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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  Nice car/suv - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By jbertha - March 15 - 2:00 am

  very peppy, handles like a car, corners nicely, easy entry/exit, smooth ride, great in snow very stable

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  1 year of research brought me to MAZDA - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By K. Abbruzzese - March 15 - 2:00 am

  being single and buying a car!!!WOW I was not looking forward to that experience, but was treated well at Mazda City. LOVE my Tribute. I researched on the internet for over a year, test drove a dozen cars over my spring break - for the money this Tribute is a joy to own.

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  Our Doubleought Freeport w/clutch - 2000 Mazda 626
  By SkiBry 1 - March 15 - 12:10 am

  For our first New car,thru much research (thanx Edmunds),this was the best buy for our bucks.The 130 ponies may not be enough for some but coupled with the 5spd we are having with a blast. Weve had ONE recall which was no big deal because our 626s brake reservoir cap had the vent in place.The only time she sees the inside of a garage is for oil change and other preventive stuff.

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  After 4 SUVs I fell in love - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Kristen - March 14 - 1:20 pm

  I have previously owned 4 SUVs (2 Fords and 2 Jeeps), so I was more than a little hesitant to exchange my 4x4s for a compact sedan. That is until I drove the Mazda3. I drive 50+ miles to school and back 5 days a week, and this car makes the commute fun. I love on-ramps and passing. The car has so much zip. I love, love, love the fuel economy! I record my average for every tank, and its always been around 35mpg (33-36). The drivers seat offers great visability-something that I was afraid of missing after driving SUVs. Regular oil changes, and you are good to go! I get complements on my car all of the time. I couldnt be happier with my Mazda! Civic beware!

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  Awesome roadster - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By philmx5 - March 14 - 12:23 am

  This car is just a blast to drive. After looking at the competition this became an easy choice. It just felt right from the moment I got in the car, put the top down, and took off. It think it looks great without being overbearing like the expensive roadsters. The car is just simplistic and fun!

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  2004 6S - fun, but too many problems - 2004 Mazda Mazda6
  By DJW - March 11 - 10:50 am

  Love the exterior of 6s and owned 3 other Mazdas. The 6S is less than expected Mazda quality -- less than 1 year/12kms; blinker connection loose, pulled transmission to replace defective clutch disc, replaced defective windshield, fluttler noise when heater turns on - dealer cant fix it, recall on leaky emission, wire falling in leather seats, engine valves noisey, dealer tightened left front noisy axle. Turning radius is WIDE, gas mileage is terrible, Stick is loud when shifting gears, good brakes, good sound system, fun to drive - good pickup and handling. Should provide option for leather package without seat warmers - not needed in south.

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  Awesome Sedan, Great Value - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By pepsizen - March 10 - 5:55 pm

  I have had this car for a year and a half now and I really like it a lot. It feels like Im driving a sports car because of the pep and the great handling. It has 90k miles on it and in the time Ive had it I havent had to do anything other than regular maintenance. It is very reliable and I dont mind that it doesnt get great gas mileage (I average 25 - 28 mpg with a mix of city/highway) because it is so fun to drive. The sporty/luxury mix is perfect. In the snow and ice, one must be careful of the pep and be easy on the gas pedal when accelerating after stopping, but other than that, Ive had no problems driving it in the snow.

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  A Few Problems - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Drex - March 10 - 9:56 am

  So far Ive had to change the alternator. Replacement was done at the dealer (ouch) so I was given an OEM alternator with a whopping 1 yr/12,000 mile warranty. Nice going there. The shifter gets in the way too much. I notice if you put the SUV in park, it still has a tendency to roll a bit after you take your foot off the brake. Even after fixing the recalled accelerator cable, the SUV still has a tendency to lurch forward when taking your foot off the accelerator. Rear liftgate hatch has broken and wont lock. Cost of repair is over $300. High highway noise, not so good gas mileage, not pleased with Mazda overall.

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  For the price you cant beat it. - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By judyrom1 - March 10 - 6:56 am

  I love my truck, leather seats, power everything, nice sound sytem, I love the way it looks. Roomy interior and easy to see out of all the windows/no blind spots like some other in this class.

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  True Love - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Sunryz - March 9 - 10:36 pm

  I am not a car person and have never cared much about what car I drove. It was strictly functional. This yellow Miata changed that. After 4 years it is still an absolute blast to drive and people still comment about what a cool car it is. I drive it all year round with a hard top for the winter months. It looks cool like that too. My husband loves to drive it too. It is most fun on windy mountain roads. We go out driving on weekends just for the pleasure of driving it.