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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  I love my Mazda Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By vp1618 - August 17 - 10:00 am

  After test driving several different SUV, I drove and feel in love with the Mazda Tribute. Great handling makes it feel like your driving a car with the the perks of an SUV. You wont be sorry with a Tribute!!

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  good - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By grinch - August 17 - 10:00 am

  just purchased i love it my wife is very happy she picked it out!!

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  2005 Mazda Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By anttoad - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I just recently purchased my Mazda Tribute and thoroughly enjoy every aspect of it. It is everything the salesman told me it would be. It is fun to drive and rides way better than I ever imaged it could. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone!!!

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  Great car - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By Sean - August 14 - 11:16 pm

  I was looking a sporty but practical car, and one that I could fit 4-5 adults along with a large dog (88 lb golden retriever) in the back. I have been very happy with my decision as it has overall been a great car. Fun to drive (manual), great handling/corning with 17" wheels, great in snow with winter tires & traction control and at 9K miles I have had no problems at all. Gas mileage is ok (26 mpg average) but would like to have smaller engine offered or other option on wagon to improve fuel economy for such a small car.

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  zoom zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By john - August 14 - 1:50 am

  I traded a Hyundai Elantra for the i6 4 cylinder and have been pleasantly surprised. It is fun to drive, has peppy acceleration, gets good mileage (28 mpg on a recent trip with three adults and luggage at 70-80 mph) and sticks to the road. My wife says it is nicest driving car she has ever driven. It is very quiet with a great stereo. Lots of room in the trunk. Back seat leg room is a little tight, and the interior fabrics are not the best. The A/C in extreme heat is marginal, with tinting of the windows works great. Added a satellite radio in the upper glove box and it is now a fabulous long distance road car. I would buy again.

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  Zoom-zoom - 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By sshpilot - August 13 - 2:20 pm

  1500 miles in 3 weeks, city and highway and I love it. An absolute joy to drive. My wife wanted an automatic and I was dead set against it. Everyone knows an auto saps the power and destroys the driving experience...not in this car. There is plenty of power and Ive come to really enjoy the paddle shift even though it took some getting used to.

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  Amazing little car! - 2000 Mazda Protege
  By sexylondonboi - August 13 - 11:26 am

  We bought our Mazda brand new off the lot. Our commute to work and back is nearly an hour each way and 9 mths out of the year is during the harsh canadian winter so we needed something that could stand up and be reliable. Our Mazda was nothing less then that. Being young drivers with our first car we werent quite aware of "regular scheduled maintance" - we just drove. Our car currently has 256,000 kms on it and the only thing we have replaced was the alternator last year. This car is amazing, its been in the ditch twice, hit a deer and yet the darn thing keeps on going. It is going in for its second tuneup of its lifetime this Thursday so we can get another 256000 from her

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  A beautiful and sophisticated SUV - 2010 Mazda CX-9
  By Terrific Car! - August 12 - 7:50 pm

  We have owned the car for just over 2 months and it so far has been a terrific automobile. The build, and performance is excellent and it seems to be far superior to our previous SUV, Ford Freestyle. When I first drove it I was in awe of its appearance, handling and performance. It is just a very beautiful SUV with a large WOW factor. I am glad I purchased it for my wife.

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  Great Little Car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Jack - August 12 - 2:26 pm

  Brought Mazda new and have never regretted it. Fun to drive and a sporty look even after 7 years - I think Mazda made a mistake with the new Proteges - my Progete5 looks better then the new updated versions. Price and reliability are first rate, with good gas mileage and great interior room. Only thing Ive replaced are the low profile tires - went up to 205 from 195 - does not change look and tires dont wear out - 195 are expensive to replace and dont wear well and are hard to find.

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  Wow!! A sport sedan with extra seats! - 2007 Mazda Mazda5
  By Raymond - August 11 - 8:16 pm

  Boy, was I hooked once behind the wheel and test-drove it. Unlike others who say its noisy and underpowered, I find it quiet on the freeway at 65 mph. Power is also adequate, get to 90+mph pretty easy. Boy, it has incredible handling ability, tight and sharp turns, takes any turns. Excellent braking ability and comes standard with side curtain airbags for all passengers. Boy, a lot of storage and storage for 2 laptops under the 2nd row seats! I am loving it! Turning circle is also small, parking lots parking is extremely easy. Fit my 26" road bicycle too!!!