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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  The economy car that looks like a Zoomer - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By psennett - June 9 - 2:00 am

  What can I say. With Mazda giving away financing and our great experiences with Mazda, the 6i was a no-brainer. We got one loaded with everything except a cassette deck, and knocked about 2.5 off the sticker. It looks like a million bucks, but thats just me. Driving is taut and nimble, shifting is smooth (although mine is not, having had about four automatics in a row.) I read elsewhere about the transformation of the 4 cylinder at 3,500 RPM, and its true. Below that, its a nice looking grocery hauler getting near 40 mpg. Above that, and you feel some pull and muscle. Not a lot, but some.

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  2003 leftovers - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By krnjester - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Very nice car! I got one of the last ones at the dealership for real cheap.

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  Some Flaws, overall excellence - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By Clance - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Just did a transition from a Grand Cherokee V8 to a 4 cyl Mazda 6i. Auto/Manual Mode is appealing, though V6 would have been more accomadating. In my first 5 days of driving it, went from a full tank to nearly empty. Made me question the 24/30 city/highway estimates. Handling is nice, but sometimes shaky and parking is a nightmare.

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  Do not buy PLEASE - 2002 Mazda Truck
  By fxdl1000 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  At 35000 miles it was getting sloppy. The rear end was making a klunking sound. Ingram park Mazda said the parts were back ordered and would take months to get. I called mazda factory and they called Ingram park mazda. The end result was Ingram park had screwed up. But still the part was months in comming. They said. I am stuck with a truck I am paying for with a serious defect and not parts!!!! My recomendation is to not buy Mazda trucks.

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  A Van That Feels Like a Car - 2002 Mazda MPV
  By marc9595 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  We bought an MPV in 2001. In 2002, we were in an accident and the van was totaled. Nobody was hurt. Because of its safety record and our pleasurable driving experience with the MPV, we replace the totaled MPV w/ a 2002 MPV. We have almost 30,000 miles on the van and have had no difficulties with it at all. Gas mileage has ranged from 18 around town to as high as 29 on the highway. The MPV is a bit smaller than most vans, but I would recommend it if you have a smaller family. It probably wouldnt be as useful to us if we had for teenagers for example.

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  Good deal for the money - 2000 Mazda 626
  By randow2 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car at a year old and have put about 24K miles in two years. This car has shifting problems (a clunk) when slowing down from a slow speed which has been previously reviewed. Wind noise is a bit aggravating at high speed. Fuel economy, power (nice power!), driving stability (up to about 80-85 mph....the car tends to liftfrom the road at higher speeds, so... dont speed!), handling and fit and finish are comparable to my 95 Camry and to two Hondas I have had. Nice stereo. Overall good bang for the buck if you dont have luxury car bucks.

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  Fun, quirky hatch - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By threeer - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Love the way this car handles the twisties! Its always cool to lift the hood and see the strut brace. Continue to be impressed with the room inside. Layout is logical. On the down side, disappointed in the gas mileage, as well as long-term driving comfort. Its very busy at higher speeds, and tends to drone on.

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  Tribute Overall enjoyed but.... - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By Sonaran - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Overall, I have enjoyed my Tribute since getting it in 2001 but I have had some problems. One losing power while driving-2001. In 2002, I had to have the brake lines and coolant lines replaced due to a leak as well as the stalling problem started again. The delearship replaced everything except for the engine and electrical lines. 2003, I had to have some of my electrical parts replaced-OBDII light came on one night and the next day my Tribute wouldnt start. But despite all of this-I really like my Tribute and even though I have had problems. So,Im thinking of either getting 2004 or 2005 model.

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  LOVE MY SUV - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By SUE LOEWE - June 9 - 2:00 am

  AFTER RESEACHERING SUVS ON EDMUNDS DECIDED TO TEST DRIVE THE TRIBUTE. LUCKLY THE DEALERSHIP AND SALESMAN WERE THE BEST WE HAVE EVER DEALT WITH. LOVED THE VEHICLE & THE DEAL. THEY GOT ME THE COLORS AND PACKAGES I WANTED.I ADDED ES (LEXUS)EMBLEMS,CHROME TIP TAIL PIPE,PINSTRIPE,MUD GUARDS,MOONROOF WIND DEFLECTOR & REAR BUMPER STEP PLATE. THE SUV IS CLASSIC WHITE AND REALLY LOOKS SHARP.

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  Mazda 3 S, the way to go!!!! - 2004 Mazda Mazda3
  By casey23 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I actually just bought it off showroom floor 1 week ago, and love it. Its basically a mazda under a Lexus IS300s skin. ITs got everything and everything you can think off... of course, within reason. Very sporty, it looks excellent.