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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  A great SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Ed and Margaret - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I had looked for a vehicle for two years and narrowed my search to 4 vehicles, ultimately selecting the Mazda Tribute. We test drove all the cars but I liked the pickup of this vehicle, due to the V6 engine, the way the car handled, the spare was underneath the car and not attached to the backdoor, and I liked the layout of the interior. The car is fun to drive and is very smooth on the highway. Although its an SUV and visually looks larger than some cars its small in dimension making it easy to park and fit into the garage with ease. We have been on two long trips with this car and it was a pleasure both times. The gas mileage was very good for a V6 at 23/26.

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  Cant wait to get mine - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By waytall - June 23 - 2:00 am

  After looking at the M3 for months on the website I was glad to finally get in one. The only real disapointment was the comfort of the seats.A bit stiff in cloth, but the leather seats are much more comfortable. Great handling and plenty of get up and go under the hood. Not really sure what options I will be getting, but it is sure to include the sunroof,cd changer and the 4speed automatic. I should have one in the driveway by the end of the week.

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  03 mazda 6i - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mister mc - June 23 - 2:00 am

  i bought my dark gray 4cylinder 6i in late october 2003 the rebates made it too sweet an offer to pass on...i love everything about the car with the exception of the fact that i bought the automatic instead of the 5speed to ensure better resale or trade in value...i only drive it in manual mode...which actually is a lot more fun than other vehicles i tested with this feature...believe it or not..im thinking about trading up to the v6 5speed fully loaded version...i tested the verona, accord, camry,galant...the 6 won

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  decent van - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By jim224 - June 21 - 3:50 pm

  Original owner.93k miles. Has been fairly dependable except for lately. Check engine light was on for 4 items, two cylinder misfires,cooling fan relay,and gas cap. Cost to fix at dealer $590 for new plugs and starter coil. Use lightly now as second car. Rides&handles nice, mileage just okay for a van should be better. This is an underpowered vehicle with the smallest V6 in existence, a leftover from Fords engine inventory. For its size should get better mileage, but engine is forced to work too hard. Other items replaced were the rear hatch struts and battery, Transmission is okay but not the smoothest around. Good for hauling things. Would sell but minivans are very difficult to sell.

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  Great Mid size pass van - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By ML - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Loaded, great features like fold away third row seats, lowering rear windows, great sound system, and all with great fuel efficiency and impeccable styling.

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  More power to me - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Pr5 Owner - June 21 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Ive owned sports cars suvs everything. This has got to be my favorite. I had a guy in a Jag tell me how nice my car is. I cant believe the looks it gets. And the handling is superb. All I ask is just for a little more power. Other than that who cars.

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  Awed By Stock Handling - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Matt - June 21 - 4:30 am

  Performance: 7/10 is because this car is too underpowered as far as performance goes. I came from a 200hp Jeep and a 300whp turbo integra so this is more or less the slowest car Ive owned (although at highway speeds+ the mazda would prob. blow the doors off the Jeep because of aerodynamics and gear ratios). Comfort: Nice interior, only thing Id improve is move the armrest closer to the shifter. Fuel Economy: Impressive. I average 30MPG, and thats with mostly "city" driving. Fun To Drive: YES! Awe-inspiring handling for a stock car compared to my souped up integra with very aggressive suspension & tires, AND limited slip diff. If the engine note was louder itd be just about perfect.

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  Very Disappointing - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Disgruntled - June 21 - 1:03 am

  Too many things go wrong. Within one year, had to replace windshield wipers, ashtray, and passenger door handle. Had a stall while driving @ 45 MPH due to failed powertrain, crashed into a fence. Loud wind noise from passenger back door. Rear windshield wiper keeps falling off. Door panel leather peeling off. Headliner cardboard coming off in trunk of car. Loud noise and rumbling when going in or out of overdrive. Random check engine lights go on and off all the time. Save your money and buy something better.

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  Alberta Canada - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Dave - June 20 - 6:43 pm

  Fun car to drive. Lots of power from the 2 L engine. 6 spd manual box is smooth with accurate shifter. More fun to drive with the traction control switched OFF, when I remember as it defaults to ON at start-up, better for safety I guess. Limited slip dif is the only way to go. I like the styling and performance better than my previous MX5 which was a 91 with 1.6 L and 5 spd manual, no comparison really. Room in the 07 for a 62" driver, the 91 was cramped.

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  Still brand new after 5 yrs - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Joeschmoh - June 20 - 4:03 pm

  I love this car. I bought it new 5 years ago and I still get a thrill driving it. The car hugs the road, has lots of power, and is a super easy stick shift to drive. My wife hated sticks until this car. It gets me to work without costing too much, it gets the entire family around comfortably, and I can load it up with junk from Home Depot. The versatility combined with a car thats a joy to drive makes it a no-brainer car to buy. I average 27 mpg in traffic, and 30-31 mpg highway.