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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  My Favorite Car - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By CXRabbit - May 13 - 12:56 pm

  Ive had the car a little over a month and, by far, its the best car I have owned. Mazda really gives you bang for your buck. Quality is outstanding, ride is comfortable but firm (more like a sports car than like a plushy car). It handles superbly, and I didnt feel like there was any adjustment period coming from a smaller car - it felt natural to drive. I even parallel parked it the first week of ownership (of course, rear-view camera helps). I dont agree with anyone who says it needs a V6. Theres no guarantee a V6 is going to take "regular" gas... look at the BMW. They also arent more efficient. Look at real-world results from CUVs with the 6... they are averaging about the same MPG.

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  My New Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By polly - May 13 - 12:56 am

  I purchased my Mazda Tribute in April of 05. My model is a 4 cylinder base model. For being a base model it is pretty loaded up. It has power windows and locks, window tint (back windows), AM/FM stereo with CD player, and it has 16 inch alloy wheels. The truck is very sporty looking for 2005. My only wish is that it came with a larger 4 cylinder engine as it doesnt have the power of some of its competitors. However, I am very glad that I purchased my 05 Tribute and am very happy with it to date.

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  Copper Blazed Fun - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Matt - May 12 - 10:36 am

  I own a Copper Blaze Metallic hatchback with the 6 cylinder and the 6 speed auto. Great car that is plenty fast and looks great. A very visible car that hauls mulch, bicycles, or my wife and I to a fancy dinner. This car does it all. City mileage is a little disappointing (22-23mpg), but highway mileage is pretty good (28-30). With a decent size gas tank, 450 miles between fill-ups is easy. The manumatic is useless as in all cars but the 6 speed auto shifts nicely. Having to take the car in for an oil change is a bummer and Mazda will not sell the needed oil filter wrench through a dealer. Overall, a great value and a lot of fun.

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  I LOVE my M3 - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By m3sguy - May 12 - 12:36 am

  Its Zoom Zoom Zoom to the fullest! Fantastic Car and so much fun to drive. If you can, get the S edition (Grand Touring for the 06 models). The 4 door S sedan in Rally White is what I have with all 4 packages. The leather in the Mazda 3 smells so so good! :-)

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  A Very Fun ride at a great price - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By hatcher3 - May 11 - 12:49 pm

  I leased my 2010 Mazda 3 Hatchback 2.5s with Moons and Tunes package in Oct 2010. It has been three awesome years of fun ride. Good: Excellent handling in curves (here in Portland) and really grips well to the road. Very good torque and performance. Overall very good styling in the exterior and the interior. One amazing ride for the price Not so good: Bluetooth could handle adding contacts better. Gas Mileage for a car of this size is not great. I averaged 23/24 over 3 years. High Road Noise which bugged be a bit. The Bose sound helped tune it out, but still it was louder than some other cars I have owners. Not engine noise, but mostly road noise, esp from Tires. Overall- Thumbs Up

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  A lot of car for the money - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By MazdaNewbie - May 10 - 9:23 pm

  After buying Honda/Acura all my life, I couldnt resist the deal I got on my 6s 5-door with 6-speed automatic, leather, Bose, the works. I was close to buying an Acura TSX, but of course Acura wouldnt budge on price; I got the Mazda for $5K below invoice (including the rebate). The driving dynamics are fantastic. The car feels very solid, and the steering feel is like no other car in this price range. The ride is just right for me, firm without being too stiff. Sure Id like more torque, but I find the six-speed tranny in manual mode lets me keep the revs up when I need them, and easily gets me up to speed. I find myself driving the car just for the fun of it.

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  Overall Great Car - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By Mark - May 10 - 6:36 pm

  Owner for 2 years. Overall very satisfied with this vehicle. Great acceleration and smooth ride. After driving it 1000 miles in 1.5 days, I was surprised that my back didnt hurt. I am very pleased with this cars performance, but cant say the same for the dealerships service. Love the Bluetooth and Nav system. Average hwy mileage at 75mph is 25. In town mileage could be better. Loads of cargo room. Down fall is that no daytime running lights and if you turn headlights on during the day, I cant see the speedometer very well even with my prescription sunglasses.

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  Pro5; love/hate relationship - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By jw82 - May 10 - 1:03 pm

  You know, I absolutely loved this car up until about 5k mile ago. I love everything about this car except for the poor design/build quality of the engine and wheel bearings. Had to replace right front wheel bearing at just under 60k, and now the engine is going out on it. My Mazda dealer says its either a wrist pin or rod bearing crapping out at ONLY 64,XXX miles. Other than that, this car would be absolutely perfect! If you plan on buying one of these beauties, be cautious and buy the extended service plan! Better safe than sorry

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  Nice Car!!! - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Frei - May 10 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car today and Im already in love with it. Im 19 and its my first new car. Im so happy I chose this car over the cavalier I was looking into. The exterior is really sleek and the interior is BEAUTIFUL and comfy. My last car was an oldsmobile, so Im used to a very smooth ride and for an economy car this one rides decent. Im also used to a V6 and this car surprised me, its got pep for its size! I recommend!

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  Quality Vehicle for a good price - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Tim PD1 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a well built vehicle. I would buyanother one and tell friends to buy one. It looks better then the escape because of the matched color paint on the outer body. I do wish it would get just a little better gas mileage. over all I would get this SUV again in a heartbeat.