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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  Finally has stability control - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By Maine5 - May 31 - 4:10 pm

  The 5 is a unique car that fits the needs of most people. I held out on buying one for many years though due to the lack of stability control. I refused to buy a new car without it. As I was getting ready to buy a VW Jetta Wagon, I read a comparison review that said the 5 finally comes with stability/traction control for 2010. I was sold. Hopefully some of the quality issues reported in past years have been worked out. I have 3000mi on it now with no issues. I was also worried about how it might perform in the snow so I purchased a set of blizzaks for it. Drives incredibly well in deep snow as a result. Far better than paying thousands more for an AWD vehicle with less utility and mileage.

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  Superb Car - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Christy - May 30 - 5:30 am

  This is my third year with this car and it hasnt disappointed me yet. I have not had a single major problem, just usual maintenence. I highly recommend this for a driver looking for a cheap, reliable quality sport sedan.

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  Style,engineering,economy at good price - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By jaldav - May 29 - 11:43 am

  Enjoyable to drive. Solid build and handling. Looks sexy. I bought this car last February and so far its been a good choice when comparing to Nissan, Honda and Toyota. More bang for the buck. Im planning to hang on to this vehicle for as long as possible since I fear future cars may look like upscale golf carts.

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  Classy - sharp - and lots of fun! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By for phil and mowg - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a small SUV or wagon to cart my dogs around in. I was so lucky finding this Protege5. It is much more than I ever expected! Slightly over the base price it has all the options I want or need. Driving it is an absolute pleasure, very responsive and handles as well as my old Camaro. My Protege5 is black and Ive seen lots of heads turn checking it out. It is a beauty! I was even asked if it is a small mercedes. My 2 Lab dogs have plenty of room to stretch out, it rides so well they dont get thrown around. Adults say it is roomy in the front and back seats. I researched and test drove all the competition and this was clearly the winner.

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  Great Handling - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By DuPont - May 29 - 10:00 am

  For a family of four this is the best minivan. The handling is more nimble than the other minivans we tested, including the Odyssey and (old) Sienna and accelerates very well. The interior is very well laid out and more spacious than the compact dimensions of the van would suggest. The price to feature ratio is great. It has features that other minivans dont have such as moonroof, slide down rear windows, and an excellent sound system.

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  I love it - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Joe A. - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Advertised mileage is 19/25, Ive been consistently getting 21/26 and even 27 on the highway if I keep it at around 70. Its quick, and handles well. Easily tows my 20 foot bayliner boat.

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  Homework paid off! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By RobertJohn - May 29 - 10:00 am

  After much research I purchased my 2003 Tribute LX the last week of October. What a great vehicle! Its peppy, spacious, very comfortable to drive and fun to drive too. After reading other reviews I can see one or two things that would have been nice but arent necessarily flaws. Love this SUV!

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  IMPRESSED - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By SABLE - May 29 - 10:00 am

  HAVE ONLY HAD THE TRIBUTE FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH, BUT CERTAINLY AM IMPRESSED WITH THE QUALITY AND THE COMFORT FOR THE PRICE. THE RIDE IS SUPERB AND THE GAS MILEAGE AVERAGES 23MPG WITH A COMBINATION OF CITY AND HIGHWAY....

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  I am shocked.. - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Orangect - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I am a large guy. I was shocked at how much room I had in this vehicle. Nothing on the market comes close. More room than a Durango. The engine is strong, smooth, and quiet. I love this vehicle. I have nothing bad to say about it at all.

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  LOVE IT!!!!!! - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By demartini - May 29 - 2:33 am

  I totaly love my car i have had it for 1 1/2 months and no problems, i get compliments with its looks soo hot, inside and out is perfect. The AC is cold and the heater works very good too on the cold days. The radio is very good, the interior is very comfortable it still smells like new. On the highway you cant really hear outside. The black interior is very good and comfortable. I completely love my car she is the best.