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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  Ultimate car - 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By JBfann - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The best car around. My 3rd. I will drive nothing else!It is truly a joy to drive.

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  Poor Girls Sports Car - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By redhed - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my little Protege! Its fun to drive, is awesome in corners, and looks great. I still get a thrill when I see it all shined up, even more than a year after buying it (mine is black, with a mask on the front). I laughingly call it my "poor girls sports car" because its the closest thing to a sports car I can afford. Im very pleased with the handling and performance of this car. After test driving one, I knew I had to have it! It gives me the sporty look I like, but has the room for me to play "soccer mom" when toting my teenager and her friends around.

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  minivan alternative to pork-mobiles - 2003 Mazda MPV
  By StarTrekking - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Our MPV has been wonderful. It is just what we needed. Not too big (unlike pork-mobiles disguised as minivans), and not too small (more than adequate storage capacity). The engine is quiet and accelerates quickly. Interior comfort, versatility and quality are first-rate. Exterior finish is top quality as well. Overall, a very versatile and balanced minivan that should appeal to anyone looking for a respectable powertrain, above-average passenger & cargo capacity, top-notch safety features, interior comfort and excellent reliability.

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  Great but for the mileage - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Nibby - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Exceeded expectations in quality and value compared to other brands. Two disapointments. No power door lock switch on front passenger door and poor mileage for V6. 22 will never be achieved but still hoping for 17+ in town. Great 6CD changer and power to spare. Very good ride given relatively short wheel base. Two-way rear door/window opening very convenient. Great value for the $.

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  a tribute to the mazda tribute - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By brandie - December 1 - 10:00 am

  we have had a great experience with this vehicle, i was impressed with the price and quality. it is the first mazda i ever owned but the third for my husband. it is a great suv for a small family needing that extra room, more room than a car. i think that it is comfortable, sporty and gets you to point a to b saftely. i dont feel like i am going to flip over and it is wide enough to give you that comfort of being stable, such a smooth ride, i love my sunroof and the hitch, the kids really enjoy it, it is a vehicle suitable for anyone in the family to drive

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  I would buy another! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By krysnik - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I drove several SUVs before deciding on the Tribute. I chose it over the Escape because of the exterior styling was more pleasing to the eye. This is the only car I have ever had that I would buy another one of. Trust me I am a very picky person!

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  A Great Value! - 2008 Mazda Mazda3
  By Cameron - December 1 - 2:03 am

  For the money, this car was a great purchase. I added a spoiler and tinted the windows, and I have a nice little sports car for less than 19k. Its attractive, fun, roomy, and very practical. I only wish the gas mileage would be a little higher, but I guess Mazda didnt want to compromise the horsepower. Im surprised they didnt add a remote trunk opener to the keyless entry, a minor annoyance, but the other positives like 17" alloys, steering wheel radio controls, outside temp, moonroof, and fog lamps more than make up for anything its lacking. Mazda did a VERY good job designing this car, and its an unbeatable buy. Id highly recommend this car to anyone!

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  A overall great suv. - 2014 Mazda CX-9
  By sportsphil - December 1 - 1:57 am

  Well lets start with the fact that i went from a 2006 BMW x5 to my 2014 cx9. The X5 was great for what it was. The CX9 is better for what i wanted. The CX9 is much comfier. It is adequately fast and adequately nimble. The X5 was way faster, more nimble and could break alot better. But its ride was extremely uncomfortable owing to all the sportiness of the vehicle. I enjoy the cheaper gas and the better mileage in the cx9. I enjoy the quiet comfy ride that is light years beyond my x5. The navigation in the CX9 does realtime traffic (with no subscription)... which i didnt expect or maybe that was something the dealer got for me since i got it as an add on. 4000 miles, so far so good

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  PR5 - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Pat - November 30 - 7:10 pm

  This thing really handles well for a inexpensive car. Power is a little less than what I hoped for, but it has potential (cold air intake, cat back exhaust) to be a zippy little toy.

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  Redefining the Economy Car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By takeaphoto - November 30 - 5:13 pm

  After close to two years on the car hunt, I finally settled upon purchasing a used Mazda3. I discovered a great deal on a five-door model about 200 miles from home and had to get it. I love everything about my Mazda3 hatchback. It has a remarkably sleek look that doesnt appear to busy in styling. The five-door model has plenty of room for all my tennis gear, as well as my friends and their stuff. The interior is very well designed and ergonomic. The glove box and console are very useful in terms of storage and convenience. The 17" alloy wheels look incredible, and I cant help but wonder how anybody could choose another economy car. It is fun to drive and quite reliable. Great mpg, too!