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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  Fair review for the last Rotary - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By zero11534 - June 9 - 6:33 am

  The RX8 is a true 4 door 4 seat sports cars, what it lacks in low end torque it makes up for in handling. Rotary motor propels the 3100lb RX8 to 60 in 6.0 sec. and a ¼ mile in 14.9. Fuel consumption for the RX8 was Avg for when it first came out, 17city/24 Hwy. The cars light weight stiff chassis and electronic steering makes this a point and drive sports car allowing even the novice of sports car owners the ability to get behind the wheel and take the turns like a pro. This car does come at a price requiring you to add oil about ever 4 fill up’s. This is a good daily driver for hwy only commuters

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  Fun, practical, but also sluggish - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Jason Dee - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Car is fun to drive, but desperately needs a turbo. Acceleration is slow, and I found the fuel milage to be lower than expected...but handles better than anticipated. The 4-spd auto trans w/manual mode is slow to shift, but still fun to drive. Its a fun commuter car, and a great car for the price. The dealer offered several great incentives.

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  Cool Truck, but bad luck - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By ejrusso - June 7 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Tribute DX V6 since November 2000. Besides being fun to drive and powerful the truck has a lot of problems. We are taking our truck in at least 4-5 times every 6 months, for repairs, since weve had it. Our transimission has been replaced along with the cylanoid, master brake cylinder, cracked fuel line, 4 check engine light sensors, the rear windshield wiper, drivers door panel, and the stripping along the front windshield. Im sure there are some I am forgetting.

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  RX-8 Rocks!!! - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RacerX8 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Got 2500miles so far and this RX-8 rocks big time!!! Paid $30300 for the sunlight silver GT package. Acceleration is good (not great) but driving is fun with that 9k RPM limit in second gear getting me to 60+mpg in just over 6seconds. Handling is great. Fits 4 adults. Slim 6 footers can sit in back and enter/exit with relative ease for shorter trips. Best combo of sportiness, civility, and practicality that $30k can buy IMHO.

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  It could improve - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By CJ - June 4 - 7:36 pm

  I bought my Mazda Tribute 2008 after owning a Chevy Malibu. I have owned this car since Nov. 2007. I have the 4cyl, manual. I have put 46,000 miles on it. It lacks in acceleration and power. The engine is very weak. This is the last time I buy a 4cyl. car. It looks like a real SUV and not the silly bubble which everyone seems to love today. When I first bought the car, a tank of gas=425 miles. This has dramatically dropped to 390 miles. I have kept up with all of its maintenance schedules. I have driven from IL to NY. I take it up and down the Midwest. Smooth and comfortable ride. Needs more power I have two children and plan to grow the family. Not large enough for three kids.

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  Do your homework - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By fmrgi - June 3 - 9:26 am

  I fell in love with this car when I saw it. Car is fun to drive but the ride is a bit stiff. Gas mileage is horrible for 4 cyl and the turbo lag is there. Sound system and tech package are as good as luxury cars. Had a problem with the rear brakes making a grinding noise. Dealer added a mod and it fixed the problem. Had (and still do) a problem with the door checks being noisy. Dealer has no solution, they already replaced them with new ones and the problem still exists.

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  This SUV Rocks! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Satisfied Driver - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought an ES-4WD three weeks ago. I already racked up 1600 miles. So far Ive been very impressed. After driving a sports car for seven years, I wanted a car-based mini-SUV with somewhat similiar performance. The Tribute doesnt disappoint. Its quite nimble to drive and has plenty of power to boot. Fuel economy averages about 20 a gallon ... not too shabby. Ive test-driven a few other mini-SUV (Honda CRV, Toyota Rav4 ...), I think the Tribute is definitely a good buy for its class.

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  My Car - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By Moo - May 29 - 3:23 am

  I love my car. Even though it gets 18 miles to the gallon, which would be its only con. This car is the perfect car to do anything in: going on road trips, beach, etc.

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  The straight dirt - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By CJ - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought the Mazda3 simply because it was great on mileage, something my Jeep Liberty wasnt. On a full tank of gas, which is about 375 miles in the Mazda, Im saving $50 every time I fill up. Its a much smaller vehicle, granted, but thats a huge difference. And as fun as the Jeep was to drive, this is close, and thats saying something. Its quick, its stylish and comfortable enough. I looked at every other car in its class, and the Mazda3 not only looks better and got better ratings but its cheaper overall than all of them. Like many other small cars, it has its drawbacks. Its a tight car, but trunk space is good. But id definitely recommend it.

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  I think we bought a bad one. - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Bacardifrog - May 25 - 8:10 pm

  i have a 2003 mazda 6. I have had nothing but problems with this car since i bought it. the dealership had to replace the radiator, the transmission, and all my wiring harnesses and now i have a strange burning smell coming from my engine. the car is fun to drive and i love it minus all the mechanical problems.i just recently had to replace some ignition coils. if it wasnt paid off, i would trade it in right now. i just wonder if the problems come from it being the first models??