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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  True Zoom - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By sydtron - August 29 - 8:16 am

  Going into my fifth year (at 92000 miles) with my 2005 Mazda6S GT, Im still enjoying the driver oriented experience baked into this car from day one. Only reliability issues Ive encountered are the headlights burning out and a strut bearing causing noise. Otherwise, taking good care to replace general maintenance items has kept the car in good working condition, and I dont baby the car. The relationship between driver and car, in regards to seating position, steering, throttle, and general feel is fantastic. Refinement could be better (2006+ models are noticeably more refined), but I enjoy this car every time I drive it. New sport shocks, springs, and larger rear sway added.

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  2 year review - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By bigbaby - August 28 - 5:53 pm

  its been almost 2 years with this car and I have nothing to complain about. Maybe on this one Im just lucky. It seems to ride and accelerate better with time. No problems at all! When lease is done in 5/08 I may just buy this puppy (although that Ford Edge is looking pretty good).

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Paul - August 28 - 12:13 pm

  You simply cannot go wrong with the Mazda 6i. Its hands down the best car Ive ever owned. I get over 30 mpg combined and the 4 cyl 160 hp engine has plenty of pep. I purchased the car off lease with 33K miles and now am close to 100K and have had only minor mechanical issue. The drive belt tensioner has gone bad twice (makes a rattle at low idle, common problem), it cost me $60 and 30 minutes of my time to replace both times. The O2 sensor went bad and it cost me $80 and 30 minutes of my time to replace. Oil changes are a snap and if you put Yokohama tires on this car it rides like a dream. My only complaint is the turning radius, its horrible. I can live with that minor annoyance

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  Fun Car to Drive - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Indyowner - August 28 - 10:06 am

  This is a fun car to drive, and it is reliable too! This car is especially fun on the highway. Just take it on an on ramp and you will know what I mean. The turning radius stinks because of wheel base, but that makes it handle better on long turns. I have the 5 speed automatic. They sell these for less than the Accords. Everyone told me to buy a Honda for the reliability, but I already know from experience that Hondas break down too (I own an older Accord). My advice, test drive it and see if you can get past the short turning radius. If you can, you will love to drive this car as it is a solid performer.

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  My MP5 - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By dlai0001 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The first few things I noticed is the the MP5 feels sportier, and for some reason I wanted to sit up straight. Given that, the interior felt really roomy. Definatly a lot of head room in all 5 seating positions. The bucket seats in the front feels like they are gripping you, reassuring you through turns. The 6spkr + sub stereo system was nice (even though woofer was weak), good compared to other stock sound systems. As for the downsides, I agree with the editor, but definatly a fun car until you fill it up with 5 people.

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  I am impressed!!! - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Marko69 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This has got to be the most fun on the road for the price. I can honestly say that I am not car rich and cash poor!! What a blast to drive and everyone seems to be envious when you tell them that you drive a Miata... unfortunatly up here in Canada it is only good for six months of the year. My other car is a Protegé5 and it is just as much fun to drive!!!

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  Good job Mazda - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By tassak - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Considered Sienna, and Odyssey finally decided on the MPV for many reasons. Its smaller size is perfect for big city traffic, drives more like a car, and the new beefier engine is outstanding. Would highly recommend it, especially over Sienna and Odyssey since the owners of those have been posting many problems they have had with poor Customer Support (a definite no no).Buy it, youll be amazed.

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  I love my Tribute!! - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By piazzafan - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Tribute. Ive owned it for over a year and have had no problems at all. It is a lot of fun to drive and looks great too. I also liked it better than the Ford Escape (the Escape has rubber on lower body instead of being painted). It has great power and brakes and tight steering. I would buy another one in a heartbeat!

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By steelerfan500 - August 27 - 9:13 pm

  I lovemy Mazda, so far I have not had a bit of trouble with it. I got a great deal on the 6 cyl. and it has excellent pickup. The only 2 mistakes I made is to buy a black vehicle and to get cloth seats (I have a child) but the car is great I have no complaints at all. If I had to list something it would be to get better gas mileage, currently I get 21 MPG in the city.

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  2002 Mazda Protege5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Susieq - August 27 - 8:10 pm

  Ive owned this car since 2003. So far no major work. Just oil and tune up and I have 196500 on it. Love that car and the way it drove. I say drove because the guy I was dating totaled it out. Im now looking for another car. Hoping to get one just like it. But I did have trouble with the headlights having to be replaced pretty frequently. I would recommend this car to young and old. Its fun and reliable.