Top Used Mazda Models

Mazda Motor Corporation is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Hiroshima, Japan. Mazda began as the Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd, founded in Japan in 1920.  Mazda's financial turmoil and decline during the 1960s resulted in a new corporate investor, Ford Motor Company. Starting in 1979 with a 7-percent financial stake, Ford began a partnership with Mazda resulting in various joint projects. During the 1980s, Ford gained another 20 percent financial stake.  At the same time Mazda successfully helped Ford develop vehicles, including the ever popular Ford Explorer.  Beginning in the 1960s, Mazda put a major engineering effort into development of the Wankel rotary engine as a way of differentiating themselves from other Japanese auto companies.  The rotary models quickly became popular for their combination of good power and light weight when compared to piston-engined competitors that required a heavy V6 or V8 engine to produce the same power. The rotary continues on today  with Mazda's RX-8.

Used Mazda Mazda3

  The Mazda3, first launched in 2003 to replace the outgoing Protégé, has the feeling of a world car; it offers engineering from around the world. Volvo developed the body. Ford contributed the suspension design and sophisticated electronics. And Mazda engineered the four-cylinder engines and then tuned the complete car at its test track in Japan. Used Mazda3s are space-efficient and exciting to drive like a European car. At the same time it offers practicality and economy for everyday driving. Both a sedan and hatchback are available on this used car. The sedan has the traditional appearance of a four-door, five-passenger car. The five-door hatchback offers the practicality of the five-door configuration with an emphasis on a premium driving experience. This is a premium automobile, exciting to drive, styled adventurously, and fully equipped with luxury features.  A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers the Mazda3 i sedan, while the Mazda3 s sedan and hatchback get a more powerful 2.3-liter four-cylinder. The 2.3-liter s Grand Touring model includes heated leather seats, automatic headlights, automatic rain-sensing wipers and a trip computer. A moonroof, a custom-tuned Bose audio system and Sirius Satellite Radio are optional. Up to five people can fit inside the Mazda3.

Used Mazda Mazda6

  The Mazda Mazda6 is a front-wheel sports sedan and is designed to offer more than just the traditional sedan driving experience.  Used Mazda6s are well-built and quite refined.  Front and rear headroom is adequate, and legroom is very good all around. For powertrains, these used sedans get a 2.3-liter four-cylinder, which develops 156 hp while the 3.0-liter V-6 turns out 212 hp. Both engines can team with a five-speed manual transmission. A five-speed automatic is available in models equipped with the four-cylinder, while a six-speed automatic with a manual-shift provision is available in V-6-equipped models.  The 2007 Mazda6 sedan is 186.8 inches long overall and built on a 105.3-inch wheelbase. Base sedans get standard 16-inch tires, but all other editions ride on 17-inchers.  The Mazda6 dates back to 2003, when it was rolled out to replace the Mazda 626.  The Mazda6 is available in sedan, hatchback and wagon body styles.

Used Mazda Tribute

  The Mazda Tribute, a cousin of the Ford Escape, is compact SUV with sporty driving and easy maneuvering. Used Tribute SUVs offer on road performace, and easy, responsive, around-town driving. Front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are available, but the 2006 Tribute is not considered a true offroad machine. Each Tribute carries five people on twin bucket seats up front and a three-place, 60/40-split, folding rear seat. There's a close kinship between the Ford Escape and the Mazda Tribute. Both SUVs were introduced for the 2001 model year and upgraded for 2005. However, there are subtle styling differences, unique interior features in each and different suspension tuning. Used Tribute i models get a 153-hp, 2.3-liter four-cylinder. A 200-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 that produces 193 pounds-feet of torque goes into s models. The four-cylinder teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission or a five-speed manual, while the V-6 is available only with the automatic. Tributes can be equipped with front-wheel drive or a four-wheel-drive system that engages automatically but has no low-range gearing.

Used Mazda RX-8

  Fans of the rotary engine were pleased when Mazda brought it back with their RX-8 sports car in 2004.  The four-door, rear-wheel-drive RX-8 can carry up to four occupants. Rear-hinged half doors permit easier entry into the backseat, and there's no center pillar to block the way. The used RX-8 drives like a sports car, with perfect 50-50 weight distribution for balanced handling and a high-revving engine. Used Mazda RX-8s comes in two variants: the MT with a 238 horsepower rotary engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission and the AT with a 212 horsepower rotary engine mated to a six-speed automatic. The six-speed automatic comes with steering-wheel mounted paddle controls for semi-manual shifting. Acceleration of the 2007 RX-8 is exuberant with the easy-shifting six-speed manual, but it doesn't top the pack. Though it is clearly taut to produce confident control, the suspension takes the edge off all but the worst bumps. All models feature standard 18-inch wheels, except for automatic-transmission editions, which come with standard 16-inch wheels.

Used Mazda Miata

  The Mazda Miata is a fun to drive, speedy convertible that is extremely affordable.  Mazda first introduced the Miata as an early 1990 model.  Although this used car is commonly called 'Miata' its official name is Mazda MX-5.  The roadster was finally redesigned for 2006.  Used Miatas can hold two occupants; the interior is highlighted with chrome and silver accents, and the driver faces a three-spoke tilt steering wheel. For those budget-conscious consumers looking for a sporty, fun to drive convertible, the MX-5 Miata must be seriously considered. The MX-5 is larger than its predecessor but similar to the original Miata in overall design and shape. It is intended to be natural and lively in its reactions. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags are standard.