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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  first review - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By clementsn - February 6 - 10:00 am

  Great little SUV. I would highly recommend it.

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  Car Ride, SUV Room, Zoom Zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By jayu - February 6 - 5:56 am

  Absolutely love this vehicle. I drove all of the other equivalents with a 3rd row seat prior to purchasing (Acadia, Pathfinder, Outlook, Pilot) and found this to be the best choice in terms of ride, styling, etc.

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  Love it! - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kristin - February 6 - 2:30 am

  I absolutely love my Mazda 3! My dad leased mine for me while working at Ford and I loved it so much that once he had to turn it in I decided to buy it as my first car! Its so much fun to drive and while it is a compact car its much roomier than most. I also love how its a lot sportier than the Focus i used to drive. I dont think you can get a better car for the price!

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  this is the one - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike - February 5 - 1:13 pm

  I tried both the Escape and Tribute. I liked handling and style of Mazda. Mine is an ES with V6, AWD. This is a very good small SUV. I have had this vehicle for 1 year. It has 22k on it; 11k are mine. I maintain meticulous records of not just the mpg but rate the tank on how much city and highway driving I did and even on how hard I drove it. I averaged 16 mpg across 11k miles where I drove 85% suburban/15% highway. My worst mpg was 14 mpg all city driving and my best mpg was 22 mpg on all highway driving. [It is rated 18/24; I have yet to own a car that got its rated values and probably never will.] If you want a small 6 cylinder SUV, this is the one.

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  2002 Mazda Tribute ES - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Andrew - February 3 - 11:23 am

  Ive owned this SUV for almost 8 years. It has been a reliable car. Some people even confuse it some times with an older Lexus RX300. Not sure what they are thinking, but Ill take the positive impression.

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  mazda 626 lx sedan - 1998 Mazda 626
  By Marcin Z - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Its a great car, I have absolutely no problems with it. It runs great and is fun to drive for a big car.

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  BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK. - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By JMTRANSAMSD455 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Wife loves her 2003ES.Smaller size gives better carlike handling and agility,superb ride,comfort along with quiet but powerful 3.0 DOHC 24 Valve V6.Quik acceleration.Price was right.Easy tumble down third row bench seat.Easy to read instrument panel.Quality leather hides,padded leather steering wheel, brake handle.Roll-down power windows in the dual sliding doors.ABS, Traction Control.Triple H frame for safety yielding a 5-star crash rating for both front and side impacts,Front and Side Air Bags.Folding side mirrors,Plenty of cup holders.

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  Mid Size SUV at Compact SUV prices - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By tribute2003 - February 2 - 2:00 am

  after driving the SUV for about 6 months now, I am glad I bought the Tribute ES V6 with leather. It is comfortable like a Toyota Highlander in size (a couple of inches shorter in the cargo depth) but atleast $5-7k less with Mazda rebates on S-plan. In fact the price was comparable with Honda CRV/Toyota RAV4 but WAY MORE comfortable than those compact SUVs.

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  Great little sports sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By M3Believer - February 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive always been a muscle car and truck guy but after living in England for 4 years I learned to appreciate other kinds of vehicle. And the Mazda3 is one. Its fun, comfortable, quick, and feels more expensive than it is. The engine pulls hard for a 4 banger and is smooth as butter up to the redline. The 5spd has a short throw and you never have a problem finding the right gear. Seats are firm, yet supportive and the dash is beautiful. The best out there in its class. And I know, Ive driven them all. Love this car. But remember kids, just say NO to autos. This is a drivers car. Cant wait for aftermarket.

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  nice car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By silverwilson - February 2 - 2:00 am

  The Mazda 3 is a very comfortable,exciting car. This car is a step ahead in design and offers the quiet smooth ride,usually found in more expensive luxury cars. The buying experience was smooth. I recommend getting several quotes and having the deal nearly done online. Then go into the dealership and sign the paperwork.