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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  Most Fun for the Money - 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By marshal1 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  The MX-5 is fun, fast, relaible and economical. Its also the best handling car Ive ever driven. It reminds me of my 1969 Triumph GT-6, except I dont have to worry about it not starting after a rain storm. The bottom line is that the Miata = Fun!!

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  One good car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By musicman - July 13 - 10:00 am

  This is one fun to drive car. It handles very well and looks great. Its very good on gas and has shown to be very capable of handling a wide veriity of loads. I used to drive a Honda Civic Si and this is more of a family car. The Honda was a great car, but so far the Mazda has proved to be more useful and as reliable.

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  i ve fallen in luv with this car - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By pr5rox - July 13 - 10:00 am

  gotta love sport tuned suspension,, nice braking , good acceleration considering its a wagon, 130 hp 2.0 dohc engine feels like it got enuff power to deliver for me yet its got low gas /mileage ,, the same engine is used for tribute th mazda suv dx model) and i like that th power packages and lots o other goodies come in standard. plus i ve got best deal which i m paying like only 450 dollars above the invoice price with like 4 options plu 0% apr and 0 money down or 48 months yeah^^

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  Mazda Tribute - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By goelker - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Nice platform for best looking SUV on the market. Same mechanicals as the Ford Escape, it is cosmetically superior with softer features and better exterior colors. For what we wanted, the price is less for the Mazda than the Ford. Actually, very fun to drive for a SUV. Great visibility and interior space for a vehicle with such a small footprint. Great in small parking lots.

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  Cant complain - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Tammy - July 12 - 7:36 am

  Have 27,000 miles on my car and needed new tires. Cost over $700 to replace... ouch! I like the looks and feel of this car and no troubles except has had problems staying in alignment. Choppier ride than I care for but Ive been in worse cars.

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  Transmission problem - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By john - July 12 - 1:10 am

  Great driving car and reasonable gas mileage. All was fine until 68,000 miles when the auto trans started slipping when shifting into 3d. Upon disassembly the hub assembly P/N 7G120/a was found to have a cracked weld, unfortunately two new replacement hubs were also bad, took a third one and two weeks to be fixed. Other than this $2200 bump in the road its been a great ride.

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  Dont Buy - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Not so happy owner - July 11 - 7:13 pm

  Don’t buy it! I’ve had my Tribute for 6 months and have 9700 miles on it now. I bought it new. I wanted wait a while before posting anything online. I’ve had problems from the beginning: 1. One of my doors had messed up clear coat. Had to get refinished. 2. Missing clutch bearing plate. I am mechanically inclined, but never had a manual so I don’t know what that is. But sure as heck sounds important. 3. When changing air vent flow from ground to upper vents, the ground vents blow air out for about another 10 minutes. Only happens on AC, not on heat. Go figure. 4. One of the upper vents does not close. 5. When it is cold out, it is near impossible to get back into first gear.

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  Great Car for the Money - 2007 Mazda Mazda6
  By mr_mastick - July 11 - 5:23 am

  I purchased my Mazda6 two years ago with just under 60,000 miles on it. I now have 98,000 on the odometer and (knocking on wood) have not had a single issue with the vehicle. Not one. I leased a brand new 328i prior to owning this vehicle and had more problems under 15,000 miles. All in all, for what it is, it has been great. Manual transmission makes up for the lack of oomph provided by the I-4. Interior is comfortable, and well laid out. Steering feel is great. While not a sport sedan, I sure as he!! drive it like one and given the horrible 700 tread wear rated tires, the limit is not far off so it is great fun, really. I am actually surprised by all the negative ratings.

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  Pleasantly suprised - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By yellowpit - July 10 - 10:00 am

  While the creature comforts arent luxury level and the four banger wont rocket you into traffic, it is a nice vehicle at a great price. I got the last 04 on the lot $1300 less than Edmunds suggested. Just took a 750 mile trip on less than two tanks of gas, worked well on both the Interstates and PAs dirt roads.

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  i love this car - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By mazda bill - July 10 - 10:00 am

  havent found anything about this car i do not like yet. i like the design and how the car handles. the interior design is far better than anything else in its price range.