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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  My Marvelous Miata - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By maggie518 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  A truly great car. Zippy, peppy, easy to drive, easy to love. Easy maintenance. I am the envy of my friends. Wouldnt drive anything else.

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  Had Ford Escape - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Dorfer - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I had a Ford Escape for 55,000 miles. Just traded for Mazda and like it better. Classier look and feel. Quieter. Several little extras included. Cheaper price, higher rebate, longer warranty.

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  Fun and Reliable - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Danjim - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Well-built & fun to drive. Reliable and stylish. The 16 gallon tank makes you keep an eye on the fuel gage always on the look out for the next station. Dealer tag says 25mpg on the highway and I have only been able to get 22.5 mpg wiht highway driving. It is great for getting 3 little girls to school, and dance. I can get them in and out easily.

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  Worth It - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By kkcaufield - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Have had the Tribute for one month - 1000 highway miles, 1000 local miles. Great Highway Mielage - local mielage is okay and is as advertised - its an SUV, remember? NO PROBLEMS! Love It! Compared it with Escape - seems to corner better, and handle better (dont know why). Being a Mazda, it should hold its value better than Escape. Buying experience was better than the Ford Dealership.

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  RX FOR EXCITEMENT - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By RXCITE - February 8 - 2:00 am

  We need better fuel economy! My 91 MR-2 Turbo gets better than the RX - 21 MPG. Rear seat is great for a 56 person but no taller with me at 61. I can not wait until someone comes out with a supercharger or turbo for this moderate 238 HP 215 torq dream car. The handeling is great if not true to a sports car handeling. Looks are its forte, smooth and unique. I would buy again if I had the choice.

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  Having fun with the RX8 - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By Oregonbeav - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car. It handles great and fits me like a glove. I highly recommend this 4-door coupe.

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  Good Looking Mazda 3 - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By Yehanxue - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Just bought a new mazda 3. Nice car, but cheap

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  Most reliable car I ever bought - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By idahogal - February 6 - 11:45 pm

  I bought my Mazda6 new in 2006 and have been really happy with it. I commute 60 miles a day round trip and have never had it in the shop for anything other than regular maintanence. The only minor thing that was ever wrong with it was a missalignment of the window washer fluid jets. It has never left me stranded, never has made any weird sounds and is really quite fun to drive. I just got it detailed, waxed and the headlights buffed and people at work think the car still looks brand new. The body style is still so current, I dont know if it will ever be outdated. I am so glad that I made the choice to buy Mazda.

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  Still Happy with Mazda Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By - February 6 - 10:00 am

  It has been almost a year already and I am still happy with the Tribute. I had only minor warranty work done so far. Like the rubber coming loose in the dashboard and the sagging headliner, both were fix with no problem afterward.

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  Still Happy with Mazda Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Chuck 1 - February 6 - 10:00 am

  It has been almost a year already and I am still happy with the Tribute. I had only minor warranty work done so far. Like the rubber coming loose in the dashboard and the sagging headliner, both were fix with no problem afterward.