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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  Its been worth the wait - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By itsmine - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Performs like a dream and very forgiving. 6 Speed Manual is a blast to drive. Sexy car! Trunk space is adequate and more than expected from a sports car. Back seats, seat people comfortably with full back support. Regardless of having leather or fabric seats, they are comfortable and hug your body. Safety / crash test results are impressive (4 and 5 star).

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  Great price, good entry-level SUV. - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By MAA - May 28 - 6:16 am

  Driving is great especially considering the choices if you want an entry level SUV from a foreign car maker. As expected pick-up is slow. Even thought its Japanese, it reminded me of my 1995 Ford Taurus, design seemed very similar to Ford. And as expected instruments in the car are not as sturdy and are more of Ford quality. But its too soon to say anything, its only been driven 350 kms!

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  Decent Enough - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Joey - May 25 - 12:33 am

  Bought new in 04. 60K miles so far. Replaced all 4 tires and brakes and changed the oil regularly. Luckily no big problems. Its a good looking car thats fun to drive. I have the sport package with the automatic tranny (wish I got the manual). I like the car but the rear tires get cupped if you dont rotate them often enough. You also have to be careful washing it that you dont break off the cheap antenna (oops). When shes clean she gets lots of looks. There is also a little hesitation with the automatic tranny when you punch the throttle and its very annoying. But still, a nice family car that doesnt look like one.

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  My second Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By BC - May 24 - 2:13 pm

  This was my second Tribute having turned in my 2001 Dx for the more luxury ES.Does most things well excpt,sucks gas,13to18mpg,and Continental tires suck big time.Biggest piece of garbage for tires,after 5000 miles they feel square and makes lots of road noise

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  Best car Ive ever owned or driven. - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By driverlife - May 19 - 3:37 am

  Very much improved over older RX-8s I have never owned a car that is this much fun to drive. The cars turn in ability and grip is extreme. Sometimes its hard to live with because the suspension is so stiff. But its been my daily driver and weekend warrior for more than 3 years now. I always get looks in this car. The interior is really upscale with piano black center pieces. and aluminum inserts. Its much faster than the other cars Ive owned: 98 Oldsmobile Aurora V8, 03 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V. I also currently own a 2006 civic si that is also sporty and more forgiving on the back. Its not as fast as the RX-8 and no where near the RX-8 in handling prowess.

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  Not made for long distance driving. - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Ty - May 18 - 1:43 am

  It is a nice looking car. Not as comfortable as I would like but hey, its a sport car not a family sedan. The bucket seats are not comfortable for long distance trips. Its kind of slow off the line but once it hits about 3500 rpm, this thing can go. Like many other people, I would like a bit more torque in this puppy. It is nice on the freeway, only if youre not living in LA. I am just wondering what is the top speed on an automatic? If you are looking for a fun car to drive and want to be different then everyone else, this may be the car for you.

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  Road Warrior - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By James Pulley - May 17 - 6:36 am

  I purchased the 2004 RX-8 I have now in 2006 as a used car. There have been some nitpicky items but overall I am happy with the decision. As a note, just this past weekend I turned 100K on the clock, so this car has seen more than its share of miles. As to the nitpicky items? I am a tall guy, with both longs legs and long torso, so I get hit on the headroom and on the legroom, particularly with the dead peddle, which I remove for longer road trips - theres an extra five inches of leg room that thing eats up! The laughable part, my SUV with 260K on the clock regularly gets 25-27mpg on the highway. The best I have ever achieved in the RX8? About 23. But heck, its a sports car!

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  Great Driving SUV - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By bfyerxa - May 12 - 5:48 am

  Ive been following the CX-9 in publications so I knew its "Zoom-Zoom" reputation. Meanwhile my wife always wanted an Acura MDX (too much $$$ for my blood). Then on vacation last March fate stepped in and we got a free CX-9 upgrade for our rental. Needless to say, 2 weeks with the CX-9 and my wife wanted one bad. Finally, the deals were good enough this fall to pull the trigger. Simply put, this thing drives great for an SUV. It drives no "bigger" than our 09 Accord and in fact has a slightly smaller turning radius. My wife came back from running errands and stated "it is actually calming to drive". We will see how it holds up in the long term (no problems yet).

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  MAZDA fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By ray&kay - May 9 - 10:00 am

  We recently bought a MAZDA protege5. After test driving the MATRIX and the Ford Focus this was our choice. Sportsy car, nice suspension and lots of standard options. Cargo space is a bit small for a wagon, but it keeps the car small for parking. Lowering the back seats gives you enough space. Nice mixture of wagon, small SUV and sportsy car.

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  i like it! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By funcommuter - May 9 - 10:00 am

  solid ride, not the greatest acceleration but awesome handling. This car is definitely fun to drive.