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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  2006 Mazda Tribute - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Cougar 02 - September 16 - 9:36 am

  2006 Tribute that we have now 18 months and it has been great up to this point. 19,000 miles on it. Ride is not bad for an SUV. Made a few long trips and got 23 MPG. Handles very well and made it through the winter of 07 here in the NE of Pa, and with roads around here thats saying a lot. Some road noise at times.

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  Outstanding Car - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By OC - September 14 - 6:26 pm

  Bought this in July 06 to replace a gas guzzling Pathfinder. We had 1 Mazda before, an older Protege 5. This does not get the mileage the Pro 5 got (31/35), but that was also underpowered and the M3 has the bigger engine. We have the manual with the moonroof. I put an iPod module in it, and to my surprise you can run the iPod off the steering wheel. We drive a lot, and its very comfortable on long rides. No road noise, handles great in good and bad weather (Good in New England snow too). If youre worried about safetly dont be. My wife has been hit 3 times and this car is rock solid, surprising for a small car. All in all, very very dependable sporty car. Buy one!

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  Zoom Zoom, M6 - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By lynnita - September 13 - 7:16 am

  I have had my Mazda6 S Grand Touring for over a month now and I love it. It a great looking car while on the road and/or parked in a parking lot. You cant go wrong if you are looking to make a statement riding around time. "Zoom Zoom baby!"

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  Great car - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By jswindler - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I was one of the first people to buy a Tribute when they came out in 2000 and have loved it ever since. Very roomy on the inside and good-looking on the outside. Nice power too.

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  Fuuunnn - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By HUGO - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I Just bought this car 3 weeks ago and already put 1500 miles on it by just driving the backroads.

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  Mazda5: Nimble and a great value! - 2010 Mazda Mazda5
  By ljmattox - September 12 - 3:10 am

  Our new Mazda5 is filling our need for a versatile, fun-to-drive, and economical vehicle. We chose the Sport model as its the only version with a stick shift, yet even this most basic version includes automatic climate control, four-wheel disc brakes, alloy wheels, traction control plus stability control, and a plush-enough interior for long trips or evenings out with friends. Well likely use the 6-person capacity only rarely, but still nice to have, while more frequently 4 people travel with plenty of room in very-adjustable captains chair seating. At its price point, no other competitor includes as much content or room. Or seems as nimble-handling and fun to drive on a daily basis.

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  Zoom-Zooming Ahead of Civic - 2007 Mazda Mazda3
  By fplbob321 - September 11 - 1:13 am

  This is the best handling compact sedan I have ever driven. BMW like drive for 1/3 of the price. Giving up some MPG to Civic was well worth it. The "fun to drive" factor zoom-zooms Mazda ahead of Civic.

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  Very pleased with my cx-9 - 2012 Mazda CX-9
  By carfanonedmnds - September 9 - 7:45 pm

  We have owned our cx-9 for 9 months. I just hit 8500 miles.we have taken it on one 12 hour each way road trip and have been very impressed. The seats did great on the road trip, for adults & kiddos. I love the handling of the vehicle, feels like driving a car. I get compliments on how nice the interior looks and I have the sport model. Visibility is great. Only complaint is very rarely the sun hits just right on the chrome where the gear shift is and reflects off making it a Little hard to see, but again this has been rare. I love having the blue tooth & like that mazda stocked this vehicle pretty well for an entry level model. Mine has added power seats,heated seats/mirror.

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  CX-5 4 Cylinder Base Model - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By milljockey - September 9 - 4:02 pm

  Purchase a CX-5 4-Cylinder Base model on Jan 18, 2013. After one year of ownership, I am still happy with the purchase, no major issues have cropped up, and everything seems to be working fine. I purchased this car to replace a 1999 chevy venture that we had outgrown. Most of the reviews I have read complain of poor fuel economy and lack of engine performance. If you wanted performance then buy a sports car! This is a small SUV with a small engine, Most of our driving is done in town under 40 MPH on flat Kansas roads. After one year I only have 9,000 Miles on the car.

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  Love this car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By BS - September 8 - 11:13 pm

  I got Bose and Tech pkg. Nav is small but easy to use. Love the advance key thats the main reason I got Tech pkg). The seat is comfortable for me(but they can be too hard and narrow for a lot of folks). Power is good (not as great as the Speed) but enough for me. Rear passenger room/hatch area is much smaller than my 2003 Matrix. Suspension is on the firm side which is what I like but I would like the car sit a little lower. The wheel gap is very big with a SUV look. Manuel transmission is easy to operate and shift smoothly. Just theres a groaning noise when the car start moving from 1st gear. Its not super quiet but I think its reasonable (change the OEM tires may help)