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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  almost perfect car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By prodagee5 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  this car really fits my lifestyle and personality. it may not be that fast or powerful but it has GREAT HANDLING for being a cheap & economical car. the standard features already comes with all the options you need. its the everything i needed. its the perfect 1st new car for me.

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  After 24000 miles... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By tmatt - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I went straight from a Miata to a Tribute without missing out on too much fun (although I do feel a pang of sadness when I see a montego blue Miata on the road). Im happy with most aspects of the Tribute except for the electrical problems Ive had. Sensor problems have caused the engine light to come on twice and the coolant light once. At one point my radio would not turn off even after the key was out of the ignition. That along with a problem with the windshield washer has brought my Tribute in for warrantee work 3 times. Regardless of my bad luck, Im happy with my purchase and have recommended the Tribute to people looking for SUVs.

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  Not for the over 50 drivers - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By elymae - September 20 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking for a lot of zoom, zoom, the 2002 Mazda Protege is the car for you. Excellent performance, sharp on turns, fast and sporty. Roomy interior with plenty of leg room, however, the seats are too hard and not very comfortable, and the suspension is too tight, making for a very uncomfortable ride. If you dont mind a rough ride, this sports car is a good choice in the mid priced compact sedans.

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  Good value - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By satisfied buyer - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I did my research and found the Mazda had better handeling, overall finish the the liberty, better gas mileage and more kick than the Honda and Toyota I am very pleased.

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  MZ Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By longrk - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a car.

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  Rust problem - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By Sid - September 19 - 6:50 pm

  Very disappointed. We bought the van in 2005. The van was left over from 2004 model year. We discovered the car has rust in the hatch back area and in the passenger under the door. The car still under warranty. The dealer just informed me that they will be fixing the rust, but I will never buy another Mazda. My Toyota Camry is 10 years old and it does not have any rust. Planning to sell it after dealer fixes it.

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  Very Impressed - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By JailhouseMD - September 19 - 12:33 pm

  I have owned a Civic SI. It rides smoother and more powerful. I test drove the GTI. I agree not as refined, but very close and again way more fun to drive. Gas mileage on the freeway without a lead foot should be around 30 miles/gallon. All this and for less than 23K. I also picked up an extended warranty 5yrs/100K which is included in the price above. Overall best value hands down. Try get this kind of deal with the civic, gti, wrx. You must have made the deal with a gun.

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  Fun to drive, not fun to maintain - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By ShiftLft - September 19 - 2:00 am

  The 2008 CX7 is a fun car to drive, but over the years has been less than fun to maintain. Less than 3 months after purchasing it brand new, the exhaust tips began rusting. That was the first bad sign. Since then in just over 2 years, Ive had a door replaced after rusting, trailer hitch has rusted, tires lasted a whole 18,000 miles, I need new brakes and rotors already, and the EGR valve has gone bad and needs replacement ($900 repair). After all of this, last week I decided to trade in the vehicle rather than deal with 3 more years of problems on the loan. Im picking up my 2011 GMC Terrain tomorrow.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2010 Mazda Mazda6
  By DanR - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I would recommend this car to anyone, without hesitation. Have been extremely happy with the features and how solid the build quality has felt so far. Where I am from, there really are very few of these cars around, so it stands out in the crowd of all the other sedans. Has great safety marks as well as being roomy enough for everything I need.

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  Very good, not quite great - 2011 Mazda CX-9
  By Darrin - September 19 - 2:00 am

  After comparing the Acadia/Traverse, Ford Flex, and a few others, I choose the Mazda based on my test drive, available options in my price range, and also based on reviews here. I just took delivery last month so I havent put on many miles yet, but there are a few things worth noting. One, the performance, handling, ride, etc is everything I read about. It handles like a much smaller SUV, body roll is almost zero, acceleration is more than adequate (how quick do you need to go from stop light to stop light really?), and it stops on a dime. Mileage is what it is, if I wanted 30 mpg I wouldve got a silly hybrid - no thanks. The car looks awesome from the outside though.