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 pretty good - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By jf19540 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Considered the Passat and Altima. It my mind it was the best value of the three $ wise. Doesnt need the V6, the fours just fine. Handles well and corners nicely. Has 4speed auto-stick

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  real truck - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By father - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great value in todays market. No fancy "Look at Me" crap, just an honest hard working truck.

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  Too much gas - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Lovett - September 26 - 10:00 am

  A fun car to drive. Gas milage is a problem. Comfortable to drive. Has good get up

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  Mostly a great car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By zel1 - September 25 - 6:48 am

  We have put 164,000 miles on our Tribute, including many long highway trips and back woods driving on two-tracks in the UP of Michigan. We required a new (rebuilt Ford) transmission at 94,000 miles, which possibly can be attributed to driving with cupped tires that probably vibrated it to pieces. Mileage is so-so, up to about 21.5 on the highway (we are usually pretty heavily loaded on trips). A/C, defroster, heater have always given some problems, but still work OK. Never burned a drop of oil, and still has good power on the highway. Hoping to make 250,000 miles.

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  A happy "shotgun" marriage - so far! - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Russell - September 24 - 7:53 pm

  Became acquainted with the M3 as a rental car while an SUV wed recently purchased was in the shop for some fit/finish issues. Liked how it drove and handled. BUT - our other car (Honda Civic Hybrid) was beginning to have serious premature trouble. Had to find something, fast. Looked at the Corolla and Civic, but we also test drove another Mazda3. Wasnt disappointed .... drove off the lot with it.

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  Not Trust Worthy - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Ernesto - September 21 - 10:40 am

  Purchased this vehicle brand new. After a cross country drive vehicle started showing electrical problems. All started around 08/2004 and it wasnt until 12/2004 and a lemon law lawsuit that they decided to replace literally all the electrical components. Now it works but I dont trust the vehicle. Also noisy front suspension. Will recommend putting your name on the waiting list for other minivans on the market.

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  Good Car? - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Mazdafan - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely loved this car from the moment I test drove it. Great handling, road feel and crisp shifting manual transmission. If you want a sporty alternative to toyota and honda this is the car, but wait till the 2004 model year.

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  protege5 flaws - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By gsj - September 20 - 2:00 am

  There are things that bother me about it. The first thing that I notice is the extremely loose unresponsive steering. I would love to see the Mazda speed steering and suspension standard in their upcoming Mazda 3s. The second annoyance is the jumpy clutch which happens mainly when the cars is cold. Again, would love to see the mazda speed clutch standard in the upcoming 3s. The 3rd flaw is the cheep back seat cushions that never want to fit right after removing them. The 4th flaw might be the loud engine which in my opion is due to the thin firewall and probably wide gapped valves. Other than that, it works for me. -GJ

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  Noisy!!! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bbason - September 19 - 11:16 am

  After having the Tribute for less than a year, I couldnt take the creaking noises coming from the doors. I took it into the dealership to be fixed. They say it is the door strikers and they had to be adjusted. That only worked for about a month and then the creaking came back. Although it doesnt look as good, I applied electrical tape around the door catch and have not heard the noises anymore. However, the outside noise is awful. When Im on my cell phone, callers say it sounds like my windows are open. Outside of the noises, the car is awesome. No maintenance problems after 3 years.

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  What a Surprise - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By rollsofjoy - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 2 and 1/2 years. I havent had any problems expect for a disfuntional drive door lock, but the dealer replaced under warranty. This car is really fun to drive. It handles really well on the rood. And the ride is really good for a small car. I drive to school and back 500 miles and Im in complete comfort. I also find the seats supportive and Ive had back surgery so that really a plus. I love the options on this car... it is what sold me over the Civic.