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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  I love this car so much !! - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By Scuba Girl - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I am SO in love with this car. It is beautifully styled and looks like a much more expensive car. My mom commented on how solid it sounded when she shut the door. Ive gone on a few 2-hour-plus road trips and was very comfortable. The car has great visibility and a tight, smooth ride. The stereo sounds great, and you can adjust the bass, treble and midrange. The brushed silver trim inside adds a nice, upscale look. Everyone who has seen it has been very impressed. I feel like I made a great choice.

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  The potential is there... - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Hopeful in FL - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with the design and drive of this vehicle from the first time I saw it and had to have one. You get a lot of features for the relatively low price tag. However, 6 months after we bought, my Tribute, too, stalled on me--in the center lane of the interstate at 60 mph during rush hour. Luckily it started right back up after I got to the shoulder and turned it off. The dealer was great; found the problem right away and fixed it. Mazda is aware of the faulty computer chip (which my dealer reset) and I, too, cant believe they havent issued a recall. The potential to love this vehicle is definitely there, but I am still skeptical...

• 

  good truck - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By kickwheel - October 22 - 12:06 am

  Looked at Toyota, Ford and others. Decided on the Mazda because of the 0% for 5 yrs. I really enjoy this truck. Have driven it in all types of weather and it has performed well.

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  Just got one - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By rjacrossla - October 21 - 12:53 pm

  I fell in love at first sight. Committed after one test drive. I was waiting for VW to roll out 4-door GTI (heard rumors/got kids/they sell em in Europe). Couldnt wait. My 100 mile a day commute across L.A. killed my old car. This is the first full week of commuting in the car and I love it. The ride is solid, the car corners nice and flat, and the gas mileage is pretty good. The car is so fun to drive, Im leaving for work at 5 am so I can take her up to speeds faster that 10mph. My wife even likes the car (hated the GTI). I would recommend to any one looking for value and fun.

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  Mazda 3 Wagon: happiest Car on Earth - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By JAGGER1024 - October 21 - 12:16 am

  Had a Mazda 6 Wagon. Loved it. Went to replace it, but 6 wagons were discontinued. Tried out a 3. Loved it. Comfortable, zippy, no problems whatsoever. As much as I liked my 6 wagon, it did have a faulty gas tank. No issues with the 3, however.

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  A Motorcycle with doors. - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By John - October 20 - 11:43 pm

  Excellent handling as it corners better than anything I have driven. Good acceleration, great mileage/design, and fun to drive! Insuring this sports car is an unexpected bargain! What more could you ask for?

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  The Uncorolla - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By jazzfocus - October 20 - 6:40 pm

  Most reviewers for this car seem very content. After owning this M3 for nearly a year I am in that camp. If I ever run into one of those "discontents" I would gladly take the car off their hands at a deep discount for my son or daughter. Handling is superb...power from the 2 liter is fine for my needs...mileage has been decent, not great. Car has done very well in snow and slippery conditions due to esc, traction control, abs. Very well designed body for high wind stability. Ride is rather busy around town due to tight suspension but thats the way sporty cars feel.My wifes 2009 Mazda 6 is much smoother so we use it on big trips. Love that car too. Rear bumper scratches easily in parkin

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  Brake Booster - Your car wont stop - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By Cookie - October 20 - 7:26 am

  Mazda is having an issue with brake boosters in the CX-9. Mine failed today at 52K miles. I couldnt stop the car pulling out of the garage and rolled it into my side yard. I took it into the Mazda dealership, and they know theres an issue. Theres a service bulletin, and they replace the brake booster for free. I cant believe they havent recalled the car - this could cause a serious accident. There is an issue with the diaphragm in the brake booster failing in hot climates. I live in Ohio. It can get hot here, but give me a "brake" - literally. The dealership cannot tell me if the new brake booster has the same issue. Im assuming it does since Ive read about these failures happening in the CX-9 since this design was released. The car is at the dealership every 5K miles for maintenance - they didnt catch it there either. Youd think they would check since its a recurring issue. Im beyond disappointed Mazda allows the car to be on the road with this type of failure possible. I wouldnt buy this car again.

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  luxury finnaly at a reasonably price - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By machr85 - October 20 - 1:43 am

  Very impressed with this car, my friend had the mazdaspeed3 and I drove it one time and thats what got me into it, I couldnt afford the speed3 but got a 06 hatchback gt, I must say the interior has nothin to envy thus of a Lexus. Performance is great ride is great, only thing Im waiting is for repairs hoping since is a Japanese car it might be expensive.

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  Gear Shift - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By FosterBears3 - October 19 - 10:00 am

  We bought this van a month ago and we love it - the only thing that I see as a problem is that the gear shift is too big and the windshield wipers shift is on the same side. The gear shift should be smaller and the windshield wiper shift should be on the side where the lights are. Other than that it is a great van and would highly recommend it.