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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  Simply Awesome! - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Gary - November 12 - 1:33 am

  I have been researching this car since spring of 09 and just last week bought one...I have been smiling ever since! The engine is AWESOME. The appearance of the speed3 is certainly polarizing and it seems that you either love it or hate it. The pictures simply DO NOT do it justice, you have to see it in person. The acceleration is great, handling is crisp, stick takes getting used to but no problem and the brake feel is great. The tech package is worth it, GPS while small is still good, Bose system is not quite aftermarket quality but will please most people, bluetooth is cool, seats are comfortable and the space inside is nice. If you want bang for your buck...look no further! Zoom-Zoom!

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  I love my Tribute!! - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By CB - November 11 - 12:13 pm

  I have had my Tribute for almost a year now and I am still crazy about it! My 2004 Tribute is an amazing vehicle, fun to drive, wonderful interior room and looks awesome! I have had one issue with a recall (back hatch latch) but it was taken care of quickly and have had no problems since. I highly recommend the Tribute, there is no greater small SUV out there!

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  Fun-to-dollar rating is high - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Paul - November 10 - 2:10 am

  I thought Mazdas Zoom-Zoom campaign was just marketing, but it actually describes the personality of the Mazda3. It has the functionality, versatility and economy of a small hatchback, but the fun-to-drive feature captured us. Numerous luxo touches. Overall, excellent value at this price point.

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  Excellent Deal - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By redleg65 - November 10 - 1:40 am

  Ok, I purchased a 09 with 503 miles on it: Used. I guess a guy bought it for a month and traded it, so I ended up with great deal for 19k out the door. Besides price the car is basically a Mazda 3 with a very nice body style. Having owned a Mustang GT, Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Maxima, G35 in recent years, this vehicle tops bang for the buck. Style is key since laser radar is everywhere now a days, but cruising in this is awesome. Smooth and you get plenty of looks, just dont race anyone unless you buy the higher end model. Interior is tight, drives on rails: reminds me of my G35. Reliability seems to be good, 95% of it is made in Japan.

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  bang for the buck! - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By racer-x - November 9 - 10:00 am

  After being totally frustrated by Toyota dealers in our search for a reasonably priced corolla, we saw an ad for a 2003 Pro-5 for $12,500 (sticker $17,200). Thinking it was bogus we checked it out. This car was loaded and it was for real. If the looks werent enough the test drive sold us. We are buying another one after we sell our truck!

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  Living with a rotor... - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Will Dover - November 9 - 7:50 am

  A wonderful car - for a 2nd car. Fun to drive and reasonably practical (fits 2 kids in the back without complaining). Gas mileage a real nuisance, though.

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  Sports car handling with a pratical side - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By KF - November 9 - 1:20 am

  If youre looking for something with great visual appeal and thats more fun-to-drive than any other mid-sized sedan in this segment, this is your car. Best of all, the hatchback design looks great while offering more cargo space than any other vehicle in this class. Ive driven this vehicle over 10,000 miles since new and have had no mechanical problems (though the roof liner sagged slightly on drivers side, but was replaced at no charge). Really a drivers car; some might find the seating a bit tight, esp. in the back (compared to other sedans), but not a problem for me. I still look for any excuse to drive this car!

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  Lots of plastic but was fun to drive - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Tdog - November 8 - 4:43 pm

  Lease in Jul 07 and turning in next week. As a Realtor, the keyless entry / staring were truly a blessing. The plastic in the rear compartment looked like a rabid dog chewed on it, the carpet on the back of the rear seats in like felt. The turbo combined with sport shifting made me the fastest and most nimble. As Realtor, the GPS poor, no updates, wouldnt allow input while moving. Backup camera saved a 2 year olds life the first week. Tires replaced at 24K, course I drove hard. credit card key is ridiculous expensive if you lose one (~$450). Could not put this thing in a slide, traction control was superb, I would try and the slippery when wet light came on and kept me straight

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  MPV - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By jjdsng - November 8 - 7:16 am

  Good fun and dependable with lots of features and great family use, and lots of fun driving it

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  A real sports sedan - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jon - November 8 - 6:33 am

  After driving a variety of Ford Tauruses, I bought the 6s (auto) after I test drove a lot of other cars. A few other cars have a slight edge (Nissan Altima and Honda Accord; similar models) with 0-60, but the overall handling, comfort, styling, and feel of the 6 blows the competition out of the water. The 6 is simply amazing to drive. It grips the road like a real sports car, and has the room of a sedan. The interior, comfort, exterior design, sound system, and general layout are all excellent. The tiptronic shift on the 6-speed automatic is a great compromise for someone who likes manual cars, but does a lot of city driving. Highly recommended, especially for younger (20s) drivers.