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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  Best compact for the money - 2002 Mazda Protege
  By doucetd - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Needed a second car and looked at Mazda, Honda, Corolla, and Sentra. All great cars and each with its own character. But, when it was time to buy, Mazda offered the best deal($3000 better than any of the above with the same features) and was by far and away, the best car. Drives with aplomb, handles suberbly, breaks better than my Seville, interior is flawlessy designed and Quality is built in. Acceleration is more than I would expect from a compact car. I enjoy the comfort of this car better than my Cadillac--all though it does lack many digital gadgits. Overall, I would but this car again in a heart beat.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By Jeff13 - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Searched for lots of SUVs and came across the Tribute. Lots of reviews talk of milage so I wanted to give my opinion. On a trip pulling 18ft bass boat with air on the whole time and going up and down hills I got 14.5. Under normal city/highway driving I got 19.6. The gear shift being in the way is not a big deal to me as you can tilt the steering column to avoid it. Tribute looks great and is fun to drive! Have 1000 miles on vehicle and so far I love it.

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  Review, Day 1 - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By chimpsnest - October 2 - 10:00 am

  First day on the road with her and initial impressions are great. Very comfy and coming from a car POV I like being up higher - more visibility, etc. I havent gone thru my first tank of gas yet but I know what to expect. So far, very happy - this thing is loaded. Ill have to follow up in a couple months.

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  We love our Zoom-Zoom - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By We-Zoom - October 2 - 1:03 am

  Fast - Fun - Wow! We searched for months and months to find the right vehicle and the CX-7 won. I use it to commute in and I must admit that Ive never enjoyed going to work as much. An added benefit is that my husband and I equally love the car. We added the Homelink mirror which has our garage doors programmed in and exterior lights.

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  Zoom...Zoom...Zoom - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By Mike - October 1 - 8:10 pm

  My family of four really enjoys our new Tribute. Its peppy and gets you where you need to go in a hurry! We plan to drive on our family vacation this Fall. My dealer had dual personalities, prior to receiving our cash and post cash. Mazda should better scrutinize who gets a franchise. The product though is Zoom...Zoom...Zoom!

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  2 RX8s - 2007 Mazda RX-8
  By 2 RX8 - October 1 - 4:43 am

  Owned 2005 and 2007. Greatly improved clutch and nice advanced keyless. Car handles amazingly on track. All owners need to drive on a lap track to appreciate handling of vehicle.

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  Love it! - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Jen - September 30 - 11:33 pm

  Just purchased an I Touring model, the only option added was side airbags; definitely worth the low cost to add. Weve gotten 35 mpg consistently on longer trips, and close to that with stop and go driving in the city. Its sporty, plenty of zip, and very fun to drive. Did lots of research on other similar cars (Jetta, Honda, Corolla), and very happy with our choice at an excellent cost. Everyone thinks its a BMW. Our friend is 62" and has gone on long trips and has plenty of room. Only complaint is the lack of an automatic trunk opener on your keychain (theres one inside the car though). Otherwise, we love it and would definitely buy Mazda again. Good luck!

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  zoom zoom zoom - 2006 Mazda Mazda5
  By the blue mini 5 - September 30 - 10:20 pm

  200 miles after purchase, it is a blast to drive and very comfortable. Sporty exterior and well laid out interior. Lots of standard features with the driver and family in mind. This is a very solid and comfortable minivan that drives and rides like a much more expensive vehicle than it is. Mazda has given us the great handling of the 3 with the room and cargo space for family trips, plus great gas mileage which is a plus for today. Excellent build quality and Mazda reliability so for the price it cant be beat. I would recommend this Mazda5 to anyone who enjoys a sporty drive and ride with the practical use and space of a utility vehicle.

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  Great SUV - 2013 Mazda CX-5
  By ray161 - September 30 - 7:42 am

  I was looking for a vehicle that was comfortable for this 66" guy to drive, that also has great gas mileage. I found it in the CX-5! The seats are supportive, the controls all easy to reach with the seat all the way back, and I do nnot need to duck to see out below the headliner.

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  Whats with the brakes? - 2005 Mazda Mazda3
  By Mazda Owner - September 29 - 3:03 pm

  Love my Mazda except for the constant problem with the noisy front brakes. At 4000K had no brake pads and at 8000K had new ones again. Dealership said is is a problem but the new softer pads (sorry dont know the right terms) have reduced this problem. When it is cold outside however, the brakes when backing up scream. The dealership pretty much hates seeing me now, so I have decided to live with the problem. I guess if that is all that is wrong - its a bonus.