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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  Used Car Purchase - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By Family of 4 - February 9 - 8:10 am

  I noticed most of these reviews are older and mostly new car purchases. Reviews have nonetheless been very helpful in our decision. Like most family van purchasers, we compared with used Siennas and Odysseys. In the end, the MPV was such a better value as they seem to depreciate at a faster rate. My wife it the primary driver for this car, so the smaller exterior size was easier for her to drive. Handling is substantially better as it is shorter and narrower. Parking and general driving was much easier. Of course with better handling comes at a cost, because you need to sacrifice interior space. As a family 4, this was not a factor at all, so this was by far the best fit.

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  A fabulous car! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Silvio Sfumata - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I just drove one of these today and fell in love with it instantly. Have you ever driven an Austin Healy 3000? This feels very similar and responds as well. The car steers like a sportscar and has a great crisp sound between 4000 and 6000 rpm. Acceleration is enough to make you smile. There is a small flat spot below 4000 rpm, but it doesnt last long and doesnt even enter into the equation if you know how to drive. It comes with many extras as standard. Some magazines compare this with other foreign cars, but to me there is no similarity.

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  Best car I have ever owned!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jack Simpson - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best car I have ever owned. It is absolutely a thrill to drive, dependable, and stylish. Dollar for dollar you really get your moneys worth in this great car.

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  Getting more than I paid more - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By 3loverncali - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Best car in its class. Great handling,steering, and the interior design is a step above any other car in its class, including the civic and easily over the corrola. Fun car for a great price.

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  awesome - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By shortty - February 9 - 2:00 am

  such a sexy car, and so much fun to drive. the standard is the best, even tho automatic has the crazy shifter.

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  I guess I got the bad one in the batch - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Adam - February 8 - 9:06 pm

  I was looking for something fun to drive. I came across it when I first laid eyes on the RX-8. I loved it my first year or so driving it when all the problems began. I always serviced my vehicle when the book states to do so. I always added oil when I was told to. But to no avail... my car just didnt work correctly. At about 14,000 miles my check engine light came on and until about two months ago, now 36,000 miles, did it go off. I went to the dealerships and they told me that oxygen sensors needed to be replaced. Then I went back and they told me that the gas line had something wrong with it. Then I went back and they told me that it was an oil issue. Finally they told me I needed a new engine.

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  Awesome Car! - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By water - February 8 - 6:26 pm

  Extremely fun to drive! Handling is impressive and corners like a race car while still maintaining a comfortable ride. Loves the higher RPMs and really kicks in at about 4,000 RPMs. I used to drive a 1988 RX7 which was a blast, but this car is a giant leap forward. My kids love it and can ride in the back seat.

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  Tribute One Tough SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Timothy Doherty - February 8 - 10:00 am

  We love the looks and power of it. We purchased it to tow our colemen camper with it, witch it does with no problem. Any one who needs a great looking suv with get uo and go with a price tag of under$20,000 should look at this baby. Tim Doherty

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  Great all around SUV! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By JLee - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of shopping before deciding on the Tribute. The second choice was a Honda Pilot but comparably equipped it was over $6K more and drove more like a Minivan! The Tribute is an excellent all around SUV. I traded an Isuzu Trooper that we had owned for 10 years. While it lacks the space of a full size SUV like the Trooper, it more than makes up for it in handling, ride and overall driving enjoyment. The styling of the Tribute appears much more "upscale" than the comparable Escape. When BMW comes out with an SUV based on the 3 series, the Tribute will be the benchmark!

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  Great SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Michelle B. - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I sincerely enjoy my tribute! It is big enough to compete with the other SUVs on the road, but I dont feel like Im driving a tank either. It is easy to handle, and I love all of the safety features. A great car that is fun to drive, and I always get complimented on it!