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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  Swap the Continentals !!! - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By pennypincher - August 24 - 1:22 pm

  Do yourself a favor and swap the crappy Continentals for Michelin Latitude (as Ford did for model year 2009 and on) or, for less $$, Khumo AST, or anything else that is more of a highway tire (less agressive treads) The noise reduction will be AMAZING !!! My wife thought we had a new ride. Always rotate the tires (front/rear, no X pattern) at EACH OIL CHANGE. The Tribute (Escape) rear suspension is soft (to avoid the jerkiness in turns) so the tires tend to chip off on the edges. So, diligent rotation will save the day. All in all the greatest value of my driving experience !!!

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  Believe what you hear...its fun - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bh76 - August 23 - 2:10 pm

  One word: FUN. Everyone says it but its true. Bought used with 29K miles and after 10K more miles I can say that Ive had zero problems. I drove it from VA to Maine with a passenger & luggage and loved every mile. Using the top takes mere seconds. Fun & practical daily driver too w/ excellent turning radius & good ride quality. Lots of little cubbies for smaller things. Maintenance: cheap so far. Of course with most any small roadster youll run into storage issues. For example, I cant fit my golf bag in the trunk without removing the longer clubs. Performance: Nothing earth-shattering - just FUN. Its relatively diminuitive size and mass make it very maneuverable and acceleration is brisk.

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  Satisfied - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Another Mike - August 22 - 2:00 am

  My wife chose this above other more expensive cars, and has had no regrets in the year weve owned it. Only work needed has been normal scheduled maintenance (and tires, see suggested improvements). Although this is our fourth Mazda, it was actually purchased to replace a Honda that didnt fit between the moving vehicle behind it and the stationary one ahead of it. After 20K miles no major complaints and were just as happy with it as we were with the Honda before it was compressed.

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  Just Like a Marriage - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By samsmazda - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Buying this car is like a marriage-- there are pluses and there are minuses. The fun to drive factor is off the charts. The engine makes you feel like you are Indy-500-ing to work each morning. The seats are snug but comfortable. You get a day off any time it snows (rear wheel drive, yknow). The spouse approves because it has four doors. BUT: you have to check and add oil often, and like being married to a hot spouse, you have to endure a lot of envy and attention. Heh, heh. If you test drive it, youll buy it. But read www.rx8forum.com before you test drive it.

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  Good but not Great... - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By generalpipe - August 21 - 10:26 am

  When I bought this Mazda6 last November I did not intend to buy a Mazda. After driving it I liked it, but still reluctant. I read the reviews in the New York Times and went back to Carmax for another test drive...and brought it home. Fit and finish are above average; not too big and not too small, just right for me, 5- 10" at 160lbs. Lots of get-up and go from a powerful 4 banger, 160 horses in the higher revs. It will get you on the freeway and back off. In the stop and go traffic of Houston heat I worry about overheating, but have put Mobil 1 oil to help with heat dissipation. We have had 90 degree days and no problem yet - wait till August.

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  Its just OK - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By andi - August 21 - 7:10 am

  I have had my Mazda for a year and a half. Had some problems with the tires, they say that "thats just how theyre made", so I am having to replace them after 33000 miles! And Ive already replaced one due to a blow out! Love to drive it. But its much too loud. Lots of road noise. Lots of fun features.

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  Its the little things - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By bvw - August 20 - 2:46 am

  I just got my car and I love it! It is small but not too small, it fits everyone and everything I want to put in it and it looks and drives great. I am now seeing though how two little things can kind of start to bug you after a while like no arm rests and so few cup holders. I know it sounds silly but because there is no place to put your cell phone when it is plugged in you have to use a cup holder and there are not that many to begin with.

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  A Great Mini Minivan - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Mazdafan - August 19 - 7:16 pm

  The Mazda5 is a great car for the right family. We have two kids and when we add the dog, we are filling the vehicle. We bought a clamshell for long trips and that seemed to solve our problem for space. It drives great, really zippy, and it looks great too! We are very happy with the gas mileage, averaging 23 miles a gallon around town and its got all the latest safety airbags. I think the Mazda5 is great car and a great value for the money.

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  Great SUV amongst crowded field - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By WFC - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the Tribute for six months and really enjoy it. It performed great in the MN winter weather, and offers a lot of amenities compared to other vehicles in its class that I researched or have owned.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By pixychick - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I think this is a great little car. The one complaint I have is that its much too noisy and the workmanship was lousy. Getting parts is always a big hassle and have to wait to get car fixed.