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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  zoom...zoom...zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike - February 15 - 10:46 am

  I really enjoy our new Tribute. Lots of bells and whistles for the price. The rebates make it awesome. You dont see a tremendous amount of Tributes on the road, I dont like to be "part of the crowd". The gas tank could be larger and the gas mileage could be better. When you accelerate you can feel the vehicle tugging at different rates. The dealership I purchased at had two different personalities, before purchase and after purchase, that is the only "real" negative experience. I can live with the rest! Zoom....Zoom....Zoom.....

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  Beep at 9k - 2008 Mazda RX-8
  By L8R - February 12 - 10:50 am

  Ive had my 2004 GT MT, putting 18k miles the 1st year, and about 3k a year since. I love it. Its nimble, quick in the power band, very responsive, hugs corners like a bear, shifts like butter, plenty of space for 4 regular size adults. Acceleration from 40 to 140 is quick in the power band and the shifter is faultless. Have not had 1 mechanical failure and I used to drive it hard. Windows down and sunroof up driving provides little wind disruption inside (although also prevents a good breeze in S Florida Temps). The stereo is excellent with good features and good sound production. The weight distribution and tossability of the car excels compared to any other vehicle costing less than 50k.

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  Mazda MPV - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By CS - February 9 - 3:23 pm

  Other than wind noise when driving, this is a very nice family van.

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  Bottom engine protector - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By TC in MT - February 9 - 2:46 am

  We have torn two under guards off because of the low clearance on this vehicle. As a consequence we have gone with out this under guard and now see some pulleys & belts with wear & tear. My wife and 16 yr old really like it, me? Im on the fence.

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  EXPECTED BETTER - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By JEMII - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES BEFORE THE PROBLEM COULD BE FIXED. WE HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM GETTING THE VEHICLE STARTED SINCE THEN. WE WILL NOW HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK A SECOND TIME FOR A DOOR LOCK PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WILL HAVE TO ORDER THE PART TO DO REPAIR. THE GAS MILEAGE HAS BEEN LOWER THAN POSTED ON THE WINDOW STICKER.

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  what a deal - 1998 Mazda 626
  By bones - February 3 - 10:00 am

  bought 6 months ago from private seller. 1998 ES-V6 5 speed manual, 60k miles. have put 20,000 more on it since, have had no problems whatsover. It is quite fast, i guess about 7.5 seconds to 60mph. runs right with preludes, eclipses, other little 4 cylinders... great fun. the only ford parts i see are the cruise control, and some minor engine control systems. no big deal. dont know about manual tranny, but it works fine. dealer says engine/tranny combo "bulletproof" compared to other mazdas so i expect near toyota-like reliability to continue

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  Stands out from the crowd - 2006 Mazda MPV
  By slickdealer - February 1 - 11:43 am

  Ive only owned this vehicle for 4 months but so far, its been great. I love the size. Its not a tank (aka Odyssey/Sienna). I also like having a vehicle that isnt on every corner. The MPV really stands out from the crowd. Took it on a long trip this summer and it performed flawlessly. The interior doesnt have that cheap quality feel that some cars have. It feels solid.

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  Love the new 2014 CX5 Grand Touring with a few exceptions - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By nrgxmsn - January 31 - 5:44 pm

  This care was a very pleasent surprise. I was set on a Honda CRV and after a test drive it was a little better than average. Also test drove a Suburu Forester and it was below average with basic interior frills. Never test drove the Rav4 because its ugly cowhide dashboard. Wasnt considering a Mazda but after looking at it, it looked rich and classy, the interior was above all the others lots of frills, but the ride was amazing very steady going around turns like a race car. Test drove a 2013 and it appeared light on HP but not the 2014 no longer an issue. The gas mileage is better than my previous car a Honda CRV.

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  great car - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By decerce - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Fun great car no problems

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  Lovely but not trouble-free - 2004 Mazda MPV
  By val222 - January 31 - 10:00 am

  We have 2003 ES model. Fun to drive and perfectly capable of hauling a family of 5 with all the cargo. Best handling and extremely goof-looking interior. Reliability is questionable - we had tranny replaced on a long trip when the car stalled on a highway at 7pm in December. Had to spend 3 days in upstate NY on our way to Florida while waiting for the replacement (at Mazdas expense). Electric doors frequently malfunction.