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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  Zoom Zoom for sure - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Grose81 - December 27 - 1:56 am

  Having driven a ford escort (mazda SOHC engine) I wasnt accustomed to the PU. Beware, the motor hums in 5 gear from 35 to 80 mph. I literally touch the gas pedal and I get great response. So Zoom- zoom is real, beware. Keep it at or around posted speed. Speaking of Speed, I cant imagine dealing the Speed option with 260 hp, hello speeding tickets. Speed too fast unless your dealing with open highway.

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  Awesome!!! - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By DrSpongklong - December 26 - 8:13 pm

  Awesome vehicle. Un-minivan minivan. Sporty yet practical. Beautifully built yet affordable. Perfect size for small family. Power is just adequate. Very good suspension, quiet and very fun to drive. Made in Japan so it should be reliable.

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  Protege steps to the plate. - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Chuckie - December 26 - 10:00 am

  The Protege needed a face lift. Here it is! Civics were murdering the market but now it seems Mazda has something to compete with. This youthful vehicle drives smooth and comfortably with room for five. The appeal is not only to the low income single home family. It appeals to all who have ideals of street racing or the savy to drive through town screaming "Hey look at me! Sexy as I wanna be." Young adults as well as older individuals feel spirited when they get behind the wheel. Mazda hit a homerun this year.

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  Too much fun to give up - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By GlfrDoc - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I have been trying to force myself to think about retiring my miata to pick up a more practical BMW 530i. Heck, I only use this car from April-October. But, those are some fun months with the Miata. It is quick, nimble and fun to drive. You cant drive anywhere without someone yelling out "Nice car." Even on a cool day, you can still take down the top and crank the heat to enjoy the experience.

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  All I hoped For in SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Iowa Tribute Fan - December 26 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I test drove several SUVs - Liberty, Xterra, Escape, Santa Fe, Vue, Montero Sport. We felt the Tribute was easily the best overall. Its roomy, has plenty of power, comfortable ride for an SUV, reasonably quite on the road, and looks great. Gas mileage is descent for a 200 HP V6. Been averaqing 18-19 in city driving so far in just 1500 miles. Like everyone else, our only complaint is that gear shifter partially blocks volume on radio when in drive. However, Ive already found myself reaching around it without thinking about it. This vehicle really is fun to drive. I can tell a lot of people take a good look at it on the road.

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  Its really a FORD - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Monica - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Tribute in February 2002 and had to take it in 5 weeks/1800 miles later. They found a leak in a seal in the transmission and corrected it. However, my car still bucks, spits, amd misses to this very day. I have taken it back three times and the dealership has told me they all run this way and nothing is wrong. I am meeting with a factory rep next week and if that doesnt resolve the issue, I will be pursuing the lemon law. I doubt that I will ever buy another Mazda again, especially since Ford has started putting their parts in them.

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  6i Sports Sedan w/Auto - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By jzoom - December 25 - 9:26 pm

  Great overall package. Sporty, roomy, economical and really fun to drive. Equipped with all options, it compares to the 2 Millenias I had previously. I highly recommend this car!

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  LUXURY VALUE STYLE - 2002 Mazda Millenia
  By MARK BETTERLY - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Ived owned my Mazda for just a few months and I love to show it off. I got a great deal which made me apprehensive but the more I drive it the better I feel about my decision. I looked at acura, the avalon and infinity, I saved thousands. Ill admit this is my second Mazda, the last one was so reliable and the dealers services were so professional I had to go back, atleast to look. Yup they got me and I couldnt be happier.

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  Our favorite van - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Bobaran - December 25 - 2:00 am

  We looked for over a year researching and driving vans, basically waiting for the right deal to come around. If price was not a consideration we would have gone with the Mazda. It just so happened that we got 0% and dealer invoice so we got our dream van, no settling for a Caravan.

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  Mazdas comeback!!! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By jammocaz - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with this vehicle. I got a great deal! I am so glad mazda set the pace for others to follow!(hatchback market) The competition is stiff but mazda comes out a notch ahead!