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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  Great little suv - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By UPSman63 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Really have enjoyed this Mazda Tribute..bought in Oct.2001...very peppy engine,stylish,handles like a sports car,seats 4 comfortably,plenty of room for luggage in back and on roof rack..only complaint is I wish it could carry more people..at least sit 6 instead of 5 but that is the only complaint I have..not had any trouble with this vehicle at all! A+++++!

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  Very Good Vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By LCA - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have over 15,000 Miles on this vehicle to date no problems only fun

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  Gret SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Birdman333 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Looked at over 10 different styles and makes from autos to SUVs. We settled on the Tribute because we were current Mazda owners of a 626 for 16 years and never had a major thig go wrong.

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  Mazda Tribute LX 2x4 - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Edskie - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda Tribute is very fun to drive SUV, it handles more like a sports car then a truck and the engine is powerfull and refined. The styling has a more fun, sporty look to it compared to its Ford Escape counterpart, which by the way is everything the Mazada is except for more truck like styling.

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  A Satisfied Owner - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By MikkiB - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Owning this vehicle has been a really good experience. It has a great turning radius and it drives like a car not a truck.

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  I Love This SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By vjneighbors - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I was drawn to it by the more stylish body lines than other SUVs, but am really happy with the performance and comfort. This is a beautiful, but functional vehicle. It offers a very large cargo area, and it is very easy to unload groceries, equipment, etc. from the rear. Gas mileage isnt the greatest, but the fun of owning and driving this car more than makes up for that. The fold-down seats are really convenient and easy to use.

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  rotor - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By TeddyNugz - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding.Smooth ride.Seat of the pants handling.Accelerates as if it had turbos.Im keepin this one in the family.

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  Love it! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By TTShirey - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I got mine about a month ago, and Im absolutely thrilled with it. I get a lot of looks, and its a blast to drive.

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  Mazda RX8 after one month - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By bcerussell - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is an absolute delight to drive. It is quick and handles with ease. Strangers stop to comment on its good looks and it is quite a head turner. The ride is smoother and more quiet than a new Volvo I recently drove, and seating is quite comfortable for me at 6 feet and 215 pounds.

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  Exhilarating ride, impeccable design - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - October 15 - 7:06 am

  I compared the Mazda3 hatch to the Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, Toyota Matrix and Honda Fit. My wife has a Fit and loves it. But for me, I needed something sportier with better pickup and a little more style. The Matrix was too pricey and bland and the Subarus style didnt impress me. For only a grand more than the Fit, I got a Mazda3 with everything I could ever ask for. Granted, I did sacrifice fuel economy (my wifes Fit averages 38 mpg, but Ill be lucky if I can get 28 out of my 3). However, the 3s engine is monstrously powerful, making it an absolute joy to drive. It has a tight turning radius, is a pleasure to drive and I dont notice any excessive road noise. Highly recommended!