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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  Intial impressions of our new MX-5 - 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Mark Goldberg - May 26 - 9:20 am

  Weve had the new 09 Miata for about two weeks now. Im an experienced technical review of video gear, so Im trying to apply those skills here. The MX-5 is exactly what a fun roadster should be, but was lacking till the introduction of the Miata in 1989. It holds the road beautifully and has just the right amount of power for what this car is supposed to be - a fun way to travel on a nice day. The engineering design seems very well thought out and offers opportunity to the experienced driver and user- friendliness and intuitiveness to the new roadster enthusiast. It is an amazing car and I love driving it.

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  LUVMYLIMITED - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By keith edwards - May 25 - 3:23 pm

  This is a wonderful car. Traded my 2000 Special Edition in for it. I think they took my car and ten Japaneses engineers, locked them in a room and told them not to come out until they improved the car in every way. They did it. This one should last me ten years or more.

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  Smooth city car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Juan de fuca - May 22 - 9:26 pm

  Great car! I did a ton of research before buying this car and drove just about everything I could find (Toyota/Scion,Honda,Chevy,Ford....). Nothing felt as solid and responsive as the 3. So far (4,000 miles) this car is great; its smooth, well built, the fuel economy isnt spectacular but it is reasonably good (25-28). It is a little too easy to speed.The clutch is good and the shifter is excellent. I can actually lay down in back to sleep! And Im 6ft tall! I highly recommend this car. Bargain for the price.

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  10 Years and Strong - 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By Atlanta - May 22 - 12:40 pm

  Purchased this car with 58K in March as a daily driver. Already put 10K add is drives great. Gas mileage is awesome. Had to replace the master & slave on the clutch -- plastic cracks after 10 years. Also, just put in new plugs, wires and timing belt. Runs like new! I drive 40 miles each way to work and love to drop the top on nice days. It makes the commute in ATL way more tolerable. Drove from Atlanta to Jacksonville, FL - 6 hours one way. The car was more comfortable than you would expect on a long drive. Dont get me wrong. This is not the optimal distance car but you wont be miserable on long drives.

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  Fun to Drive and Cool for the Price - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Maz3 - May 21 - 6:40 pm

  This car is very fun to drive, especially with the 5 speed manual. Ride is firm and sporty, it sticks to the road like gum. Interior is cool to look at and feel of materials is up to par with other Japanese makers. The design is the best for cars in this group! Check engine light came on about 1500 miles, but that was just a gas cap issue, no problem. Although the 12v outlet did blow a fuse, replaced of course, again no big deal.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Jay - May 20 - 6:50 pm

  I enjoy driving this tribute. It handles great in the snow and slippery roads. I wish it had a little better mileage and a bigger gas tank. It only holds 15 gallons @18 to 20 mpg. I live at the gas station. The car drives well and is roomy. No major problems after driving it for 9000 miles. I would buy another one.

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  Love the Tribute - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By crystal - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my tribute so much, I cant wait for my lease to end so I can get a brand new.

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  Love It! - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By W. Head - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Im retired and make two 500 mile trips monthly and do not suffer the back pain/stiffness that my former vehicle caused.

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  MAZDA TRIBUTE - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By YANKEES FAN - May 20 - 10:00 am

  NICE SUV THATS FUN TO DRIVE AND ROOMY, NICE TRUNK SPACE WHEN YOU FOLD DOWN BACK SEATS.

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  # 1 SUV ever - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Cro. - May 20 - 10:00 am

  It is great to drive. We feel very safe so does everybody who drives with us. We just love it.