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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  Visibility driving/Acceleration/Cargo - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mike - August 6 - 5:43 pm

  NOTE: Vehicle is less than one month old. My issues may stem from being the owner of a new, small car -- having switched from a 2 door coupe, larger American vehicle to this new small, economical car. Front visibility is very good, but side (from 2nd row seats back) and rear visibility is not. Large pillars in rear near hatch make for small windows. That, coupled with tall headrests, makes seeing other cars while changing lanes a hit or miss proposition. Acceleration is somewhat sluggish before vehicle warms up. Also, there seems to be some sluggishness when vehicle changes gears. Cargo space is pretty good when rear seats are folded flat. W/ seats up, cargo space is limited

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  Fun car to drive but too many issues. - 2008 Mazda CX-7
  By colgezgini - August 6 - 4:21 am

  I will edit this review with details; in a nut shell, it is very fun to drive, good steering and suspension response on all kind of roads. It is agile and has road holding that is better than all of its rivals. Its brakes are also impressive and despite they are little difficult to dose, stopping distance is beautiful. I am 67" and I fit inside comfortably. Actually, I have a friend who owns an BMW X6 and a 2010 CX-7 and he likes dynamics of CX-7 more than X6. His words are "CX-7 is like extension of my body, obeys all my orders perfectly".

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  As Good as The Best - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By jim - August 5 - 6:53 am

  I have been looking for an entry level luxury car for several months. My problem is that every time I test drive an Acura TL, Infinity G35, BMWi, I get back into my Mazda and say "big deal". My two year old Mazda drives just as good as the luxury cars and after two years it still drives as quiet and firm as the day I bought it. The only exception has been the Lexus 330, but this car is deliberately not billed as a sports sedan so it does have a quieter and softer ride. P.S. The exterior styling of the Mazda it still as good as any of the luxury sports sedans.

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  First time Mazda owner update - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Judy H. - July 31 - 6:30 am

  I am writing an update to my review of 4 years ago. I still really like my Tribute, and would probably buy another one. Done all routine maintenance and have had no mechanical issues (knock on wood) and hope it continues that way.

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  You get more than you pay for - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Brian - July 29 - 5:40 am

  I bought the Tribute almost one year ago for under $12K with 55K miles on it. It is not perfect. Wind noise is bad on the highway and the shifter is annoying, but everyone is amazed when I tell them what I paid. It has a superb engine and transmission, handles great (better than my old Saturn coupe), and looks good. It is not a luxury vehicle, but it is a great car. I have not had any of the problems listed below like the door leather peeling. I was a little worried by all the Ford parts. I would prefer Mazda to build it on their own, but people looking for relatively cheap SUVs with awesome performance cant be too picky. If you get it at a good price, buying the Tribute is a no brainer.

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  Nice small SUV , handles like a car - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By GeorgeP - July 26 - 2:50 am

  I got the stripped down manual transmission version, so no ranting here about useless options. It has held up well now after 3 years. No real rusting yet on the sheet metal. Some of the interior has a cheap plasticy feel, the handling is good on corners, does not want to flip like some SUVs. Motor is a bit underpowered on the 2.3L motor, feels like a 2.0L motor in a SUV. Decent build and design otherwise.

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  would not buy agin - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By c reese - July 26 - 12:33 am

  my car is a 2007 cx7 the air compressor went out which also caused2 pullers to have to be replaced. no one has a compressor and i can not drive the car. i find this very strange because the car will not run. so i am stuck with a car note, plus an additional cost of transportation and a repair bill. there ii a problem with these cars and there is no recall on them.

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  My CX-7 experience after 2 years - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By somewhathappyCXowner - July 24 - 11:13 pm

  I love the way the CX-7 drives, when I got the junky stock tires off and upsized to 255/55/18 the ride not only got quieter but less crashy. Handling grip increased big time as well.. Next, the A/C compressor is a wide-spread issue and Ive come in contact with it as well. It effects all 2007 models and some 2008s. When it happened to me I immediately had to stop driving the car, driving it any further will cause damage to it. Otherwise, my CX-7 has been mostly problem free for 52,000 miles. Nothing wrong with the turbo or the engine. Usually complaints online are far more concentrated than the actual problem itself and thats what Ive discovered personally..

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  cruise and gas problems - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By rich186 - July 23 - 8:05 pm

  Bought the car last May, Great til Aug. On a trip when cruise went from 2400 to 6000 rpm. Happened 4 times. Thought the engine was going to blow. Highway gas mileage went from low 30s to upper 20s. Since 1-1-13 have avg. 31 in the city and 29 on hwy trips. Mazda says there is nothing wrong with the car. I live where its flat. Cruise goes into passing gear when going up the slightest incline. Again Mazda says thats normal and its saving gas by doing that. Service manager told me today that mpg hwy is only good up to 60. After that your mpg will decrease. Sky inactiv tech. Am going to try to see if Mazda USA can help but I guess it will be like hitting my head against a wall.

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  Great for a young new driver or....... - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By Rachel - July 17 - 5:10 pm

  This car is great for a new young driver or a senior citizen. It is not fast, its great on gas, and it has a great look. Ive had this car for over a year now. Its an "ok" car. My dad bought it for me cause my other car broke down. I never really fell in love with it, but it got me where I wanted/needed to go. If you want speed, dont get this car. If you want luxury, this Is not your car. If you want a comfortable ride, this isnt your ride. But if you want a economy car this is your car! I recommend it for teens and senior citizens.