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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  Another great Mazda - 1999 Mazda 626
  By Luv that Mazda - April 21 - 7:10 am

  This is my 6th 626 (1st one was in 79). In 175,000 miles only one problem - the heat gauge failed and had to replace the instrument cluster. At this point I get 28 - 31 mpg (with the 5-speed) and am driving 3000+ miles/month. The car still looks good, and like our others, I expect to drive it for 200,000+ miles. Still havent replaced a clutch, or anything other than normal maintenance. Wish my van was as reliable.

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  Great car, but needs MUCH better A/C. - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By wsalopek - April 21 - 5:26 am

  This size vehicle is a truly smart design... just a great idea. I wish the seats were more comfortable, the interior came in a color other than black, and road noise was far less. The A/C system is very weak. In temps above 75-80, the second row is too warm and gets very little cool air, and the third row gets none, defeating COMPLETELY the reason to buy this 3-row vehicle in the first place. I have dark-tinted windows, which helps, but not nearly enough. This vehicle is unusable with the third row occupied in the summer, or even the spring or fall... what a tragic design flaw. Nav system is not great, my GPS PocketPC is more usable. Silver radio trim is blinding at certain sun angles.

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  My experience with my Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By rebecca - April 18 - 4:53 pm

  I like my tributes design and the space in it,I fit 5 adults in it comfortably. I have had a problem with my back washer line coming out, and it has been in the shop 4 times since having it. However it is a good driving vehicle. Feels like your driving a car just heightend up a bit. I would recommend it to a small low budget family.

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  Everything I asked for - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kevin - April 18 - 9:43 am

  I leased this car and it did everything I needed it to do. It is a great commuter but it is not a long distance car. I needed to stuff things like jeans and pillows behind my back and next to the driver door to lean on for 5 - 6 hour trips. The style is great and I totally enjoyed cleaning and polishing the exterior. I have the rally white. The inside is less quality especially compared to my wifes Corolla. It is noisy at higher speeds especially as the oem tires wear. Good car to lease but I wont buy it. Gets 31/35 mph, same as the Corolla we check.

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  Not a bad car for the $$$$ - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By mattywat - April 17 - 12:36 pm

  Overall a great car; been buying hatchs for years, GTIs, CRXs and so on. Love the exterior and interior. Standard sport package "makes" the car. Kinda wish I could have afforded the V6.

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  p5 over 1 year and 25,000 miles later... - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By p5 in Virginia - April 17 - 2:00 am

  We are a 1-car family and rely on our p5 for everything. We have taken 2 1000+ mi trips in this car and a 2500+ mile trip. All with the baby. Still like the taught suspension and great steering feel. Fun to drive. Easy to drive. Can get around slower traffic with ease. Very stable and safe at higher speeds. Interior is squeak and rattle-free and materials are holding up well. Easy to stay comfy driving long distances. Still get plenty of "cool car" comments! Needs more power and less noise. No mechanical problems. We will probably keep it for 4 more years or up to 2 kids. Over 2 kids, shut up and get a minivan.

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  Honest Assessment from previous BMW own. - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Ben - April 15 - 6:40 pm

  A month ago my cherished 323Ci had a meltdown. Living in L.A., I loved taking it through the mountain twisties on the weekend. With this economy, I decided to be prudent with replacement car. My ratings are based on expectations of the class, and not comparisons to my previous luxury car. Im quite pleased with the handling of this compact. Though somewhat under-tired, it can stand up to a road like decker canyon blvd (23). The clutch is light in feel, but gives you a good sense of its action through your foot, gearbox is excellent. Had the opportunity to test the brakes in a panic stop in my first week of driving, and theyre probably in the top 10 of any car under $100k.

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  Happy family car - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By Todd and Tammy - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Our second MPV used from dealer; wanted to fit two teenage boys, string bass, stroller and baby-seat. With spit seats in second row and roll away third seat, its very versitile! Feels more like a sedan than a van. Runs great in town, but sluggish when loaded for a mountain vacation. Weve had absolutey no mecahnical problems, now with 40k miles and always 21 mpg.Thought wed miss the older car door style rear door at first, but find the sliding nice for parking lots. We do wish there were side door pockets and storage spots for all those children things. Cant even hear the engine at idle! Love the new design and plan on another one next time around.

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  No Problems Here - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By GMan - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Tribute for about 7 months now and am quite happy with it. Only thing which stands out is gas mileage which seems poor. Other than that, comfort and handling is excellent as well as performance.

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  A joy to drive, but hurts my back - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By SRS - April 8 - 3:46 pm

  Gets appreciative looks. More elegant and cheerful than recent redesign. Never enjoyed driving more, but chronic back injury (herniated disc) with tiny interior: makes me wonder if I will have to sell. Im 62". Seats are like 90 degrees; no lumbar support. Road can be harsh - avoid potholes, speed bumps. Pebbles make lots of noise. Sound system with road noise -- tinnitus. Right elbow opens cup holder, right knee cant straighten. Fixed wheel position. Visibility only fair with top. Automatic shifter very stiff after starting. Heater, AC, wipers good. Cornering easy, fun. Accelerates well. Top easy to operate. Sound system is good; allows adjustment of midrange. Top latch replaced.