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:

• 

  For drivers! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By gruvass - October 16 - 10:00 am

  We drove all the top rated minivans... and many times over. We love the luxury of the Sienna and the boldness of the Quest, but the driving experience of the MPV trumped them both. We call it our SUVan. Initially, I was stuck on "bigger is better" but the wife insisted on a tight handling, economical package that gave us great touring visibility and luxury and saved $4-6k. Our loaded ES doesnt miss a trick. Its ideal for a couple or family in an urban setting.

• 

  Nice little van - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By GRW - October 16 - 10:00 am

  My only complaint is the poor engineering of the shift lever. It is poorly placed and to long and obscures other controls when in drive. Plenty of power even though its engine is not as big as the Honda or Toyota.

• 

  Great little suv - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By UPSman63 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Really have enjoyed this Mazda Tribute..bought in Oct.2001...very peppy engine,stylish,handles like a sports car,seats 4 comfortably,plenty of room for luggage in back and on roof rack..only complaint is I wish it could carry more people..at least sit 6 instead of 5 but that is the only complaint I have..not had any trouble with this vehicle at all! A+++++!

• 

  Very Good Vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By LCA - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have over 15,000 Miles on this vehicle to date no problems only fun

• 

  Gret SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Birdman333 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Looked at over 10 different styles and makes from autos to SUVs. We settled on the Tribute because we were current Mazda owners of a 626 for 16 years and never had a major thig go wrong.

• 

  Enjoying This SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Lespoir - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2001 Honda Accord (whick was a wonderful car) for the Tribute as I needed the capacity of a SUV. So far all is good with this vehicle. The only exception is the gas mileage. I get barely 18 miles to the gallon. By the way you did not list 6Cyl 4Wheel Drive when driver wants to put vehicle into 4 wheel drive, otherwise it is front wheel drive.

• 

  Mazda Tribute LX 2x4 - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Edskie - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The Mazda Tribute is very fun to drive SUV, it handles more like a sports car then a truck and the engine is powerfull and refined. The styling has a more fun, sporty look to it compared to its Ford Escape counterpart, which by the way is everything the Mazada is except for more truck like styling.

• 

  A Satisfied Owner - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By MikkiB - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Owning this vehicle has been a really good experience. It has a great turning radius and it drives like a car not a truck.

• 

  I Love This SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By vjneighbors - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! I was drawn to it by the more stylish body lines than other SUVs, but am really happy with the performance and comfort. This is a beautiful, but functional vehicle. It offers a very large cargo area, and it is very easy to unload groceries, equipment, etc. from the rear. Gas mileage isnt the greatest, but the fun of owning and driving this car more than makes up for that. The fold-down seats are really convenient and easy to use.

• 

  rotor - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By TeddyNugz - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding.Smooth ride.Seat of the pants handling.Accelerates as if it had turbos.Im keepin this one in the family.