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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  Dont know what to do. - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Runt29 - August 11 - 4:53 am

  I got this car new with 0 miles on it and when I bought it after a test drive it had 53. Great car at 1st but then tons of issues. Now at 120,000 miles I am having the car miss when driving and it idles rough at times. One day it has issues then the next day it runs fine. I already had it in the shop 5 times and at two different places and they keep putting parts in and the next week same issue. I suggest to watch before you buy. Car is fast and a sweet ride but not worth the buck since it will cost you tons of money and the tires are hard to find and $$. Plus the trade in value is very low.

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  Best car for the money - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Tony Taggart - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my mazda 6. It drives like a sports car with the smoothness and quietness of a luxury car. Unfortunately my mazda is going to the car gods. A young man made a illegal left infront of me and totaled it out. My air bags deployed and left no marks on me. The car was a blast to own and apparently made very safe as well. THANKS MAZDA I will be in a new one soon.

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  Great Car But Beware of Problems - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jjkarns - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Dont know where to begin. I love the car as its a fun to drive compact wagon. However with all the problems involved with the car it is wearing out its welcome. Engine gets terrible fuel economy, shakes and vibrates like crazy, has no power, and the transmission is already in need of replacement (clutch chatter that of course the dealer cant recreate. Third gear grinds already and pops out of gear sometimes when you put it in there!?! Of course Dealer cant reproduce problem). Interior door fabric is already worn out and the paint chips like crazy on the front.

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  Excellent car for the price - 2001 Mazda 626
  By iBlue - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car for the price. I got 44k miles on it and had zero problem so far. Comparable with Camery and Accord, but much better price. Mazda offers better performance/price ratio. Buy again.

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  2004 Tribute is Good Buy - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By mdiguy - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Picked up 2004 ES 4WD Tribute after shopping for 2 months. Though they are supposed to be the same, the Tribute rode and steered better than the Escape. Rounded Tail gate vs Squared off tailgate of Escape seems to provide the appearance of bigger cargo area.

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  my new tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Amy H - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I recently owned a 2 door honda civic and had to sell it due to the fact I am expecting my first child. We wanted to get a 4 door, but not a minivan. The Tribute was a good compromise. ***the truck I bought has paint bubbles in the clear coat on the liftgate, that I didnt notice until after I had bought it. My dealer ship is supposed to touch it up, but I wish I had noticed before taking delivery.

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  ZOOM ZOOM the Mazda6! - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Toadster - August 11 - 2:00 am

  What a surprise this car has been! I searched long and hard for a replacement for my SVT Contour, and voila! the Mazda6 is my late SVTs big brother! More power and just as good handling... the price is phenomenal for this quality of a car. Many of my friends guess that the Mazda6 costs about 10-15K MORE than what I paid for it :)

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  Great car, but unreliable at times - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By OwnerInTorrance - August 10 - 11:33 am

  Ive owned my Mazda6s hatchback for 3.5 years now. Its been a good, not great car. I love the looks and sportiness versus the Accord and Camry - a fun car for a young dad. However, Ive had several maintenance issues that have kept the car in the shop more than I would have liked - starter, water pump, radiator all had to be replaced, axle seal leaking, among other things. It was all covered by warranty, but still a pain. On top of all this, my gas mileage is less than I hoped, around 15 mpg when I was hoping for closer to 20 mpg.

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  Tough choice, but went with the Mazda - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jerchri - August 9 - 5:23 pm

  Mazda vs. Honda. Mazda won. Great European inspired design, comfortable interior, peppy engine, appears to be solidly built, and pretty smooth ride for this type of car. Nice little surprises like a radio that finds the stations with the strongest signals and programs them into a separate location. Great for when youre in unfamiliar territory. Wish it had better gas mileage (only 35 highway compared to the Civics 40) and I wish ABS/SAB/SAC were standard (ended up getting the package...well worth it). Jurys still out on its reliability, I suppose. Hope it lasts for decades, otherwise Ill be upset that I didnt go with the Honda. Tough for Honda to beat the overall package.

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  WOW! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By jlynreid - August 8 - 5:30 am

  While it may be a bit premature having just bought the car a week ago... but WOW is all I can think to say. Beautiful on the inside & out. Comfortable, roomy, classy, smooth ride... everything within reach. I researched cars for 2 months prior before finally settling on the Mazda 6 & fell in love as soon as I got in. Drives as beautifully as the Volvo S40. 24.5 miles per gallon (city) & Miami traffic is constant stop & go. Im completely impressed with this car. I love it!