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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  lots of car with a nice price tag! - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By sdz4747 - September 6 - 9:40 am

  Love driving the car, SUV look but handles like a car. Great get up & go! My husband is looking at buying a Porche Cayenne & still says my car drives great compared to it. Have had only minor problems with the car... tape player has never worked right, was under warranty but didnt get it fixed, never used it so always forgot! Cable on drive gear broke ($200) & now my drivers side door handle is broke.

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  Easy Decision - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Lammy - September 5 - 1:06 pm

  I was planning to purchase a Subaru Legacy and just wanted a car to compare with. 10 minutes in the Mazda and the Subaru was history. Looks and drives great with the added versatility of a hatchback.

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  Roll Over Accident - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Nicole - September 5 - 4:53 am

  I owned a 2006 Tribute. I loved it. But the day before Thanksgiving me and my 3 year old daughter were involved in a roll over accident. Witnesses say it rolled 6-7 times. It happened so fast that I couldnt be sure how many times it rolled. I had my seat belt on, my daughter was sitting behind me in her car seat. WE BOTH WALKED AWAY WITH MINOR INJURIES (some bumps) but WE WALKED AWAY. The frame held up perfectly, the door where my daughter was sitting was almost perfect except a few scratches on the top. I was so impressed with the way this suv protected us that Im going to buy another one. Its all about safety when it comes to my family and this proved safe. This time I will get the v6.

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  It was nice in the beginning beginni.... - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By sridout - September 4 - 9:23 pm

  I just turned mine back to the dealership after 100000km. I need to say in the beginning it was really nice, in the end I couldnt wait to get rid of it. I replaced all of the shocks once. I was about to replace my 2nd set of rotors and I am not heavy on the brakes. The dash board cover around the radio scratched easily. Car hung up on snow. Tires wore fast and where expensive to replace. The locks on the sliding doors were replaced twice. Rims sat outside the tires so if you touched the curb you grind the rims. Over all build quality was lacking. The best thing about the car was the stereo.

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  Will Mazda Live Up to Warranty???? - 2010 Mazda Tribute
  By John - September 4 - 8:30 pm

  Great vehicle and am pleased overall. There is one major interior disappointment. There is large gap across the entire headliner where it meets meets the front windshield area. this is is due to a large cable that goes from the rear view mirror to the rear view camera. An extremely poor installation with no thought given to a 3rd rate workmanship. At this point, Mazda says that they are ALL that way therefore not a warranty issue. Dealer is avoiding my phone calls and emails.

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  Love it Zoom! Zoom! - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By funmazda - September 4 - 1:23 pm

  I test drove Accord, Camry and Altima before I settled down with Mazda 6. Camry is comfortable, but boring. Altima looks good buy but feels like a junk inside. Accord has the best interior but looks ugly. Plus, for a couple thousand bucks less, I can get more options with Mazda 6 than Accord. My Mazda 6 is so fun that I will take it out simply for a ride. The 17" alloy wheels make it look better - definitely a sport car!

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  Very FUN to drive - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By CarFanatic1987 - September 4 - 10:36 am

  Ive had the car about a month now and I can honestly say it is the best car Ive ever owned (and Ive had a new car almost every year for the past 6 years). Its fun to drive and sporty and I love the heated leather seats. Very minimal road noise compared to other cars that Ive owned. Ive been getting fairly good gas mileage, Im not really sure how the people reporting bad gas mileage drive but I try to keep it under 2 RPM which is about 55 mph in 5th gear, and Ive been getting upper 20s low 30s on average with mostly in town driving. On the other hand if I drive it like a sports car and stomp on the gas which makes the RMPs jump up.

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  Good every day vehicle - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By bacondreamer - September 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great everyday commuter car but is not ideal if youre planning on taking a long distance trip. I took a 3 hr trip once and my back started to hurt about 2 hrs into the trip. There are some improvements that can be done to the engine and overall stability of the vehicle. Good interior design but can use some work on between door panel and front dashboard.

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  zoom, zomm, zoom - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By NESSA709 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  NICE SUV TO DRIVE. NICE LOOKING ALSO

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  the convertible to drive - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By ticofl - September 4 - 10:00 am

  i had my miata for 2 years and i love it even more each time i drive it it does not have alot of power but with a couple of upgrades u can have a fun fast car i recomen this car to anyone that likes convertibles enjoy ZOOM ZOOM