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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  Im Grinnin - 2010 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
  By Bigmac - October 17 - 6:16 am

  Had the car a little over two months and nearly 3,000 miles. The car had all the prerequisites I wanted. Fun to drive, safe, reliable (hopefully) and practical. I live in West Virginia with an abundance of mountain roads. The car is blast to drive. There is a learning curve to handle the torque steer and notchy gearbox, plus the clutch is tricky to modulate. The highway ride is not too noisy or rough for my tastes. Love the car.

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  Excellent - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By lastwgn - October 15 - 5:13 pm

  Traded a Sable wagon for the Tribute and couldnt be more pleased. With three kids age 8 to 15, we were concerned about the middle seat. Not a problem at all. Excellent rear seat room, good cargo space, and the mileage has been adequate at 18.5 mpg for in town driving. When you first look at the Tribute, it seems very small on the outside, but it is somehow packaged just right to provide maximum inside space, and the trim exterior helps make this car an absolute blast to drive. It really does have the soul of a sports car.

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  Going Strong 125k - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By tannerrocks - October 12 - 1:47 pm

  This is the second Mazda I have owned; but this one has been the best car I have ever had thus far. I have had five cars in my life. I have replaced brackes, had some suspension work done (tie rods etc); but having had it since it was brand new I find it stellar. I dont off road with this; I drive on roads only. I travel with it almost annually; and it is our primary car on weekends so I average about 14k a year. I am very disappointed with the newer designs; if i wanted a Jeep I would buy a Jeep; not a Mazda look alike. I am replacing the stereo this year by choice so I can keep driving this one for many more miles.

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  Katies Review - 1999 Mazda Protege
  By Katiemarie791 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Great Car! i am a 17 year old who just needed some wheels to get me to school, work, etc. and the mazda is perfect for me!

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  Love This Car - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By pkw - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Love this car. Had the RX-7 growing up. Now into the new generation. This car was designed for me. Can afford a third car, wanted a sports car, but have a family. I would never get to use a two seater. The suicide rear doors make this a dream come true. My kidds love ridding to school in this and showing off too their friends. I would recomend it highlly. Few minor details that Iwould change...a bit cheese inside glove boxes (plasticy)

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  Perfect family car - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Family of 4 - October 11 - 7:46 am

  Excellent Car. Have a family of 4 and needed the extra row in case we drove family and or friends. The kids love the sliding doors, and the storage under the seats. My wife and I love the excellent gas mileage. It is easy to drive - perfect for around town. Turns on a dime and has plenty of zoom. The other night I helped a friend move two couches - no problem with the seats down. Interior space is surprisingly large. With the 3rd row seats up, you have plenty of room for groceries. This car is perfect for a family watching their money.

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  A Fun Wagon - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Bill Carr - October 4 - 8:06 pm

  Have put on 2,700 miles in the past several months. Very much enjoy this car. You can get a surprising large amount of stuff in this thing!

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  Zooming 6S - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By Greg - October 4 - 6:50 pm

  Overall, love the car. Wish it had more torque but Mazda did what it could with that Ford motor. It revs surprisingly well and is not as course as you would think of it. Some of the interior also shows Ford cutting costs but like the design very much. There are a lot of little things I would like to change but every time I drive it, I forget about them.

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  wow - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By BW - October 3 - 10:06 am

  This is the best small car out there. After driving a Toyota Matrix and Mazda3 back to back I bought the 3 on the spot. This car is fun. I love the stereo, the interior, and the 17" wheels. Handles like a dream and my bike fits in the back.

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  Dangerous Gauges - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By jackkala - October 1 - 9:33 am

  Speedometer gauge is in beautiful gauge cluster. Unfortunately speedometer is recessed so far and covered by shadow, it is impossible to read at speeds up to 50 mph. It can be read only by bending down deep and losing view of the road. There should be a recall and improvement. This situation is so dangerous, I intend to notify the TSB.