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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  Best in class mid-sized sedan - 2014 Mazda Mazda6
  By greg16891 - March 11 - 11:19 am

  After placing an order in March of 13, I got my vehicle in August and I now have 16K trouble free miles on it. After reading virtually all of the available reviews on affordable mid sized sedans and driving those that I was willing to consider (Honda, Toyota, Chevy, Hyundai and Subaru), buying a 6 was an easy decision. The car has met all of my expectations for a fun to drive sedan that gets solid gas mileage and that does not look like everything else on the road.

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  No Magic Minivan Bullet - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By J-Dog - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I like its maneuverable size, with good brakes and good steering feel. Overall, it has a nice interior (with a few ergonomic miscues) and seems well thoughtout. Nevertheless, it is far from a drivers car. It lacks enough engine power when loaded. The suspension has too much impact harshness at recommended tire psi. I have had two warranty repairs (cooling system,A/C)and 2 issues that were the subject of TSBs(transmission, brake clunk)in less than one year. I expected more from a Japanese brand with an ostensible reputation for quality. Fuel economy is poor for a 3.0 liter V-6.

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  LUV this SUV - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By plinard - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Love to drive this little beauty. Very comfortable downsize from my van. Sporty and good milage for engine size. Comfortable for two of the teens in our house but wouldnt want all three in the back at the same time. Great stereo upgrade package and cargo tray. Fun car.

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  MAzda - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Mfbosch - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. Seats are a little stiff but everything else overcompensates for it. Very sporty, handles well.

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  DPBSRATING - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By DEBORAH BELL - March 11 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS AGREAT FUN CAR WHICH WONT BREAK THE WALLET.

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  My Tribute withstood a 50MPH rear-ending - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Law girl - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I have been very pleased with the purchase of this vehicle, and this month I was really impressed. I was rear-ended on the freeway by a driver going about 50 MPH and my Tribute held up beautifully. Only a slight crack in the bumper. The other car was totalled. Good job to Mazda!

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  Zoom-Zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By kurumaas - March 11 - 10:00 am

  If you enjoy driving through mountain roads at high speeds, this is the car for you!! What a thrill it is to power this machine up the hills and through the turns.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Floating Dragon - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Not too hot on gas mileage but otherwise a great car.

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  I almost bought a Matrix too - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Tom Waits - March 11 - 10:00 am

  The interior is better than anything else in its class. The engine has plenty of power, and still good mileage. The base model of the 5 door is packed with standard features like cruise, tilt, 17 inch wheels, and CD. The only thing I liked better in the Toyota Matrix was rear seat leg room, and its slightly cheaper.

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  The best ever - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Frank Ortiz - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Interior & exterior design Mazda did what every cool person has been doing to their cars for year, You really have to try really hard to make the Mazda 3S look better than it already looks. These guys are genius