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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  Top selling sports car - 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By bmoman - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Classic roadster, very nimble. Lacks power, but release of turbocharged MazdaSpeed will fill void. Or additional horsepower is readily available through aftermarket supercharger or turbocharger installation.

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  2005 Tribute S - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By VN - February 4 - 10:00 am

  At 900 miles, the emission light illuminated and stays on. The dealer had to replace the sensor. Alignment was also needed because the truck was pulling to the right. Dealer fixed that but they had to increase the Caster/Camper to +0.01 which made the truck steering stiffer/heavier than first bought it which took some fun away from driving the Tribute. Wind and road noise are pretty bad over 50Miles/hour. And it is loud and bouncy over bumps. The dealer gave me the Ford F150 while my truck was in the shop and surprisingly; the F150 was much quieter and smoother over bumps. It is also a lot quitter than the Tribute at high speed.

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  An excellent small SUV - 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid
  By tas - February 4 - 8:30 am

  This has been an excellent choice of a vehicle. I test drove the Ford Escape version and, in comparison, the Mazda vehicle feels better appointed inside. I like the piano-black center console, it looks a lot better than the one in the Escape version of the vehicle. Do not buy the vehicle without the navigation package, the whole fun of driving a hybrid is checking your fuel economy!!! A must accessory is the HomeLink Mirror which is really inexpensive.

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  Solid Vehicle - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Trib Lover - February 3 - 1:43 pm

  I bought this vehicle new and have 112K miles on it. Overall, this vehicle has been solid, reliable and fun to drive. Other then routine maintenance, I have put very little money into repairs. Its great on long trips and in the city. Very versatile, comfortable and peppy! The only beef I have is the mileage. I average about 21 mpg combined. It seems like Im always at the gas station! I had no intention of keeping this vehicle for so long, but I have no good reason to get rid of it!

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  Fun Car. Fuel Economy no so fun. - 2016 Mazda CX-9
  By Scott - February 2 - 12:02 pm

  You cant go wrong with this car. It is fun to drive, looks good, and has a great interior. However, the fuel economy is not anywhere near advertised. To come even close to the stated highway fuel rating you need level ground, clear highway, and lock the cruise at 65mph. As soon as the turbo starts having to work the car drinks gas.

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  great for the price - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By et1penn - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Wow, i love this car. I origanaly owned a mazda Protge5 and realy enjoyed it but i always thought it could use a bit more zoom. Well this car has it, and the potential for much more. With the larger 2.3l dohc engine bringing 160hp and 150ft/lb of torque, its exactly what mazdas compact hatchback line needed.

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  Mazda Tribute 2008 - 2008 Mazda Tribute
  By Chicago - January 30 - 9:10 am

  I have had my new car for about 2 weeks now. I bought the black on black but had the dealer cover the white seats and dash with black leather. I love the drive and the comfort. It is a great suv without having to pay big bucks. A lot of room inside and very sharp dashboard design. I have the 6 cyl. There is a lot of pick up. Also very easy to handle on the road. I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend this midsize suv. Not sure on the gas mileage yet although we are taking a road trip in a couple of weeks.

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  Nice car with some problems - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Sean - January 29 - 6:16 pm

  Alternator went at 67,000 miles 400.00 to replace. Check engine light kept coming on. Some kind of problem with bank 1 whatever that means. The car finally kept stalling. The problem was a PCV Valve hose which the only way to change it is the intake manifold has to come off. Well the hose is 10.00 from Mazda but its 300.00 for labor. Also at 69,000 miles the tranny started slipping. Bottle of Lucas solved that. Its 3800 to replace tranny. Very nice car but has a lot of bugs

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  I just bought it but I already love it - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jeff - January 29 - 11:16 am

  People are so in love with their cars and with this car Im no exception. I bought a base "s" -- no options at all -- and it is still a lot of car! Power locks, windows, tilt and telescope wheel, keyless entry, GREAT stereo, etc. And the engine is fantastic. You really need to be in above 4k RPMs before it really kicks in, but that is pretty normal for all them 2ish liter 4 cylinders that get max power aroun 6-7k RPM. And when it kicks in it really kicks. Keeping it in third around town and in fourth on the highway keeps the RPMs at a very responsive level. etc. etc. Also its quite roomy by small car standards, but I wouldt take a long trip with large men in the back!

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  Disappointed - 2011 Mazda Mazda2
  By fww - January 28 - 8:01 pm

  I was wanting to buy a new car for my wife and we wanted a smaller car than the 96 Maxima and better gas mileage. We looked at Toyota Yaris, Prius C, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and the Mazda 2, as well as Ford Fiesta and Chevy Sonic. We ended up choosing the Mazda 2 because it and the Fit were the only 2 assembled in Japan. I wanted the Japanese quality. I am very upset with the dealership and not real happy with the car. Weve only had it for 5 weeks so maybe things will improve. I knew it was not a "road" car and after 2 hours in it my back was very sore. It does not get anywhere near the gas mileage they suggest and Ive always gotten more mileage than the window sticker says I should