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 car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By great little car - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Coming up on 2000 miles, great car so far. 2.0 l engine is fairly peppy. The larger engine would be nice but I love the mpg. Averaging 32-35. Car is very fun to drive and really "sticks" to the road. Reminds me of a BMW rental I had in Germany. Seats can get a little uncomfortable on trips > 3 hours. All around good car, which is fun to drive.

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  I loved my car. - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By zachisawesome - August 30 - 1:06 am

  I bought this car in 2004 and kept it until this year when I unfortunately crashed it. It was a wonderfully reliable car in the 5 years I owned it. The battery failed once but I cleaned the alternator and it was back to charging just fine, and never failed again. Handled great except in rain, but that could have been tires and brakes getting old. Never had a problem with the CD player volume not working like some people have said. Interior and exterior was still holding up well. It only went into the shop once for regular maintenance though needed to go back for brakes and suspension. Definitely a much nicer car than my friends civics and corollas, and just as reliable. I loved this car

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  Satisfied - 2009 Mazda Tribute
  By Tim Beaver - August 29 - 12:06 pm

  Ive had the Tribute for about a week now. So far Ive noticed a few things that werent right upon delivery. The drivers seat has a hole in the cloth, the grab bar on the passenger side has screw plugs that dont quite fit, and the paint job isnt perfect with globs and runs and bad orange peel on the rear hatch. None of this is a deal breaker though as this was purchased as a winter beater/cargo hauler to save my G35 Coupe and C300 from unnecessary wear and tear. Looked at Ford Escape, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia offerings. This vehicle was the best combination of features/value/fuel efficiency I could find. I look forward to many winters of pleasant AWD commutes with this vehicle.

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  Great car but the sound? - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By CB - August 28 - 5:56 pm

  Just purchased a 2010 CX-9 AWD GT, and the car looks great and drives well. I am not too much of a fan of the drivers seating position, but I am comfortable in it and it sure drives not like a SUV. However I am disappointed of the sound system (BOSE) that do not "sound" very well at all. I dont know if there is a problem with it, but the sound from the front side speakers is muffled and sounds distorted. I may to bring this car back to check on them (anyone have the same problem?). also, I thought that there was 6CD capability with the Bose system, but it looks you can just load on CD at the time (is this right?). we will have to drive a little more for more driving experience review

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  Bland... but OK - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By tabbies - August 28 - 5:33 pm

  I was about to get an edge, but I figured that this was going to be better because the dealer offered it for a VERY low price. There is enough room for a family of 4 and an excellent cargo hauler. Though it is very bland. I do not like the exterior look @ all. It has enough power for my needs and fuel milage is right were it should be: about 25mpg 90% city 10% highway w/ all economical driving. If you can find one for super cheap go ahead. If not, go w/ an edge/element. Also, no problems at all except for one thing: tire pressure is already low after 12k miles.

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  2008 Grand Touring - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By rotorbaru - August 27 - 1:06 am

  Very nice vehicle, particularly for the money. The HID headlight are great, the ride very smooth and yet sporty, engine power is fine, nice interior layout and decent fuel mileage. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone with the need to transport 4 people (it can take six for shorter trips, less than 2 hours). The 5 spd auto is very nice, it auto downshifts when breaking for a corner coming down a hill to add engine breaking.

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  Dont overlook this one - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By DXTribowner - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I was reluctant to test drive a 4 banger, but I was surprised. My wife has a 4 banger camary and the Tribute will easily out run it. Mileage is only slightly less than the Cam, but is improving as the engine breaks in. This truck is not a missile, but easily gets the job done.

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  mazda6 review - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By sammie - August 26 - 2:00 am

  better handling than my 98 trans am

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  Problem after a week - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Mateusz - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my MPV recently. Its very nice and comfortable car. One sour node was that after a week check engine light came on. Dealer needed three days to repair. Came out that transmission control computer failed and needed to be replaced. Hopefully I will have better luck with it in the future.

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  7000 miles oh! oh! Engine Light is on! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By CarlosCA - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in August 2001 and I have loved it, until one week ago. I stopped the vehicle in a gas station and started filling with gas. When I finished, I tried to restart the engine and it was not responding. I tried several times and finally it started as nothing has happened. Today I was driving my car at 25 mph and suddenly boom! an incredible loud noise coming from the engine. The engine light in the console appears. I will take it to the dealer today, to see what happenned. I will keep you informed.