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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  Nice and Inexpensive - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Ray in Homewood - April 22 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I have enjoyed our Tribute ES immensely. The design is attractive and not overly complicated or austere. The acceleration is quick and handling is nimble, providing a extra measure of safety with all the less than capable drivers we encounter in the Chicago area. The overdrive gear is a lifesaver on the fuel mileage.

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  fun and power!! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By DONALD - April 22 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute is the fourth SUV Ive owned. I had the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Subaru Outback an a jeep cherokee. The Tribute out does them all. As fun to drive as the Outback with more towing capacity and power. The v-6 makes this a hands down better suv that the subaru and was 3,oo less. The tribute also has more reliability than the jeep or subaru, the grand cherokee was in the shop 6 times in one year. Never had problems with Mazda and a better warranty! Hands down the best SUV Ive owned.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Vlad3v - April 22 - 10:00 am

  I tried this vehicle on highways (in CA), in the city traffic, on the rural road and in the heavy snow in mountains (Lake Tahoe). Its always been fun to drive. I never had luck of power and didnt miss bigger engines of Jeeps, etc. Vehicles behavior on heavy snow (powder ~1/2 of a wheel) has by far exceeded my expectations of "parquette SUV".

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  Test Drive - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Aven Ravenshadow - April 22 - 10:00 am

  The Tribute is a wonderfull commuter car. Comfortable, quiet, and cool. The paint schemes available for the vehicle are plentiful. The model selectability seems to be just as plentiful. The V6 model (tested) is really powerful. The drawback of the vehicle is the car based chasis. The vehicle is based on the Mazda 626 frame. Which means it is a front wheel drive car with an all wheel drive option. For someone who does not like front wheel drive automobiles (from a maintenance stand point) this "car" is not for you.

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  Zoom Zoom = Fun Fun - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By qlas - April 22 - 5:10 am

  Ive only had this car about 1 month. Actually my wife has had it so long. She picked it out because this car has so many sensible features inside a sporty exterior. Its fun to drive. It has the capacity of our Forester, but it looks good. The stereo and sun roof are sweet too.

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  Love my new 07 Mazda3 S - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By E_Rod23 - April 21 - 5:46 am

  I just bought my 07 Mazda3 S in May and love it! I drove 2 different Toyota Celicas my whole life and loved them but wanted a car that was still sporty and with 4 doors. I think the Mazda3 is hands down the best car out there right now for what I was looking for. I was going to look at a Toyota Corolla but the look just does not compare to the Mazda3.

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  LOVE IT - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By holliq - April 20 - 10:40 pm

  I have had my 3 for a year and I absolutely love it. I get anywhere between 30 and 35mpg never any less even when my oil change is coming up. It is a fantastic car.

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  "Almost" Perfect - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By dhectorg - April 20 - 3:50 pm

  I purchased this car 5 weeks ago and I am very happy overall. Its fun to drive, has plenty of extras for the price, handles/rides like a dream, and looks sexy. For almost a year, I had been searching for something in the small car class that wasnt just gonna blend into the crowd. While at the same time, offering near best in class quality, performance, and handling. I believe Ive found that car in the Mazda3s Grand Touring 5-door. Mazda deserves accolades for pushing the bar higher in a segment that usually inspires boredom. Keep up the good work Mazda.

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  2000 mile review - 2012 Mazda Mazda3
  By zoomzoom2012 - April 20 - 1:21 pm

  Looked at the following Hatchbacks. All Subaru models Nissan Rouge GTI Focus Mazda 3 After looking at everything I was willing to buy, I purchased a 2012 I-touring with Skyactiv Engine and Auto Trans. This power plant it awesome. It is the smoothest I have ever driven. Power really comes on at 2800 to 3000 rpm giving me ability to choose gas mileage or Zoom zoom. The interior is Spartan but still an upgrade from my 2002 Wrangler. I really like the BT hands free phone function. According to the computer I am getting 32.1 MPG since buying the car, (50/50 hwy and city). I checked at the pump and my numbers came back 31.8, that to me is pretty good.

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  Mazda5 touring - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By stan - April 20 - 6:03 am

  Excellent value, fun to drive - very fast, loads of interior flexibility, good gas mileage.