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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  In sum: great value. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By zoom-zoom baby - January 28 - 1:53 am

  The good: Fun to drive. Good driving visibility. Roomy. Rugged. Good looking SUV. Easy to maneuver in the city. Comfortable when taking road trips. Sufficient power for most needs. The bad: MPG. Another couple of miles per gallon would make me feel better. With the second row seat folded down the center console will not open fully. Duh. Cupholders dont accommodate various sizes and heights. Tall drinks next to the center console latch wont fit and is in the way of your arm resting on the console lid. Further, two cups are tough to hold at the same time. I find 20 oz cups/12 oz cans work best. Drop something between the seats, good luck getting it out! Need more places to store stuff.

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  Engine problems - 2009 Mazda Mazda5
  By cosmin - January 27 - 9:20 pm

  I am totally disappointed about 2.3 L engine . Ive done 12,000 km and before to go to second service I just notice the fact that the oil level was very low. Folks please check the oil level after oil replacement and sometime after next 4000 km . Mazda engine is huge on oil consumption . As soon as you pass the warranty around 100,000 be prepare for orange check engine light to go off. The service manager told me that this is normal! O lord Have mercy! End the guy is still a service manager! Brand new engine taking 1 liter of oil every 5000 km. Guys, take a second thought before to buy this car.

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  CX7 Review - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By ckkoehler007 - January 25 - 10:06 pm

  Fast car, but loud while driving, can hear the road and anything that hit the inside wheel well. Sometimes it is uncomfortable. Kinda low to the ground. Not like a regular SUV. Very sporty and fun to drive but more like a sports car. Love the transmission, the ability to choose automatic vs. gears. Turns on a dime, very tight steering. rooming back seat. but small area in back. Traction control is good too.

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  Great little SUV - even after 120K! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By wbzcourt - January 25 - 3:11 pm

  I am sad to say that I recently totaled my tribute and am now shopping for a new one. I bought my 03 used with 25k miles on it. I was super impressed with its reliability in the 6 years I owned it. Bought new tires once. Major tuneup before a trip at 100k. Other than that - just oil changes. Ran perfectly. It did have some wind noise which was slightly annoying, but certainly tolerable. Other than that, no complaints. It was the perfect size for our family of four..not too big, not too small. Pretty good mpg. And super fun to drive..very peppy lil guy! Ill miss my trib!

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  Indy is reliable - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By conemaugh - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Indy was purchased on the 4th of July and I havent stopped smiling from the first day I drove it off the dealers lot. I did add a German horn to replace the tin sounding original equipment horn and recently replaced the interior mirror witn an electronic dimming mirror that displays current temperature and driving direction. Otherwise, Indy is original equipment. In summary, for the money, the Mazda Miata is a best buy and is as much fun to drive as any sports car three to four times its price.

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  Only 3 flaws - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By webjock - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Fun, like a car. Not as peppy as it seems, but still a potent 200 hp. Sits high off the ground with no fear of rollover. Corners and steers well, lots of hand grips throughout the cabin for rough terrain. 3 flaws: 1-Move shifter to floor--too easy to knock the Bute out of gear reaching for the radio. 2- Interior molding comes loose easily. 3- At highway speed, we had sudden power failure...no steering / brakes...engine died...scary! Mazda says most Butes do this, yet theres been no recall! Unacceptable! Nonetheless a satisfying ride. Worth a close look in the small to mid-sized SUV class.

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  not by choice, but over the miles you go - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By maria12 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  like title says this was not by my choice -- i personally liked another products style a lot better but... when "hes" buying cant really complain lol -- this is as stated fun to drive in city and looks nice but is it durable enough with all the leather and luxurys of top of line to stand the tough terrain that i would like to do on weekend getaways????? that is get it home and washed and waxed and detailed before he finds out i was stuck in the mud puddle on top of a mountain? lol time will tell ill let you know lol but yes i like it and get complimented on it a lot -- some even think its a mercedes lol (what will they think of next??? lol )

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  After 16000+ miles - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By J. Melvin - January 16 - 3:43 am

  Understood that fuel economy was not a plus. This is overshadowed by the sheer pleasure of driving. Had to replace motor mounts after 10,000+ - miles. A/C a little weak for Texas climate. Wheels cannot withstand extended bumpy roads without bending. Rear glass should open with trunk (ala RX-7).

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  A good value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Steve - January 15 - 6:00 pm

  I have only has the car a short time, but I am overall impressed. Good features for a compact car. I traded in a 2004 Acura TL because of financial reasons, and dont feel like I have given up a lot. I got the NAVI and Bose. I would like to be able to play MP3 CDs, but got the cassette deck to use an adapter for my iPod. Works fine. Much better utility than the TL. My complaints are lack of dead pedal, mats are lousy, and the brake and accelerator are a bit too close. I find the left side of my right foot hitting the brake when I put my foot on the gas or take it off. My TL had great cupholders (seems silly, but used every day, right?), but these are good too.

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  Youll forget about that weird grille - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By xyz - January 15 - 10:00 am

  When you drive this car because your own grin and the feel of this car will remind you why you like to drive. 1) yes, the previous speed3s were better looking, but much harsher. 2) the pull from the turbo is great from 3500 to 5500 rpm. 3) torque steer exists, but not much more than a maximas, and can truly add to the fun. 4) well put-together, with great shifting, suspension and steering! Had a Volvo v70r (300 hp turbo) that was super-clunky, expensive, and both raw and numb in comparison. 5) hatchback design is very useful. In conclusion, does this middle-aged guy look a little unconventional driving such a silly looking car? Probably, but what fun, utility, economy, reliability and fun!