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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  Problems - 2000 Mazda 626
  By Hey882 - April 5 - 11:50 pm

  I recently bought this used car in February 3rd, and I drove till the 5th and the car broke down. Having no Acceleration when i was driving and when i pulled up to the side trying to re-start the vehicle it wont start. So i brought it to the Mechanics to repair the problem, they found out that the "Fuel Pump" was broken. So I got it repair and drive it for another 3 days the same problem appear. So I think this is not a good car unless you want to have as a back up. Right now if the car is fix, Im still worry about driving this car around. Its like wasting money to buy a car that cannot drive.

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  2003 Mazda Protege - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By Buzz Wichmann - April 3 - 6:50 pm

  This is a fun car to drive .. not as fuel efficient as my 96 Protege was but the better looks on the 2003 model negates the lower mpg rating for me. Still 34 highway/24 city not bad .. roomy comfortable car despite being so small with good sound system - highly manuverable as well with tight steering

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  Great all around car - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By tributefan - April 1 - 10:00 am

  First time in a truck/SUV. Added this car for the stuff I cant do in my accord (hauling stuff, outdoors stuff, etc). handles just like a car but the suspension isnt too soft and reminds you that you still are in a truck (sort of) Handles/takes corners better than my 02 accord. dont notice a difference Engine and tranny is very responsive and

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  First Truck Great first expreriance - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By fcortez - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This my first truck and I am enjoying it I looked at the Ford Ranger but selected the Mazda because of the unique style and better warrenty. The 4liter engine gives about 18 mpg in town but makes the truck fun to drive. Tight direct steering feel makes for a sporting drive.

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  Tributes - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Xzcharly - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems whatsoever with my Tribute. It drive well, handles well and had plenty of cargo space. If I had to think of a complaint, it would be the road noise. It is slightly noisier than my past vehicle.

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  mazda mpv - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By smittchell4 - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Its not as quite on trips as I would like for it to be,and on same long trip, seats were not comfortable. Drive well plenty of pick up for a van. Asked if was fun to drive? ITS A VAN, not a sports car!

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  A Tribute? After 6 months of ownership, - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tribute - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The overall design is a class look, smooth ride and smooth responsive handling.The Tribute has less of a truck look then its brother the Escape. The Escape seems to have a more rigid supension and is a little more responsive in the steering, which taunts you to play a little harder with the Escape then the Tribute. No problems so far in the first six months of ownership with the Tribute except for a sore elbow from the cheap looking hard plastic interior door panels which need to be upgraded, along with the minor annoyance of wind noise, which is not a problem if you wish to have you music on all the time and loud.

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  The Mazda RX-8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By WeskiNJ - March 26 - 2:00 am

  What many will consider as a replacement to the infamous RX7 is actually a stand alone design. The 2004 Mazda RX8 has 238 rear wheel HP. It also has the unique rotary engine. This isnt the same engine that powered the RX7, the 8s engine is based on the Wankel. Though it has 238 HP, it acts like it has 260, the rotary is much lighter than an inline or flat engine. Different from the 7, it has four doors. Stats are impressive, 3 10ths of a second off a Nissan 350Z or Porsche Boster, 2 seaters, .89 G on the skidpad,1 g more than a 350 & limted 144 mile per hour top-speed. Hope my review on "R-car" was helpful.

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  Wish I got the V6 - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Qmiller - March 22 - 11:10 pm

  I have my 08 tribute for a month now and I wish I would have gotten the V6. I had a V6 escape that I should have kept. So far the 4 has been ok. Some days it feels fast and other kinda slow. I was trying to save gas but for now theres not much difference.

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  Attention Enthusiastic Drivers! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By conzoomer - March 20 - 5:31 pm

  If you are a person whose passion is improving his driving skill set, this is a perfect tool. The MX5 will reward you with increasing satisfaction and fun as you learn to master driving skills. Routinely switch off traction control after engine start-up to obtain linear throttle response and to learn the cars traction characteristics. This car is quite capable even in stock form; resist the urge to modify its performance until you have fully utilized all it has to offer. When you are not in the mood for spirited driving, you can chill and enjoy the scenery and the MX5 will not annoy you with a bad temper. Some 2008s had a defect in the manual trans. Mazda fixed mine under warrantee. THX!