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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  Beauty & the BEAST - 2000 Mazda Millenia
  By JonathanA - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Millenia in March of 2002 and ever since Ive had nothing but troubles with the car. Since March 2002 I am in dealership twice a month. The master brake cylinder went in 3- months owning car, driver side mirror motor bad, the rear struts was replaced, door not closeing properly, ignition switch malfunction car not starting, transmission regulator malfunctions cant make mind up, wires and plug are bad and needs replacing,my rear window defoster cracked and entire rear windshield was replaced, driver seat rear panels fall off, fog lights needs adjusting every 2-months, paint is cracking all over and April 2003 my transmission went.

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  Good to go! - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By LPC - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Good power if you rev it. Electronically limited to 90 mph (3500 rpm). Great mileage (24-30 thus far), tows adequately for 4 cyl. Decent stereo, good ABS. Got it for $12,300 (tax included) w/SE-5 package, bedliner, CD,

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  Perfect - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By rwantin - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I am not entirely sure this much fun (especially handling), looks, usefulness, and quality can be found anywhere at this (or even a bit higher) price. I love this car!

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  SUV? What is that? - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By Denny - June 8 - 10:00 am

  We bought our MPV last October after transporting a family of four around in a sedan and then a grand cherokee there is absolutely no comparison. No wonder minivans are so popular. Acceleration onto the highway is a rush. Handling and visibility are impeccable. The kids love the windows that roll down in the back and the option of side-by- slide depending on who is sitting next to them in the second row. And dont forget the fun option of flipping up the back hatch, flipping over the back seat and watching the kids games comfortably in your third row seat as you face the field. SUV vs. MPV? MPV wins hands-down.

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  The best - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By Judy Petrozzelli - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Ive never owned a Mazda before but so far I love this van. Its perfect because its not to big and it drives like a regular car yet it has the room for seven passangers. It has a beautiful exterior and the driving is very smooth. My husband and I did a lot of research and chose the MPV because of its ratings.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2003 Tribute a month ago and I absolutely love it!!!!! It handles exceptionally well. Visibility is great!!! It has plenty of room and I love the sound system. I would definetely recommend this vehicle to anyone that is looking for a stylish, comfortable and reliable SUV.

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  Looks great and works bad - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By bob forman - June 7 - 9:00 am

  This call has been towed to the dealer at least 10 times. There is a definite flaw in the design of the engine.Its failure to start especially in cold weather is frustrating. Although the handling is superior to any car I have owned, for a sports car this car is way to sluggish. I do have an automatic transmission. I am sorry I did not get the Nissan Z instead of this rattle machine

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  Having fun with my CX-7 - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By FlaZoomy - June 7 - 1:26 am

  After almost a year with this SUV, Ive been very pleased. No major problems only a few recalls and TSBs to improve drivability. I love the unique styling through out. Maybe gets mistaken for a Lexus RX. Gas mileage is not great, I average around 19 in town and 22 on the road cruising around 75 mph. The interior styling is good but the need to improve the cheap looking plastics.

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  Glad to own Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By JOHN DALEY - June 6 - 8:00 pm

  Love to drive this vehicle. Some minor disappointments. Did you ever pick up clothes from the cleaner and not have a hook to put them on. The MPG stinks. Mostly highway only gets 18.5. But that said, the tribute is nimble, responsive to quick stops and turns and looks like a million bucks. The dealer even sent a birthday card. Now thats class.

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  Soccer mom has got some go! - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By kirk - June 5 - 11:40 pm

  Im 12 so I thought Id give my Idea of this van. My mom found a brand new MPV; it was a 2003. So far we have found some cons on this. One positive is it has the power to pass a Ford Expedition or a Chevy Suburban and my dads Mercedes Benz for that matter. Some problems are that for what ever reason it sucks gas! The dealer cant seem to describe what the van does but it does this thing were when you put it in gear the tranny clunks, shaking the van. It doesnt really do that though, only when its hot.