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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  Some problems to note, great interior - 2008 Mazda Mazda5
  By Chris1031 - December 9 - 9:30 am

  Great interior layout and having the various seating options. The seating work well with our children. Another pro has been the dual sliding doors, no need to worry about the children opening their doors and hitting another car. great gas mileage too! The cons of ownership of this car is that at 18,000 we needed to replace all 4 tires. Also, the bushings needed to be replaced as every time we went over a bump the car would squeak like it was 20 years old. The worst problem of all just happened last night. After 2 years of owning this car, I lost power steering suddenly while driving down the street - scary! Check out the TSB regarding steering.

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  Good value - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Karen - December 8 - 3:16 pm

  Nice car, good value and very comfortable. A couple of items not up to speed. Clothing hanger is poor and there is only one. The antenna must be removed with a wrench to go through a car wash. Pain in the behind. Otherwise, great for road trips and good mileage.

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  Love it! - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By A Chef - December 8 - 12:33 pm

  We looked at tons of crossovers & suvs in this price range - and for the money it doesnt get ANY better than this car. I almost went with the more expensive GMC Acadia but after driving this - the GMC felt like a tinker toy in comparison! This is a very well made, well appointed and stylish car. I am pleasantly surprised at the gas mileage. This is basically a luxury crossover for about $15k less than the volvo, lexus or cadillac counterparts. My husband and I are starting a family this year and he calls this my "sexy mom car" =)

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  Bad on mileage and power - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By biggun52 - December 8 - 5:13 am

  I first looked a the Escape and almost bought, but they did not budge for the price. I then went to Mazda and bought the cousin for $2,000 less. Great SUV until the AC is on, then I need someone for a push (No power). ROTTEN GAS MILEAGE, otherwise not bad.

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  2001 LS.... - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By reubenmc - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall this car has been what I expected. Lots of fun to drive. Not alot of money. Not too hard on the gas. A few problems: My clutch has deteriorated immensly. Shudders and stutters on Moderate effort starts in first few miles. Worse on wet or humid days, going to persue warranty. Some of door trim has come loose. Safety catch on roof latch stopped catching after 6 months(roof still stays closed but could accidently release). Factory tires lasted 25,000 miles (Bridgstone Turanzas). Seats are too soft in the lumbar area. Emergency Brake handle is a serious knee space intruder.

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  It DOES have the soul of a sports car - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Sports Car Addict - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have always had a sports car in my garage for the past 40 years, from MGs, TRs,V-12 E-Type Jags, Morgan +8 to the latest RX-7. When I needed an SUV I drove nearly all of them, but the Tribute is the only one I think is really FUN to drive plus high quality fit and finish. By the way, Im 6 7" tall and very comfortable in the Tribute...more than I can say for the sports cars!

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  Oh, Gee, It stalled? - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By UnHappy3 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  Our Tribute was in the Dealers shop for 63 days to repair the stalling problem. I was assured by Mazda H.Q. in Irvine, CA that the Tribute was fixed and there has not been any reoccurrences of Tributes that have had this repair done. Less than a month later my wife and child were again driving in the Tribute when it stalled exactly as it had done before the repair. In my opinion someone is going to die in one of these cars.

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  Xlnt SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By xvan053 - December 8 - 2:00 am

  The perfect SUV for those who want a good car-like ride with AWD and who dont need to climb mountains.

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  Japanese BMW, they werent kidding !!! - 2008 Mazda Mazda6
  By Rored - December 7 - 11:36 pm

  This is my first brand new car, I first drove a rental from Hertz and was impressed. The car has met and exceeded my expectations, Ive put on 24,000 miles and the car still drives like brand new, Ive driven cross country, in snow, on country roads, the car has never failed my expectations. The interior is classy, bose, sirius, and the controls are superb, I would take this anyday over the 2009. Th dealership and follow up experience was excellent, I dont think I could have asked for anything better for value. If there are any left and you are looking for a 4 door, this is the one to buy !!!

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  Great car, very satisfied - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By Saint Louis Driver - December 7 - 10:46 am

  Well I was looking for a new car, and I looked at at least 15 cars in the $14k-18k segment. I happened upon this little beauty and am very happy. I have the 2.0L iTouring model, and have had it for about a month. Its got about 2100 miles on it, at first I was getting 33- 34mpg, but after breaking it in some, I have got 37mpg on my last 2 fill-ups. Its very fun and sporty to drive, I put the performance at 8, because even though its faster than anything Ive previously owned, Im not naive enough to think it can outpower some of the more expensive vehicles out there on the road, although this thing has PLENTY of pep, believe you me.