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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  Ownership Rating - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Ed Philie - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I presently own a 2003 Tribute and I love it. The vehicle performs well in the snow. I live in New England and we get snow. Overall performance I would rate it a 98.5 % for fun & enjoyment of just riding.

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By CHILANGO - May 22 - 2:00 am

  THE TRIBUTE IS AN EXCELLENT SUV. GREAT EXTERIOR DESIGN AND NICE LOOKING INTERIOR WHEN REQUESTED IN LEATHER. DRIVES LIKE A CAR. HOWEVER IT DOES GIVE THE LONG RANGE MILES PER GALLON. SO IT IS A GREAT AND FUN CAR FOR A SMALL FAMILY. GREAT INTERIOR SPACE FOR A SMAL SUV.

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  A gorgeous sedan - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By wilderness58 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I wanted a V6 5-speed with no options and since there are no such cars on any dealers lot, I had to order. But the wait was worth it. My lapis blue Mazda 6 is beautiful, handles like its on rails, and is quite fast above 3,000 RPM. If youre into performance and looks, you wont find any better sedan at $19,200.

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  Mazda6 - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By IceRef27 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  After I wrecked my 02 Maxima, I wanted another sport sedan that wouldnt break the bank like the Nissan.....this Mazda 6 is a worthy replacement. While the V- 6 lacks a little power (compared to some other cars in its class), it handles much more like a sports car than the Nissan ever did. The "fun-to- drive" factor is definitely high with the Mazda 6.

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  Slip joint problem and pulsating brakes - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By Ariel - May 21 - 6:13 pm

  Purchased car Dec. 08, Feb 09 -to dealer for knocking noise when turning, car inspected, nothing found. Noise continued, May 09 to dealer for knocking noise when turning and pulsating brakes. Valiant grease to steering column shaft. Breaks inspected, no issue. Noted some improvement with turning noise. Returned 6/3 for both issues continued. Replaced steering column, excessive movement in the slip joint used for steering wheel adjustment. Informed had same problem with older Mazda 6 and grease worked, but not 09. Replace the front rotors for customer satisfaction and at 14,950 machined back rotors. Not impressed with the continuing issues only 6 mo. car. If continues will pursue lemon law.

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  RX8 - Unreliable Gas Guzzler - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By martinD - May 21 - 4:36 pm

  Very poor gas mileage. On hot days, I often need to switch off the AC just to get it to move from the lights. Tires were shot after 16,000 miles and so expensive. Heating is very poor at the feet.

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  Our fun car - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By djml01miata - May 21 - 1:43 pm

  Always read about how fun Miatas were to drive, so just bought a 7 year old 01. People think it is brand new until they see 106K on the odometer. We drive Lexus for comfort but the Miata is just plain fun. Until we add on to the garage the "comfort car" will sit outside. My wife is into this as much as I am, even planning a long road trip just to spend more time in it.

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  I love my Protege - 2001 Mazda Protege
  By Fatima Oliveira - May 21 - 10:00 am

  For the price of the car, you are getting a great car compared to the sentra and the civic. It handles great. Great design on interior and exterior with lots of room.

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  ZOOM MX5 - 2006 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Ron Faulds - May 21 - 4:06 am

  Absolutely the most fun car that I have ever driven! Loaded with Bose sound system and Sirius satellite radio, really blasts out the tunes. Seems like every stop light I get praises about the car - Copper Red really flashes. Big guy - 61" and 240 but more than adequate room in the interior. Much easier entry/exit for my wife but I do not have any problems with the space. ZOOM, ZOOM - BTW, personal license now reads "Smilin"... and I am!

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  Mazda 626ES - 2001 Mazda 626
  By V Land - May 20 - 8:16 pm

  Outstanding reliability for 8 years. We did all the preventative maintenance as scheduled and changed oil every 5,000 miles. Fun to drive; responsive. Great Bose sound system. Still a great car after all these years.