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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  So far so good... - 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
  By CJ - October 24 - 10:40 am

  We bought the car in Feb and took a trip from Sacramento to San Diego and back a month later. Car is comfortable for 3-4 people + large dog in back. I enjoy driving it. Mileage on SD trip averaged 30 MPG. In town 28-31 MPG. You will find yourself driving a little slower to drive farther in electric mode. We are glad we bought it.

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  Good overall minivan - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Steve - October 20 - 4:56 pm

  First family minivan has been a good one. This van purchased at 88K needed a front axle, and minor items up to 115K and still happy. Runs great and been reliable.

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  Zoom. Zoom. - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jacob - October 18 - 11:06 pm

  The car is awesome. Ive had it for about a month and have had no problems yet. I bought it used with about 8500 miles. It has good engine performance as well as pretty tight handling. The 6-disc cd changer is nice and the sound system is okay (its no bose, but not bad). Overall its a good, reliable car to get around town.

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  My BMWVOLVOCIVICMUSTANG 6 - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Maz6i - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Here are the cars that remind me of my Mazda 6i and the reasons why. The steering and handling are the closest to that of the 1992 thru 98, BMW 3 series of any car on the market! The suspension tuning makes the car ride just like an S40 Volvo, (small penalty for the razor sharp handling!). The interior looks a lot like a Honda Civic Si after puberty and the outside possesses a subtle earthy Mustang GT quality. Handsome, fast, comfortable, with handling prowess that exceeds anything in its class and then some! The best of many cars in one!

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  Pizza love - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By frichardc - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Loved the vehicle when I first got it and most of my 39 month lease. Lately it has developed electrical and mechanical problems. Warning lights come on when nothing is wrong. The windshield has developed a leak and worse of all the transmission shudders when shifting in and out of overdrive. I was going to by it but am now happy to return it to the dealer with only 26000 miles on it.

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  A low power beauty - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Lin - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Great car that is low on power. Beware of an annoying auto trans whine between 24 and 38 mph with light throttle. Mazda states this noise is normal for auto trans models. 195/50X16 Dunlops are good tires, but usualy takes a few days to locate.

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  Great Van For the Value - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By mommyof3 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I love this van! We have the ES model that has leather which is great for clean-ups w/the little ones. Drives very smoothly. Very fun to drive. 0% financing was also a great deal. Not as roomy as other vans, but works well enough for us.

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  GRRREAT!!! ;) - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By J@Y MONEY - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I TRADED IN MY 2003 PROTEGE 5 FOR THE NEW 2004 4 DOOR MAZDA 3S NICE RIDE;) THE BIGGER ENGINE IS WORTH THE DRIVE&PURCHASE ALONE, NO COMPARISON TO THE PROTEGE 5 OR PROTEGE. IVE DONE ALOT OF WORK BORING OUT THE ENGINE IN THAT CAR!! AND STILL DOESNT COMPARE TO THE 2.3 160 HP BESIDES ALL THE GOODIES YOU GET IN THE S MODEL FOR THE PRICE, IS GRRREAT!!! SPORT SUSPENSION, 17" ALLOY WHEELS, SUNROOF, XENON LIGHTS ETC ITS DEFINATELY WORTH THE PURCHASE!!!

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  Reliable Family Sedan - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By CGR - October 12 - 11:40 am

  If reading about this car being underpowered worries you, then dont buy it. There is not much low end power, and at high revs its not very smooth or efficient. Its not a sports car, find something else if thats what you want (thats why I am selling mine after 2 months). As a family car driven sensibly, the Protege is comfortable, solid, handles well and stops quickly. It has plenty of room for 4 adults, and generally its pleasant to drive.

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  Just what I needed - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By mamom1 - October 11 - 6:55 pm

  Just bought the 2011 Mazda2 to replace my slowly dying 1999 Nissan Maxima. It is awesome. The savings on gas is unbelievable. I drive mainly around town (work commute is under 4 miles on surface streets) and it handles beautifully. Contrary to the "pro" reviews, I dont find the engine noise loud and the acceleration is fine. This car has everything I had in my Maxima with the exception of cruise control (I wasnt interested in paying extra $ for fog lights, cruise control, and red seat piping on the Touring edition). Oh, and did I mention, my 16 year old thinks it is awesome!