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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  Zoom Zoom SUV - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Dave R. - August 2 - 2:53 pm

  I was looking for a fun-to-drive AWD car/suv under $30K, and frustrated with poor reliability from VW/Audi. This fit the bill to a Tee. It looks great and gets comments and compliments from friends and strangers. It has terrific acceleration (especially passing), and handles curves like a sports car. Braking is superb. The Bose sound system rocks, and interior space is comfortable and functional. I drove the RAV4 and Murano and the driving experience was vastly better in the CX-7 (distinctly un-truck-like compared to the competition). Lastly, compared to equivalently equipped BMW M3, Volvo, Murano, Audi A7, even Subaru B9 Tribeca it was $5-10K less expensive.

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  Sports Car SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jimmy - August 1 - 4:23 pm

  Well, this 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6 was probably the nicest compact SUV I have ever driven. Performance ... Pros: Dont let a 3.0L 201-HP V6 fool you. This car is explosively fast. Burning rubber and spinning tires from a stop. Cons: Loud exhilaration noise. Comfort ... Pros: Leather interior with heated seats are moderately comfy. Cons: Driving in the car for 2+ hours may make you feel stiff. Fuel Economy ... Pros: Regular fuel. Cons: 15 MPG in a suburban area. Fun to drive: Pros: A Ford Mustang in SUV form. Cons: None! Design: Pros: Sporty inside and out. Cons: Bland back seats. Build Quality/Reliability: Pros: 36 month lease reported only 1 problem-brakes. Cons: Still an American Ford vehicle.

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  Im Sold! - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By C. Wells - August 1 - 2:23 pm

  I just bought this vehicle about 2 weeks ago, and I LOVE it. Test drove Toyota, Ford, etc., and I kept telling my husband that they made me feel like a domestic slave (mom taxi). When I got into the Mazda, though,I feel like a DOMESTIC GODDESS! If you dont look back (and with that great view through the sunroof, who needs to?), youd never know you were driving a minivan. I am absolutely thrilled!

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  Finally! - 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By GerryB - August 1 - 2:10 pm

  Just got it so here are 1st thoughts. Ive wanted a 2-seater since I was 12 and saw an MG midget parked outside. Finally got the Miata. Great, just great! Have read all reviews posted so far and agree with most. Great fun to drive. Great performance. Ingenious power hard top terrific option if you like the look and live in a climate where youd like to extend the season (I do). I looked at all the other cars in a similar price range and there is simply no comparison. Others look and feel almost primitive vs. Miata. If you are thinking about the auto- transmission make sure you test the 6- speed also -- AT works well but it gives a totally different driving experience and feel. Get one & enjoy!

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  Awesome Tribute - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Angelica Botello - August 1 - 12:20 pm

  Tribute is really a really fun and exciting vehicle to drive. The first time I got my tribute my husband I drove it off road to Big Bend National Park in Chisos Muntains and it preformed awesome. The four wheel drive was very useful and did great in the chihuahan desert off roads. i would definately recommed this vehicle to anyone, its a very good price and at the same time, i love the leather interior, sun roof and surround music system that I upgraded it with, now, you have the option to put in the navigation system also! Wish I would have purchased it with that option when they fist came out in 2000. But I love my little tribut and will probably trade it in soon for a 2006!!!!!!!!!!!

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  No Really, its a Wagon - 2012 Mazda Mazda5
  By landric - July 31 - 10:20 pm

  I just purchased my 5 this past weekend, so my impressions are limited to recent experience. I do plan to update my experiences as time goes on. I traded a 2009 Kia Sedona in on the 5 Sport with a manual transmission. The Sedona, while a fantastic vehicle for trips was more than my family needs for day to day use. I wanted something smaller, more economical, and more fun that could still haul my family of five as needed. The 5 is perfect for that, I love how it drives and handles and after several years stuck driving an automatic mini-van I love the six speed manual. I owned a 2002 Mazda Protege ES 5-speed for four years and 115k and had a great experience, the 5 is just as much fun.

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  happy owner - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Owner111 - July 31 - 6:00 am

  Great car for the money, the BMW of economy cars. Top notch styling inside and out, 17in. wheels, all power options included, 4 wheel discs w/ABS and EBD and a pretty good stereo for $15k? When you consider how much fun it is to drive - with the excellent handling, acceleration and braking of a 30k sport sedan - competitors like the Corolla S model (with the spoiler and aero body cladding mated to a 126hp engine) are blown away. It boggles the mind why Ford wont incorporate this platform into its US based Focus line yet does so abroad.

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  I love this car! - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By max - July 30 - 11:53 pm

  I have 2007 Subaru Impreza special edition now, and my lease is almost over, so its time to by a new car. I compared the Mazda3 hatch to the 2010 Subaru Impreza 5-door. The Subarus style didnt impress me. I got a Mazda3 with everything I could ever ask for. I can say the Mazda handles even better them my 07 Subaru. The 3s engine is monstrously powerful, making it an absolute joy to drive. It has a tight turning radius, is a pleasure to drive and I dont notice any excessive road noise. I have this car for 2 month and I love it. Highly recommended!

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  LoveLove Love my CX-7 - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By Kimberly - July 29 - 10:00 pm

  Being a sports car kinda girl coming from driving a van, I really wanted a car that could give me both. I had to have cargo room. So I went looking for something to give me both. I thought I had settled on the Murano until I saw the CX-7 then drove it. I love this car! I love the way it looks and I love the way it drives. It really gives the feeling of a sports car.Two of my friends have since purchased their own after driving mine!! Who could blame them!

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  Too Bad They Dont Still Make Them - 2005 Mazda MPV
  By ANewcomb - July 29 - 1:16 pm

  Spent a lot of time researching for our first minivan since baby no. 3 is on the way and I abhor the idea of being a minivan owner. Looked at everything, but had to go with something small enough to fit down my ridiculously narrow drive way. Ended up looking for a MPV ES used since they stopped making them with the 06s. Were not the biggest people and our kids are all small at this point so this van is just the right size for us. Only had it a couple weeks but it really works well for us. It handles great, rides like a car and has sporty looks. Friend of mine just bought an 04 Honda Odyssey EX cloth seats and 35000 miles and paid the same that I did for my 05 MPV ES thats loaded.