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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  LOVE IT - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Vonda - May 24 - 5:53 pm

  My spouse showed up with this last week after our Exploder was on the way out. I was skeptical of a 4 cylinder being able to handle my driving. I absolutely love it. It handles tight and sporty, yet stable. It gets great gas mileage - I even got 28 last week on the highway. I wanted more seating, but this is exactly what I really needed for day to day driving with a family of four.

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  Zoom-Zoom? - 2008 Mazda CX-9
  By shailesh - May 24 - 3:10 am

  Bought this vehicle brand new from the dealership. The sales rep was extremely knowledgable about this vehicle. I added a remote starter, all weather mats, Lojack and rear cargo mat. The cargo cover cannot be installed due to remote closing gate. Mazda has done a superb job of putting this vehicle together, extensive list of accessories and safety features are standard in this particular model.The car is riding very well (only 200 miles so far!), sound system is unbelievable. The steering response for a crossover suv is excellent. The engine noise and the cabin noise is barely noticeable. Acceleration with the 273 hp engine is more then adequate. So far no complaints.

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  A Happy New Mazda Owner - 2014 Mazda CX-5
  By esslewis - May 23 - 9:09 pm

  I was looking very hard for a few months at the 2013 RAV4 and the Honda CRV. Something got my attention, though, with the Mazda CX-5, and I ended up buying the 2014 Grand Touring version, and I love the choice I made. Others have mentioned a higher than usual amount of road noise, but I don’t notice it, and you have to compromise something (in this case, heavier and thicker materials) to get such good gas mileage. All in all, it feels good to think that you got more car than you thought you could for the money spent, with features you didn’t think you could get, and that it’s such a strong performer in the safety and reliability department. One very happy Mazda owner here, so far.

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  2006 Mazda MAZDA5 - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By Five Speed - May 22 - 1:23 pm

  Its been a little over two years and 32000 miles. My biggest downsides have been the factory Toyo A18 tires, which are noisy and, allow too much wheelspin when wet. Also, it requires a "running start" up steep unpaved hills in North Carolina but its OK on the flat grounds of Florida, although wheelspin, when wet, is easy with stick shift models. The weight distribution is 56/44 with auto and 55/45 with manual. You wouldnt want a trailer with this little front bias.

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  Great vehicle! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By sjlemin - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Very roomy, great looking. Handles well on highway and in the city. Great vehicle for the money. This SUV drives more like a car. Smooth riding. Woule reccommend to anyone.

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  Ownership Rating - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Ed Philie - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I presently own a 2003 Tribute and I love it. The vehicle performs well in the snow. I live in New England and we get snow. Overall performance I would rate it a 98.5 % for fun & enjoyment of just riding.

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By CHILANGO - May 22 - 2:00 am

  THE TRIBUTE IS AN EXCELLENT SUV. GREAT EXTERIOR DESIGN AND NICE LOOKING INTERIOR WHEN REQUESTED IN LEATHER. DRIVES LIKE A CAR. HOWEVER IT DOES GIVE THE LONG RANGE MILES PER GALLON. SO IT IS A GREAT AND FUN CAR FOR A SMALL FAMILY. GREAT INTERIOR SPACE FOR A SMAL SUV.

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  A gorgeous sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By wilderness58 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a V6 5-speed with no options and since there are no such cars on any dealers lot, I had to order. But the wait was worth it. My lapis blue Mazda 6 is beautiful, handles like its on rails, and is quite fast above 3,000 RPM. If youre into performance and looks, you wont find any better sedan at $19,200.

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  Mazda6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By IceRef27 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  After I wrecked my 02 Maxima, I wanted another sport sedan that wouldnt break the bank like the Nissan.....this Mazda 6 is a worthy replacement. While the V- 6 lacks a little power (compared to some other cars in its class), it handles much more like a sports car than the Nissan ever did. The "fun-to- drive" factor is definitely high with the Mazda 6.

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  I love my Protege - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Fatima Oliveira - May 21 - 10:00 am

  For the price of the car, you are getting a great car compared to the sentra and the civic. It handles great. Great design on interior and exterior with lots of room.