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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  626 experience - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Ken Jordan - October 16 - 10:53 am

  The 626 I bought new has performed well except for the air conditioning which I had problems with from week one. I experienced some belt trouble after 100,000 miles. It was caused by the harmonic balancer. Overall it has been a good car. The engine is a v6 and is a little loud.

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  Great car - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Coloradochick - October 15 - 4:33 am

  I have now had my Mazda 6i for 7 years. This car really has been good to me. I have never had a flat, and never have had any mechanical problems. As a matter of fact, the front headlight just went out about six months ago. I bought this car brand new, and really would like to buy another Mazda 6. No complaints.

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  2006 Mazda 6 i 4dr Sedan - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Colby - October 14 - 5:53 am

  I like the car I have only 1,500 miles on it so far its a nice car and the interior is very neat. Lots of places too put your items. And great gas mileage, although I was surprised that it has such a big gas tank.

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  Great little car - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Pete - October 13 - 10:56 am

  I have always been a truck person, but bought this car to limit my annual mileage on my truck. This has been a great car that I bought cheaply with 87K on it. I changed the timing belt, and change the oil every 6K with synthetic. I now have 143K on it, and it runs better than when I bought it. I use it like a truck, and even have hauled my jetski with it. It just has a little trouble pulling it out of the lake but manages. It gets between 30 and 34 MPG with a mix of freeway and town driving. Its not the fastest for sure, but it is sufficient, except on big hills.

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  02 Dual Sport - Good Small Truck - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By reddualsport - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this one for a little over a year and have not had any problems. The ride is bouncy but its a truck. Mine has the trailer towing package and Ive hauled a 18 foot boat (1800 lbs) for 300 miles on one trip and it performed better than I expectd.

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  ZOOM-ZOOM - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By NothinButNetJAG - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I own an ES-V6 model, and I would call this "The Sports Cars of SUVS." I think the Tribute out-classes the Ford Escape. The tribute has a more nicer interior than the Escape, as well as many more standard features. The Zoom- Zoom really shows. A peppy DOHC 24 valve 201 horsepower 3.0 liter V6 is fun to drive. The car is very comfortable and sporty. Great stereo on ES-V6 models. Handles more like a car than an SUV. Feels more capable and sportier than our $34,000 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Great off-road capability. I would recommend this SUV over the Ford Escape, Isuzu Rodeo, Honda CRV, and Honda Pilot. I love the Mazda Tribute!

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  56K and still going - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By js1 - October 12 - 10:43 pm

  It will be two years in March 09 and this car is tough. 56k and still drives like the day I drove it off the dealership lot, save for new tires at 40k and rotors that are worn, but I do push this car to the limit. I think if you are looking for a dependable used car that gets 35mpg and is fun to drive this is for you. Previously drove 97 honda civic and 93 honda civic and like the car better than previous two, much more reliable.

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  Bummed out - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Brian - October 11 - 11:03 am

  I was really excited to get this car except that its been in the shop 3 times in its first year. All with oxygen sensor problems which the service manager told me doesnt happen often. Well its happened 3 times with me and it sucks. Worried about how reliable this car will be down the road. I had planned on keeping this car for a long time now Im already looking for a replacement.

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  Long Commuter - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Marcel - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I have a 112 mile round trip commute to work. I like the handling, the styling inside and outside, and the summer gas mileage (28 mpg highway). City mileage is low in the winter, (around 20 mpg.) Front brakes and rotors have been replaced 3 times since taking ownership, (65,000 miles). See some rust starting on back doors. See rust starting on tail gate jam where weather stripping comes together by latch. I wash and wax weekly. Its quiet, decent power, Hydroplaning occurs on water-soaked highway roads, need to slow down under 50 to feel safe. Handles okay in winter. I use snow tires on all 4 wheels in winter. Dont like the anti-skid feature.

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  Analysis of CX9 Mazda - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Bill Rasmussen - October 9 - 8:40 am

  This vehicle has been a real pleasure to drive. I especially like its power and the handling aspects of it. It is very easy to handle out on the open road. I have had many people comment to me how this is a good looking vehicle.