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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  Problems - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By lallabear - February 16 - 10:43 am

  I expected the car to last with proper maintenance. However, even with proper maintenance Ive replaced the engine coil and now the a/c has gone out as well. It is also starting to make a strange sound when accelerating. (I havent had this checked out yet, just started). It was a fun economical car to drive until 60,000 miles.

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  So far so good - 2004 Mazda Tribute
  By Doug Paradore - February 16 - 9:20 am

  I have owned a Tribute for one year now with absolutely no issues. Im very satisfied with the vehicle so far. Great pep, great stereo, comfortable and roomy, great in snow, good handling and road vision, excellent braking. Could use more illumination in cabin for things like the key ignition, cruise control on steering wheels and reading lamps would be preferred in front instead of having to reach behind. And of course the gear shifter is too long. But since the car is such a pleasure to drive and own, these small things are easily overlooked. Buy one now! I also considered and test drove the Highlander, Pilot, & Forester. Believe me this is the best choice of all of them.

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  Beefed-up 6 - 2005 Mazda Mazda6
  By neobopr - February 15 - 1:33 pm

  When I purchased my manual 05 a year ago it only had 13k on it (now it has 28k). I immediately added a cold-air intake and swapped in the mazdaspeed springs. I also added a takabe strut tower brace in the spring. What a huge difference! In my opinion, this car is now the complete equal of any of the best BMW 3 or 5 offerings aside from their "M" series--and at a very "non-BMW" price. Everything else is stock including the tires which I will be replacing with Falken ZIEX 512s in the late spring. This car replaced an 88 Porsche 944 which had been a project car. Here is a significant statement, with the alterations to the 6, I do not miss the 944, plus with 4 doors and a trunk!

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  Nice set of wheels - 2010 Mazda CX-7
  By Ron J - February 15 - 12:40 am

  I kwow I have only own the car for 5 days but I believe it is one of the better cross-overs on the road. I test drove the CRV, Tiguon, Rav4, Rouge, Murano, Sportage, EX, Edge, Equinox, Forrester. and the only one that was better was the Infiniti EX, but it was $20,000 more. IT really is a nice car, I recommend at least taking it for a test ride. Its nice inside and out, drives like a car and has room like a suv. The improvements mazda made to the 2010 model also makes it very practical and affordable. All the cars that I mention were more expensive with comparable features and options.I purchased the I Sport with the convenience package. Definitely worth every penny I paid fot the car.

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  Mazda 3s - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By tdshaul - February 14 - 10:00 pm

  I love it. I looked for 3 months for the car that would best suit my needs, comparing Sentra, Civic, Focus, Cobalt and Jetta. Based on my research and multiple test drives of each car I found the Mazda 3 to be the best choice. I chose the Mazda 3s with the moonroof/6CD package, side airbags/curtains, the wheel locks and the all season floor mats. I have found the car to be fun to drive and of remarkable quality. I average between 28-30mpg and put on around 2000 miles a month. It is an all around excellent car that adds excitement to my long drives and will be with me for many years to come. Best of luck with your purchase!

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  I compared the CX-9 to everything else - 2007 Mazda CX-9
  By 67stang - February 14 - 7:10 pm

  I test drove the Edge, Lexus RX, Veracruz, and Enclave. The extra room in the rear of the CX-9 ultimately sealed the deal. Dont get me wrong, I love the way the CX-9 drives and its hip looks, but the family needed a little more room than the other SUVs that I test drove. If you get the CX-9 you will be very satisified!

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  Zoom Zoom, then Break Down - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Buy a Honda Instead - February 14 - 4:23 am

  At 24K, my Mazda3 needed a new bearing. The car is high strung like a German sports sedan, but lacks the quality engineering. Mazda is trying to build the poor mans BMW. They got the poor man part right. My 2006 Mazda replaced an 87 Honda Accord with 160K. Over 19 years, I had to replace the CV joints in the Honda and didnt have any other major problems. After 24K, the Mazda slipped a bearing. Here is another fun facts: In order to fit the "ZoomZoom" image, a supposed economy car requires V rated tires. My car ate up a set of Avon radials in 22K. Just be prepared to spend $600 plus on your tires.

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  Common Sense SUV - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By cincybucks - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Living in snow country, I wanted a 4WD vehicle that was safe for my family to drive, comfortable for me to drive (6ft.plus), but didnt require a gas tank I needed a home quity loan to fill regularly and still make it 5-6 hours to grandmas house. This is it. While specs dont indicate the facts, it sure seems larger than a Honda CRV which I also considered. Neighbors comments are - "...it sure looks like a regular SUV", meaning big.

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  Best Bargain in the Industry! Top Notch! - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By markregel - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I was in the market for a car, not a SUV. Saw an ad for a Tribute for 15K so decided to have a look, was very impressed. It seemed huge inside compared to the cars I was looking at (P.T. Cruiser, Mazda P5 and M6). What impressed me the most was the build quality, refinement and amount of features for $15K. Why buy a Lexus when you can get this kind of build quality on a $15K car. And for that it has all the nice options, like alloy wheels, pwr windows and keyless entry. You would be hard pressed to get a fully loaded Neon for this price!

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  Great Car -- but watch out for snow - 2005 Mazda RX-8
  By patrick haugh - February 12 - 7:40 pm

  Superb car for the money. Interior fit and finish streets ahead of the 350Z. Smoothest acceleration youll ever experience. Handles wonderfully in dry and wet conditions. BUT the OEM tires (Bridgestone Potenzas) are useless with any amount of snow. If you drive anywhere where it snows, either get a set of all weather/snow tires or garage it. The combination of a tiny gas tank and high fuel consumption mean youll be refilling about every 260 miles.