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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  Sad Effort Mazda - 2009 Mazda RX-8
  By Colin - June 5 - 11:36 pm

  Disappointed, engine stalls. Also prone to flooding if you drive it for less than 40 minutes - not good news with inner city living needing you to shuffle parking spots. The final nail was a dropped rotor. Reported the performance drop off to Mazda, they "didnt find anything". Needed a full engine replacement, never again ... and then Mazda Australia comment of "no customer goodwill will be provided". Sure could try the legal route, but have not got the time.

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  ALMOST perfect - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By vman - June 5 - 3:40 am

  Great all around car. Handles like a dream (Volvo S40 underpinnings). Brakes like a roller coaster. Quick revving engine. Auto transmission is eager to downshift, sometimes too eager. Only gripes, no MP3 input and mileage from EPA overstated. If you are considering a Civic, Corolla or a Rabbit, get your head examined. They are a joke. If you are looking at a Civic Si, look at the MazdaSpeed 3. No comparing the two.

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  Happy with my fourth mazda - 1998 Mazda 626
  By D.Rathbun - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This 98 626 has never reqired any repairs except an ABS sensor @30K. It is a 5 speed manual which seems to be more reliable than the automatics. I change the oil every 3000 miles and keep up with scheduled services and have yet to have a hint of a problem. Im a little worried about the Ford connection as my well cared for Windstars engine blew up after 61,000 miles. The car has plenty of pep with the 5 speed and appears to be utterly reliable...more trouble free than my Honda accord which puts it in good company. It also handles well in snow and ice but will bog down in the really deep stuff.

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  Great size, good fuel efficiency - 2000 Mazda MPV
  By Alf - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Had a Windstar, found it too large and heavy; bought an MPV, found it just perfect for a family of four, who loves to travel.

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  my pretty car - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By emily - June 4 - 10:00 am

  i have had this car for a year and have never had any problems withit. it is very reliable, fun to drive and built well. i also like the features that came with it, like the alloy wheels and the tires.

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  Mazda!!! - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Yall - June 4 - 10:00 am

  its a good car!!!!! I really like it alot. cheap, but good car! Its awsome. Go buy it!!!!!

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  Having fun in a Tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Courtney9481 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have been satified with my Tribute. Overall its been a very comfortable drive. I LOVE the cargo space and the reclining seats in the back. The Premium Sound System with the 6 disc cd changer was worth the money. One minor problem that I have incurred was condensation that drips from the AC on top a steaming hot metal exhaust under the car constantly makes a sizzling noise when I turn the vehicle off. Dealer said that all Mazda Tributes do it so they refuse to touch it. Overall I gave it a pretty good rating!

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  Great car - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Tribute1 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Love it so far. Has the room and presence of a bigger SUV, but the driving performance of a sports car. Only 2 problems so far: 1.Steering pulled a little to the right, but the dealer readjusted it and it is better. 2. Impossible to keep the black dashboard looking clean.

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  Better than I imagined - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By spooky8 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I waited for 4 months, read every review, and I am surprised that it eclipsed my lofty expectations. I got 17 miles to the gallon on my first tank of gas, so I gave it a 9 on fuel economy, which was still better that I expected. Sat idleing a lot with people looking at it, so 9 probably did not do it justice. Perfewct in every way. 5 mile drive to work is to short, looking for another job in another town. Highly recommended if it fun and excitement your looking for in a car. Test drove and looked at many other while waiting for mine, glad I waited.

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  Zoom ZOOM.. love my CX-9 - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By Jas J. - June 3 - 7:20 pm

  I hesitatingly bought my first Mazda (CX-9) and I can honestly say it is one of the best purchases I have ever made. It looks and drives better than any other vehicle I have owned previously. Looked at highlander, pathfinder and pilot. This one seemed like a no brainer. Looks like a luxury vehicle, feels like a luxury vehicle without the hurt of the price tag.