports Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By wkennedy - October 15 - 8:10 am

  This is a combination thats been missing: a crisp-handling stickshift minivan from Japan. (Ok, its available in automatic, too.) I want a reliable car thats fun to drive, but I dont want to have to rent a truck to bring home a TV or take newspapers to the recycling center. Mazda has taken the compact chassis of the Mazda 3 and mounted a little minivan on it -- the size of a station wagon, but the three-row seating and sliding doors that define a minivan. The performance is not that of a 250hp six, but neither is the gas mileage. Thanks, Mazda, for bringing the 5speed model to the US, not just to Europe. The Mazda 5 is sibling to the spunky Mazda 3, not the sedate Mazda MPV.