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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  Mazda Tribute 2002 - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By rbarea - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Tribute for $250 over real invoice with side airbags, premium sound system and tow pkg. To make it look a little nicer I purchased the wood pkg. for the interior and it looks great. No problems after 5000 miles. Getting about 20 MPG with majority of the driving being stop and go. Only complaint is I wish the engine was more quiet, but hey...

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  FUN! FUN! FUN! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By fotojournalist - January 27 - 12:30 am

  What an incredible vehicle! So sporty, so fun! Solar Yellow is THE only color to have. The metal flake in the paint is what makes the color pop. Comfortable and a great price. ZOOM! ZOOM!

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  Mazda CX9 - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By rags - January 26 - 3:53 pm

  Considered Highlander, Q7, GX470, X5, Enclave, etc. and the CX9 was the only SUV that had all (most) of the options we wanted at a reasonable price. Styling and fun-to-drive factor made the others pale in comparison. Curious - the Mazda engineers/marketing people forgot (?) to include trip computer, 8 way pass seat, memory mirrors and auto-locking doors. Overall, very happy so far.

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  too many problems within a three years - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By No more mazdas - January 25 - 11:46 pm

  We have had too many alignment problems with this car. Very loud noise coming from rear-checked but never taken care of. Tires go flat, alignment never done correctly and caused tires to go out over any bump and every bump in the street can be felt and heard.We have approximately 100,000 miles on the car. Each time we have had a flat tire we were told it was because of the alignment. One day our right passenger door wouldnt open at all. Once we opened it, it would not close so we had to tie it down so that we could drive home and we were 4 hours away from home and the temperature was 20-25 degrees. This car has not been what I thought it would be. Very dissatisfied with it.

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  Great Car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Bryan Lipson - January 25 - 1:56 am

  Had my protege almost 1 year now and have enjoyed all the driving. Racked up 16000 miles on road trips and driving to work and has been clear sailing thus far. Milage is still improving on all types of driving averaging about 28mpg and I dont get too uncomfortable even after 6 hours of straight driving. Babied this car the whole way and it is built to last. Cant beat the deal they offered late in the model year. Moonroof, 6-disc, abs all great options on a bargain car. Solid driving on sunny days and very controllable on snowy streets.

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  I love my 3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By jason - January 24 - 8:10 pm

  This car is a blast. It has about every feature you could want standard.It also has the best horsepower to gas mileage ratio. I think Im gonna buy another one.

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  Not a bad car for the price - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By Steve - January 24 - 3:30 pm

  I have owned this car for 2 1/2 years, and I am generally pleased. It rides well, has a luxurious feel, and good handling. It is also very safe. The car was slammed into by another vehicle, and I was fully protected. Premium gas is a bit steep, but mileage is good. Very nice family car for the money. I purchased this rather than a Honda Accord, and I am glad I did.

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  Mazda3 2.3L Engine Failure - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By bmpskier - January 23 - 6:56 am

  Heads up to all owners with Mazda 2.3L engines. I bought a 2005 Mazda3 with 110K km on the engine. It was in excellent condition inside and out having been maintained regularly per the Mazda recommendations. Less than 2500 km after I bought it it suddenly dropped 3L of oil in about 1500km. I had to spend 7K on a new engine having. There was no evidence of a leak or that it was burning oil. It just disappeared. I spoke to the service dept at the dealership and they told me that the 2004-2007 2.3L is prone to this problem and short of replacing the engine there is no fix other than to put in a heavier oil to slow consumption.

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  Still fun to drive - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Road-runner - January 23 - 5:00 am

  After 2 years, I still feel excited with the possibility of driving it on open roads. Try it on 8 hour-long journeys like we do and you will love it. The face of some "muscle" car drivers when we just wave them "good- bye" is a poem! Bose sound is for pros.

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  My 08 Tribute - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Chris - January 22 - 6:16 pm

  I was in an accident yesterday and was broadsided by someone that ran a red light. My daughter and I both walked away without any injuries. I believe the side airbags saved us from having serious injuries. I love my Mazda Tribute.